"I hope we shan't be seen crossing the play-ground," said Wildney. "My
eye, shouldn't we catch it!"
He was obviously beginning to be afraid, so Eric assumed an air of
nonchalance, and played the part of protector.
"Here, take my arm," he said; and as Wildney grasped it tight, instead
of feeling angry and ashamed at having been misled by one so much his
junior, Eric felt strongly drawn towards him by community of danger and
interest. Beaching Ellan, it suddenly struck him that he didn't know
where they were going to buy the beer. He asked Wildney.
"Oh, I see you're not half up to snuff," said Wildney, whose courage had
risen; "I'll show you."
He led to a little low public-house, whence tipsy songs were booming,
and tapped at a side door three times. As they looked in they saw some
sailors boozing in a dirty tap-room, and enveloped in tobacco-smoke.
The side-door was opened, and a cunning wicked-looking man held up a
light to see who they were.
"Hollo, Billy," said Wildney, confidentially, "all serene; give us two
bottles of beer--on tick, you know.
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