ping those weaker than themselves in subjection. The
younger boys might willingly enough have served older friends who had
been kind to them and had protected them, but it was preposterous to
suppose that without force they would obey any big boy who might choose
to order them. It was some time before this scheme became known to
Ernest Bracebridge and his friends. As he never listened to the tales
and tittle-tattle of the school--indeed, he found that the current
stories were generally absurd exaggerations of the truth--he might have
remained some time longer ignorant, had not Bouldon come to him one
afternoon, after school, in a state of great indignation, saying that
Blackall had called him up and ordered him to go to a shop two miles
off, to buy him a tongue, some rolls, and other eatables.

"When I expostulated, he had the audacity to tell me that I should clean
his shoes if he wished it," exclaimed Tom, with a savage laugh. "And
what do you think? that I was his fag, that I was awarded to him, and
that he intended to work me thoroughly? I asked him by whom I was
awarded to him? He replied, by a vote of my seniors and betters; and
that if I did not work willingly I should be compelled to serve him by
force. I don't remember what I said at first--I know that he called me
an impudent young scamp for my pains; I concluded by telling him that I
should consult you and Buttar and other fellows, and that if you
consented to be fags, I should not have a word to say."

"You were perfectly right--I am glad you said so," observed Ernest.
"Find Buttar, and Ellis, and Gregson, and we'll talk the matter over.
We'll mention the subject to Lemon; I know full well that he will not
wish to fag any boy, yet perhaps for the sake of a quiet life he may not
be inclined to interfere with the plans of the other big fellows.
However, I do not want him to interfere; whatever we do, we should do
ourselves; fortunately, we are well prepared for the emergency. We
number fifty fellows staunch and true. Go round and tell them to be
prepared--that something is going to happen. That will put them on the
alert. When Blackall finds that you have not obeyed his orders, and
that he will have to go supperless to bed, he will probably attack you.
Tell Eden to watch you--never for a moment to lose sight of you, and
directly he sees Blackall attack you, to come up and tell me--I'll have
all our fellows ready, and we'll rush to the rescue."

"O