East seizes Tom's arm, and tries to pull him away, but is knocked back by one of the boys, and Tom is dragged along struggling.

His shoulders are pushed against the mantelpiece, and he is held by main force before the fire, Flashman drawing his trousers tight by way of extra torture.

Poor East, in more pain even than Tom, suddenly thinks of Diggs, and darts off to find him.

"Will you sell now for ten shillings ?" says one boy who is relenting.
Tom only answers by groans and struggles.
"I say, Flashey, he has had enough," says the same boy, dropping the arm he holds.
"No, no; another turn'll do it," answers Flashman.

But poor Tom is done already, turns deadly pale, and his head falls forward on his breast, just as Diggs, in frantic excitement, rushes into the hall with East at his heels.
"You cowardly brutes!" is all he can say, as he catches Tom from them and supports him to the hall table.