"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.