"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 farther 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 prepostor, 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.
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