The story continues immediately after we left Tom and the Headmaster last time.

Tom: Uhm, ... Sir, next class is Physical Training and since I kind of expected to be sent home ...

Headmaster: ... you didn’t bring your kit. And that would make it the fifth time you’ve “forgotten”, wouldn’t it?

Tom (looking down at the floor): Yes, Sir.

Headmaster (looking concerned): And Mr Sanderson fails pupils after the fifth time. Hmm. I’ll see if I can help you but only within the rules of course.

Headmaster picks up the phone and dials the PT teachers’ room.

Headmaster: Oh, hello Miss Archer. Is Mr Sanderson there? ... I see ... Have you anything in the “left-behind box”? ... That’s unfortunate ... one smelly sock? No that wouldn’t do... Tom Fooley... Yes, the scrawny little kid that gets into trouble all the time ... well, the only requirements are that it should be completely separate from what is worn the rest the day and appropriate to the physical activity ...so Mr Sanderson is having them do gymnastics? ... That’s all you have? ... Highly unorthodox but it will have to do. Thank you! I will send him to you.

Headmaster ends the conversation and turns to Tom: Unfortunately they threw away all forgotten clothes at the end of last term but there are a few team uniforms that for one reason or another never got used. You could buy one of those. We will bill your parents.

Tom (relieved and with a big smile): Thank you Sir!

Headmaster: Go to the PT teachers’ office. Miss Archer thinks that one of the girls’ gymnastic team leotards will fit you.