eing fleeter of foot than his enemy, escaped all punishment
and kept him in perpetual anger. Moreover his presence about the school
door began to incense the master, as the boys in that neighbourhood
neglected their lessons in consequence: and more than once he issued
into the porch, rod in hand, just as Tom beat a hasty retreat. And he
and the wheelwright, laying their heads together, resolved to acquaint
the Squire with Tom's afternoon occupations; but in order to do it with
effect, determined to take him captive and lead him away to judgment
fresh from his evil doings. This they would have found some difficulty
in doing, had Tom continued the war single-handed, or rather
single-footed, for he would have taken to the deepest part of Pebbly
Brook to escape them; but, like other active powers, he was ruined by
his alliances. Poor Jacob Doodle-calf could not go to school with the
other boys, and one fine afternoon, about three o'clock (the school
broke up at four), Tom found him ambling about the street, and pressed
him into a visit to the school porch. Jacob, always ready to do what he
was asked, consented, and the two stole down to the school together. Tom
first reconnoitred the wheelwright's shop, and seeing no signs of
activity, thought all safe in that quarter, and ordered at once an
advance of all his troops upon the school porch. The door of the school
was ajar, and the boys seated on the nearest bench at once recognised
and opened a correspondence with the invaders. Tom waxing bold, kept
putting his head into the school and making faces at the master when his
back was turned. Poor Jacob, not in the least comprehending the
situation, and in high glee at finding himself so near the school, which
he had never been allowed to enter, suddenly, in a fit of enthusiasm,
pushed by Tom, and ambling three steps into the school, stood there,
looking round him and nodding with a self-approving smile. The master,
who was stooping over a boy's slate, with his back to the door, became
aware of something unusual, and turned quickly round. Tom rushed at
Jacob, and began dragging him back by his smock-frock, and the master
made at them, scattering forms and boys in his career. Even now they
might have escaped, but that in the porch, barring retreat, appeared the
crafty wheelwright, who had been watching all their proceedings. So they
were seized, the school dismissed, and Tom and Jacob led away to Squire
Brown as lawful prize, the bo