Chapter 30 Summary

"A Teachers Testament"

The narrative returns to the present, with Tom Crick addressing his History class. In a dissertation about what it is to teach history, Crick defines the history teacher as "Someone who teaches mistakes," the person who pints out previous errors and bungles.

He meets Price by chance after class. Crick tells Price that he has met with the Headmaster and his position has been terminated. Price also expresses his sadness about the situation of Mary Crick (Metcalfe), held by the authorities as a result of the baby snatching. They agree to go together to the "Duke's Head" pub.

Drinking together at the pub, Tom Crick tells Price about how he became a teacher. He and Price continuing, with Crick getting quite drunk - when the bar tender challenges Crick as to whether Price is over 18 years of age and old...