both, and disdainful of the boys who had forbidden theirslaves any contact with poor Tom, who surely needed his friends nowmore than ever. After lunch, as they all went out to the yard, Henrynoted that Miles was quietly furious, tight-lipped and tense, keepinghis distance from Tom but gazing at him mournfully all the while, andrealized that Joshua had ordered Miles to abandon his friend.Henryhad noted over the months that the Orpheus slaves were close, closerthan slaves from the other Houses. Despite having slept in the sameroomoften the same bedas Stuart for several years, Martinshowed little interest in spending time with his childhood friend.Likewise, the Endymion slaves, Peter and Will, were not particularlyclose. But the Orpheus slaves were all clearly fond of one another,demonstrative and affectionate, and habitually spent time together.Not only would this forced separation hurt Tom, but it was clearlyhurting Miles, as well.Henrydidnt know what hed say, but he wanted to say something.Because Tom would be hurt, Martin would feel pain, too, and Henryfelt he should try to do whatever he could to alleviate it.Whereare you going? Louis asked, catching at his sleeve.Ihave to talk to Joshua. Ill be right back.Dontget involved, Henry, Louis called after him.Gordonand Joshua were standing apart talking in low voices, Gordon lookedup as Henry approached.Whatdo youwant? Gordon snapped, and then just as quickly said, Sorry. Imjust trying to talk some sense into this moron. He jabbed atJoshua with his finger, stopping just short of actually poking him inthe chest.Stopcalling me names, Joshua complained. Im just trying to besafe.Isthis about Miles? Henry asked. Because thats what I wantedto talk to him about, too.Good,Gordon said. Youtry.Josh,he cant get the clap from talking to Tom, or standing with him, oranything he might do with his clothes on. You know this.Imjust trying to be safe, Joshua repeated. He had his arms crossedstubbornly over his chest, and Henry sensed that they were at adelicate place with Joshuas state of mind.Anyonecan see how upset Miles is, Henry tried. He just wants to besupportive of his friend. By keeping them apart, youre making themboth miserable. Tom hasnt done anything to you or Miles, afterall. And then the argument occurred to Henry. He didgive the clap to myslaves, Henry pointed out, and Im still letting Martin be agood friend to him. Hes just a sick fellow, Josh, not somediseased monster.Joshuasshoulders relaxed ever so slightly, but all he said was a haughty,Thank you for your opinion. Now, can we nottalk about this any more? He walked away, leaving Gordon and Henryshrugging at this inconclusive outcome.However,something must have gotten through to Joshua, because after schoolMiles was at Toms side, albeit for only a few minutes before beingcalled back to attend to his masters needs.Freddiecaught up with Henry and Louis on the way to the omnibus, Tomfollowing close behind.Henry,wait up!Hey,Freddie.Ijust wanted to thank you, Freddie said, slightly breathless, forsticking up for Tom. Hes caused a lot of trouble for your house,and youve been really kind. Its a different side of you forme.Henrylaughed. What didyou think of me before, then?Oh,I dont mean anything by it, Henry. Youre just