ving under the sofa, another under the table, while the
owner would hastily pull down a book or two and open them, and cry out
in a meek voice, "Hullo, who's there?" casting an anxious eye round to
see that no protruding leg or elbow could betray the hidden boys. "Open,
sir, directly; it's Snooks." "Oh, I'm very sorry; I didn't know it was
you, Snooks;" and then, with well-feigned zeal, the door would be
opened, young hopeful praying that that beast Snooks mightn't have heard
the scuffle caused by his coming. If a study was empty, Snooks proceeded
to draw the passages and Hall to find the truants.

Well, one evening, in forbidden hours, Tom and East were in the Hall.
They occupied the seats before the fire nearest the door, while Diggs
sprawled as usual before the further fire. He was busy with a copy of
verses, and East and Tom were chatting together in whispers by the light
of the fire, and splicing a favourite old fives'-bat which had sprung.
Presently a step came down the bottom passage; they listened a moment,
assured themselves that it wasn't a praepostor, and then went on with
their work, and the door swung open, and in walked Flashman. He didn't
see Diggs, and thought it a good chance to keep his hand in; and as the
boys didn't move for him, struck one of them, to make them get out of
his way.

"What's that for?" growled the assaulted one.

"Because I choose. You've no business here; go to your study."

"You can't send us."

"Can't I? Then I'll thrash you if you stay," said Flashman, savagely.

"I say, you two," said Diggs, from the end of the Hall, rousing up and
resting himself on his elbow, "you'll never get rid of that fellow till
you lick him. Go in at him, both of you--I'll see fair play."

Flashman was taken aback, and retreated two steps. East looked at Tom.
"Shall we try?" said he. "Yes," said Tom, desperately. So the two
advanced on Flashman, with clenched fists and beating hearts. They were
about up to his shoulder, but tough boys of their age, and in perfect
training: while he, though strong and big, was in poor condition, from
his monstrous habits of stuffing and want of exercise. Coward as he was,
however, Flashman couldn't swallow such an insult as this; besides, he
was confident of having easy work, and so faced the boys, saying, "You
impudent young blackguards!"--Before he could finish his abuse, they
rushed in on him, and began pummelling at all of him which they could
reach. He hit out