‘Darnley,’ called one of the sixth form boys sharply. Darnley, who’d mentioned ‘pig’, stopped and turned towards the caller.

‘Yes.’

‘Don’t think your behaviour goes unobserved.’ Darnley stood looking at him, unimpressed. ‘Do you have something to say?’ the older boy pressed.

Darnley smiled and nodded to his mates and the three of them casually walked away. The sixth form boys scrutinised Salt for awhile then turned their attention to glaring at passing students who hurried along, eyes averted. Soon, no students walked by. One of the sixth form boys walked closer and stood assessing Salt.

With deliberation the boy said, ‘The shot came from across the river. They shoot kangaroos in the scrub by the river there.’ He waited for Salt’s reply.

Salt’s eyes shifted to a young sandy-haired teacher in a wellworn suit walking towards them.

‘Excuse me, Carmody,’ the teacher called. The boy kept his eyes on Salt, ignoring the teacher.

‘You’re not wanted here,’ Carmody said to Salt.

‘Carmody, excuse me. Can I assist you?’ The teacher spoke again.

‘No. You can’t,’ Carmody said without turning. A look of helplessness filled the teacher’s eyes.

‘I will need to cite you for walking on the grass unless you come onto the path,’ the teacher said to Carmody.

‘That would be brave of you,’ Carmody said and turned from Salt to join his friend on the path. They both walked off without further reference to the teacher or Salt.

‘I hope they weren’t annoying you. The sixth form boys like to exercise authority at times, particularly that one – Carmody. He’s the unofficial leader of the boarders. There’s a boarders’ captain but everyone knows Carmody is in charge, even the principal. He should’ve been made head boy, that’s why he’s a little difficult.’

‘Why wasn’t he?’

The teacher seemed to consider this before ignoring the question and saying, ‘The younger boys who were eating their lunch are day boys, even though they come from quite a distance.’

‘Are you a teacher?’

‘Yes. Though not on the permanent staff. Not an old boy, see. They’ll keep me just until one of their own is available. That’s a joke. God, don’t repeat that, please.’

‘I won’t.’

‘So, you’re a policeman?’

Salt glanced down at his constable’s uniform before replying, ‘Yes’. The teacher nodded firmly in affirmation as if to reassure Salt that he was indeed a policeman.

‘Well, I’m on duty. Can’t linger. It’s just strange seeing someone standing on the grass. Grass areas are out of bounds to all personnel. That’s a school rule. The thinking is that the students roll about in an unhealthy manner when allowed on the grass. Even when watching sports, students aren’t allowed to lie down together. It’s unmanly. They’re required to sit in a chair or stand. I’m sure that’s half the reason the boys don’t readily watch the sports. Well, I’ve got to go.’ The teacher remained standing where he was, then asked, ‘So, may I ask why you’re standing there? It seems very curious.’