His attention had in the first instance been attracted 1^
a group of boys of various ages, gathered in one comer
of the playground — not engaged in any of the games
wherewith they usually diverted themselves, but appa-
rently as much interested in their occupation, whatever
it might be, as they could have been by leap-frog or
rounders. *^ Choosing the two elevens for the Alphabet
Match, as they call it, I daresay," thought he. '^ I heard
it was to be played in* a few days. The first half of
the Alphabet will have it all their own way this year,
I expect.'' Presently there was a commotion in the
throng, and something like a scuffle ; but Tyrrell and
afterwards Heath coming up, the tumult abated, and
in a few minutes the boys dispersed to their games.
182 THE WHITE BBX7NSWICEEBS.
, In all this there was nothing nnusual; but it did
Enirpiise Mr. Winter very much, when he looked out
about half an hour afterwards, to see Tyrrell and
Heath engaged in very earnest conversation in the
play-ground; and then, having fetched their hats,
sally out, evidently intending to walk together.
If Mr. Winter had known the true explanation of
the scene which he had witnessed, it would at once
have surprised and distressed him so much, that he
would have thought but little of the companionship of
two boys so unlike each other as Tyrrell and Heath.
