The Raft (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1914. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XLII THE COACH-RIDE TO LONDON "I Wonder why he doesn't come " Peter stepped out of the college-lodge, gazing up and down the cobbled street. Harry, always undisturbed and good-natured, laughed. "One can never be sure of Lorie. Looks as though it was going to rain. P'raps he's put it off because of that." "If he had," said Peter, "he'd have sent us word." For two hours they'd been inventing excuses for the Faun Man. He had told them to invite a party of their friends and he'd drive them to London. To go to London without permission was against all rules; but to ask permission would be useless, since most of the men, like Peter and Harry, were sitting for their Finals within the next fortnight. That they were taking a sporting chance of discovery lent a touch of daring to the excursion. All of them had risen early and had been ready for the start since nine. It was nearly eleven. If the Faun Man didn't turn up shortly they wouldn't have time to cover the sixty odd miles to London and to catch the last train back. That last train back was very necessary. If they weren't in college or their lodgings by midnight when doors were locked, there was no telling what would happen. Probably they'd get sent down, which would mean that they'd miss their Finals, and would either lose their degrees or have to wait a year before they were examined. They were getting fidgety, pulling out and consulting their watches. Some of them were already saying that it was too late to risk it. A horn sounded. Peter glanced back from the road into the lodge and shouted, "Hi, you fellows Here he comes." Round the corner swung the chestnut leaders, tossing their heads and jingling their bridles. As the wheelers followed and the coach drew into sight, an exclamation went up, "Why, he is...