the sound of running feet brought three sets of eyes up sharply and it was scamps turn to gape , for an apprentice came dashing down the hall and barely skidded to a breathless halt before colliding with the three , said hawk in both eagerness and trepidation to scamp , i am to be your apprentice sir , and the lady said you were leaving this very moment , he stopped to pant worriedly , i am not too late am i ?