Public opinion wouldn't allow them actually to rob him of his ticket, but any humbug or intimidation by which he could be driven to sell the whole or part at an undervalue was lawful.
"Now, young Brown, come, what'll you sell me Harkaway for?
I hear he isn't going to start.

I'll give you five shillings for him," begins the boy who had opened the ticket.

Tom, remembering his good deed, and moreover in his forlorn state wishing to make a friend, is about to accept the offer, when another cries out, "I'll give you seven shillings." Tom hesitated and looked from one to the other.
"No, no!" said Flashman, pushing in, "leave me to deal with him; we'll draw lots for it afterwards.

Now sir, you know me: you'll sell Harkaway to us for five shillings, or you'll repent it." "I won't sell a bit of him," answered Tom shortly.
"You hear that now!" said Flashman, turning to the others.

"He's the coxiest young blackguard in the house.