Page:Cuthbert Bede--Little Mr Bouncer and Tales of College Life.djvu/69

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AND HIS FRIEND VERDANT GREEN.
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ing discovered; but they are quite safe so long as the Peeler holds his tongue. If he should peach, the townsmen will be discommoned, and Warner will probably be rusticated; but as nothing has yet been heard of it, and as to-day is the last day of Term, I should hope they are all safe."

"I heard a good thing of old Towzer," said Mr. Flexible Shanks, referring to the Senior Proctor, the Rev. Thomas Tozer, who was familiarly known by the name that Mr. Flexible Shanks gave to him. "He was in the Corn Market yesterday morning about twelve o'clock, when he met a University man with his gown over his arm. Old Towzer called to him, and pretending to take him for a scout, said, 'Here! you there! When next you carry your master's gown to the tailor's, I should advise you not to put on his cap.' With that, old Towzer walked off. That was not bad, I think."

"Not at all," said Charles Larkyns; "but did you hear of the Dean of St. Vitus's? Downton, of that College, has a twin brother, who came up to see him for the Commemoration week. The Dean met this twin walking by himself in the High Street, and, of course, without academicals. As you know, the Dean is very peppery unless he is duly capped; and the twin passed him without raising his hat. 'Stop, sir!' said the Dean; 'I am astonished that you should thus pass me without taking any notice of me.' 'I am not aware,' replied the twin, 'that I have the pleasure of knowing you.' 'Not know me!' cried the Dean; 'not know me! Why, is not your name Downton?' 'Yes; that is my name,' answered the twin. 'Then, sir,' fumed the Dean, 'what do you mean by passing me without capping me? And, how is it, sir, that you are walking