The book had an alphabet in it, some figures and tables, and a little spelling,--that is to say, it had had once.

As soon as this volume began to circulate, Mr.Wopsle's great-aunt fell into a state of coma, arising either from sleep or a rheumatic paroxysm.

The pupils then entered among themselves upon a competitive examination on the subject of Boots, with the view of ascertaining who could tread the hardest upon whose toes.

This mental exercise lasted until Biddy made a rush at them and distributed three defaced Bibles (shaped as if they had been unskilfully cut off the chump end of something), more illegibly printed at the best than any curiosities of literature I have since met with, speckled all over with ironmould, and having various specimens of the insect world smashed between their leaves.

This part of the Course was usually lightened by several single combats between Biddy and refractory students.