The action of the novel takes place at the fictional "Beckford College", a private school for boys; the title alludes to the arrival at the school of a mischievous young boy called Farnie, who turns out to be the Uncle of the older "Bishop" Gethryn, a prefect, cricketer and popular figure in the school..
The action of the novel takes place at the fictional "Beckford College", a private school for boys; the title alludes to the arrival at the school of a mischievous young boy called Farnie, who turns out to be the Uncle of the older "Bishop" Gethryn, a prefect, cricketer and popular figure in the school.