"I have determined ever since last summer to run away to sea at the first opportunity I got; and when you suggested our blowing up Dr Hellyer, and making a regular Guy Fawkes of him, I, thought it would be too warm for us here afterwards, and that then would be the time to bolt.

There is no use in our remaining now, to be starved first and expelled afterwards--with probably any number of `pandies' given us to- morrow in addition." "No," said Tom, agreeing with this pretty correct estimate of our present position and future prospects.

"Dr Hellyer will whack that ruler of his into us in the morning, without fail--I could see it in his eye as he went out of the room, as well as from that grin he put on when he spoke.

I dare say, besides, we won't be allowed a morsel to eat all day; we shall be kept here to watch the other fellows feeding--it's a brutal way of paying a chap out, isn't it ?" "Well, I'm not going to put up with it, for one," said I, decisively.
"You know, Tom, as soon as my uncle hears of my being expelled, prompted by Aunt Matilda, he will seize the chance of doing what he has long threatened, and `wash his hands of me,' and then, why I will be in only just the same plight as if I take French leave of Dr Hellyer now!" "My mother, though, will be grieved when she hears of this," put in Tom, as if hesitating what he should do.
"Nonsense, Tom," I replied--still exercising the influence I possessed over my chum for evil!--"I am certain that if she knew that the Doctor had treated you as he has done, starving you and keeping you here all night in the cold out of your bed, she wouldn't mind a bit your running away from the school along with me; especially when I'm going to take you where you'll get food and shelter." This argument decided Tom at once.

"All right," said he, in the usual jolly way in which he and I settled all our little differences.