SCHOOL DAYS
in the least believe), and how on earth the Doctor could have got to know of it—such bad luck! He couldn't help thinking to himself that he was glad he hadn't won; he liked it better as it was, and felt very friendly to the Slogger. And then poor little Arthur crept in and sat down quietly near him, and kept looking at him and the raw beef with such plaintive looks that Tom at last burst out laughing.
"Don't make such eyes, young un," said he; "there's nothing the matter."
"Oh, but, Tom, are you much hurt?" I can't bear thinking it was all for me."
"Not a bit of it; don't flatter yourself. We were sure to have had it out sooner or later."
"Well, but you won't go on, will you? You'll promise me you won't go on?"
"Can't tell about that—all depends on the houses. We're in the hands of our countrymen, you know. Must fight for the School-house flag, if so be."
However, the lovers of the science were doomed to disappointment this time. Directly after locking-up, one of the night-fags knocked at Tom's door.
"Brown, young Brooke wants you in the sixth-form room."
Up went Tom to the summons, and found the magnates sitting at their supper.
"Well, Brown," said young Brooke, nodding to him, "how do you feel?"
"Oh, very well, thank you, only I've sprained my thumb, I think."
"Sure to do that in a fight. Well, you hadn't the worst of it, I could see. Where did you learn that throw?"
"Down in the country, when I was a boy."
"Hullo! why, what are you now? Well, never mind, you're a plucky fellow. Sit down and have some supper."
Tom obeyed, by no means loath. And the fifth-form boy next
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