"Will you fight?"
"Yes, of course."
"Huzza! There's going to be a fight between Slogger Williams and Tom
Brown!"
The news ran like wildfire about, and many boys who were on their way
to tea at their several houses turned back, and sought the back of the
chapel, where the fights come off.
"Just run and tell East to come and back me," said Tom to a small
School-house boy, who was off like a rocket to Harrowell's, just
stopping for a moment to poke his head into the School-house hall, where
the lower boys were already at tea, and sing out, "Fight! Tom Brown and
Slogger Williams."
Up start half the boys at once, leaving bread, eggs, butter, sprats,
and all the rest to take care of themselves. The greater part of the
remainder follow in a minute, after swallowing their tea, carrying their
food in their hands to consume as they go. Three or four only remain,
who steal the butter of the more impetuous, and make to themselves an
unctuous feast.
In another minute East and Martin tear through the quadrangle, carrying
a sponge, and arrive at the scene of action just as the combatants are
beginning to strip.
Tom felt he had got his work cut out for him, as he stripped off his
jacket, waistcoat, and braces. East tied his handkerchief round his
waist, and rolled up his shirtsleeves for him. "Now, old boy, don't you
open your mouth to say a word, or try to help yourself a bit--we'll do
all that; you keep all your breath and strength for the Slogger.
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