He is welcome to
them. Do you feel inclined to wait awhile till I have fetched a chair
and book?"
"I'll be going on. I shall be under the trees at the far end of the
ground."
"'Tis well. I will be with you in about two ticks."
Mike walked on toward the field, and Psmith, strolling upstairs to fetch
his novel, found Mr. Downing standing in the passage with the air of one
who has lost his bearings.
"A warm afternoon, sir," murmured Psmith courteously, as he passed.
"Er--Smith!"
"Sir?"
"I--er--wish to go round the dormitories."
It was Psmith's guiding rule in life never to be surprised at anything,
so he merely inclined his head gracefully, and said nothing.
"I should be glad if you would fetch the keys and show me where the
rooms are."
"With acute pleasure, sir," said Psmith. "Or shall I fetch Mr. Outwood,
sir?"
"Do as I tell you Smith," snapped Mr. Downing.
Psmith said no more, but went down to the matron's room. The matron
being out, he abstracted the bunch of keys from her table and rejoined
the master.
"Shall I lead the way, sir?" he asked.
Mr. Downing nodded.
"Here, sir," said Psmith, opening the door, "we have Barnes's dormitory.
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