dditional credit of a victory
on their opponents' ground; and thus, for the first time for many years,
Ronleigh lowered the flag of their ancient rivals both at cricket and at
football.

"Hurrah!" cried "Rats," who was in a great state of excitement when the
news arrived; "they won't ask us again if we'd like to play a master,
the cheeky beggars!"

The same afternoon on which Ronleigh so distinguished herself saw also
the melancholy ending of the school life of two of her number. Thurston
and Fletcher One went home to return no more; practically expelled,
though the doctor, in this instance, did not make a public example of
their departure.

Another thing happened on this memorable day which caused quite a
sensation, especially among the members of the upper and lower divisions
of the Fourth Form.

"I say, have you heard the latest?" cried Maxton, bursting into the
reading-room just before preparation, regardless alike of the presence
of Lucas and the rule relating to silence.

"What about?" asked several voices.

"Why, about Noaks!"

"No."

"Well, then, he's run away!"

Magazines and papers fell from the hands which held them, and the usual
quiet of the room was broken by a buzz of astonishment.

"Run away! Go on; you don't mean it!"

"I do, though: he's skedaddled right enough, and they can't find him
anywhere."

The report was only too true. Afraid to face his schoolfellows, and
having already received several intimations, from fellows passing the
housekeeper's parlour, that a jolly good licking awaited him when he
left his present place of refuge, Noaks had watched his opportunity, and
when the boys were at tea had slipped out, and, as Maxton put it,
"run away."

No one mourned his loss; even Mouler would not own to having been his
friend; and everybody who expressed any opinion on the subject spoke
of his departure as being decidedly a good riddance.

The Triple Alliance, however, had cause to feel uneasy when they heard
of this latest escapade of their ancient enemy.

"He's got my knife with him," said Mugford; "he may go any day and try
for that reward."

For the time being, however, no communication was received from the
police-station at Todderton, and none of the three friends was caused,
like Eugene Aram, to leave the school with gyves upon his wrists.
Whatever evil intentions Noaks might have cherished towards them were
destined to be checkmated by a fortunate circumstance, the poss