"Yes," said Tom desperately.

So the two advanced on Flashman, with clenched fists and beating hearts.

They were about up to his shoulder, but tough boys of their age, and in perfect training; while he, though strong and big, was in poor condition from his monstrous habit of stuffing and want of exercise.

Coward as he was, however, Flashman couldn't swallow such an insult as this; besides, he was confident of having easy work, and so faced the boys, saying, "You impudent young blackguards!" Before he could finish his abuse, they rushed in on him, and began pummelling at all of him which they could reach.

He hit out wildly and savagely; but the full force of his blows didn't tell--they were too near to him.