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get the point of it over your opponent’s, while he manoeu-
vred to prevent this and to get the point of his nib over the
back of yours; when this result was achieved you breathed
on the ball of your thumb, pressed it hard on the two nibs,
and if you were able then to lift them without dropping ei-
ther, both nibs became yours. Soon nothing was seen but
boys playing this game, and the more skilful acquired vast
stores of nibs. But in a little while Mr. Watson made up
his mind that it was a form of gambling, forbade the game,
and confiscated all the nibs in the boys’ possession. Philip
had been very adroit, and it was with a heavy heart that he
gave up his winning; but his fingers itched to play still, and
a few days later, on his way to the football field, he went
into a shop and bought a pennyworth of J pens. He carried
them loose in his pocket and enjoyed feeling them. Pres-
ently Singer found out that he had them. Singer had given
up his nibs too, but he had kept back a very large one, called
a Jumbo, which was almost unconquerable, and he could
not resist the opportunity of getting Philip’s Js out of him.
Though Philip knew that he was at a disadvantage with his
small nibs, he had an adventurous disposition and was will-
ing to take the risk; besides, he was aware that Singer would
not allow him to refuse. He had not played for a week and
sat down to the game now with a thrill of excitement. He
lost two of his small nibs quickly, and Singer was jubilant,
but the third time by some chance the Jumbo slipped round
and Philip was able to push his J across it. He crowed with
triumph. At that moment Mr. Watson came in.
‘What are you doing?’ he asked.

Of Human Bondage