towards which they were hurrying was
separated from the rest of the grounds by a thick coppice. Several tall
trees grew about it, and it was by far the most secluded place in the
grounds. It was a favourite resort in the summer time of some of the
more studious boys, who went there to read, and, at other seasons,
Gregson and a few other boys, who were fond of the study of natural
history, used to go there to search for specimens, as Tom Bouldon used
to say, of bird's nests, beetles, bees, and wild flowers. Blackall,
also, and two or three of his class, occasionally retired there, but
neither to read nor to study natural history, but to smoke and to drink,
when he could procure liquor. Bouldon ascertained that he had gone
there on this occasion, and, anxious to bring matters to a crisis, went
round that way, passing directly in front of him.

Blackall, who was sitting alone by himself, looking at the grass, saw
his shadow slowly pass along before him. Lifting up his lack-lustre
eyes, they fell on Tom. He immediately started up, and seized him by
the collar. "Ah, my fine fellow, I've caught you at last, and all
alone. I wanted to find you, and now I'll pay you off with a thrashing
which you will remember to the end of your days."

Bouldon looked up and down to see if anybody was coming to his help. He
had missed Eden, who had, however, seen him through the trees in the
hands of Blackall, and then scampered off as fast as his legs would
carry him, his imagination somewhat supplying the particulars of the
thrashing which had not even yet begun. Bouldon struggled hard to
release himself when he found that Blackall had got hold of his collar,
for he had no wish to become a martyr unnecessarily, as he knew from
experience that his persecutor hit very hard and cruelly whenever he had
the power.

"I'll give you a chance yet," said Blackall. "Will you fag for me, or
will you not?"

"Most certainly not," answered Tom, firmly. "I'll see you at Jericho,
and ten thousand leagues further, rather than lift a finger to obey one
of your commands. There, you've got my answer."

"Then take that," exclaimed the bully, bestowing a thundering lick on
poor Tom's ear. "How do you like the taste of that? Will you obey me
now?"

Blackall generally played with his victims as a cat does with a mouse
before destroying it.

"Not I," answered Tom briefly, compressing his lips.

Another heavy box on the ears followed close upon