And as it's all new and an uphill game, you see,
one must hit hard and hold on tight at first."
"Very good," said East; "hold on and hit away, only don't hit under the
line."
"But I must bring you over, Harry, or I shan't be comfortable. Now, I'll
allow all you've said. We've always been honourable enemies with the
masters. We found a state of war when we came, and went into it of
course. Only don't you think things are altered a good deal? I don't
feel as I used to the masters. They seem to me to treat one quite
differently."
"Yes, perhaps they do," said East; "there's a new set you see, mostly,
who don't feel sure of themselves yet. They don't want to fight till
they know the ground."
"I don't think it's only that," said Tom. "And then the Doctor, he does
treat one so openly, and like a gentleman, and as if one was working
with him."
"Well, so he does," said East; "he's a splendid fellow, and when I get
into the sixth I shall act accordingly. Only you know he has nothing to
do with our lessons now, except examining us. I say, though," looking at
his watch, "it's just the quarter. Come along."
As they walked out they got a message, to say that Arthur was just
starting, and would like to say goodbye. So they went down to the
private entrance of the School-house, and found an open carriage,
with Arthur propped up with pillows in it, looking already better, Tom
thought.
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