The two boys looked at one another in silence.

It had struck nine, so the regular night-fags had left duty, and they were the nearest to the supper-party.

East sat up, and began to look comical, as he always did under difficulties.
"Fa-a-a-ag!" again.

No answer.
"Here, Brown! East! you cursed young skulks," roared out Flashman, coming to his open door; "I know you're in; no shirking." Tom stole to their door, and drew the bolts as noiselessly as he could; East blew out the candle.
"Barricade the first," whispered he.

"Now, Tom, mind, no surrender." "Trust me for that," said Tom between his teeth.
In another minute they heard the supper-party turn out and come down the passage to their door.