"What a confounded shame!" said Franklin and Anthony in one voice; for they, too, though they were sturdy fellows, had had some experience of the bullies in their earlier school days; and of late, following Walter's example, they had always energetically opposed this maltreatment of Eden. "Draw it mild, you three, or we'll kick you," said Harpour. "But we won't draw it mild," said Franklin; "it's quite true; you and Jones _are_ brutes to bully that poor little fellow so. He never hurt you." "What an uppish lot you nips are," said Harpour; "it's all that fellow Evson's doing. Hang me, if I don't take it out of you;" and he advanced with a slipper in his hand towards Franklin. "Touch him if you dare," said Henderson; "if you do Anthony and I will stick by him; and, Cradock, you'll see fair play, won't you?" "Pooh," said Cradock. "I'm asleep. Fight it out by yourselves." "Never mind these little fools, Harpour," said Jones; "they're beneath your notice. Besides, it's time to turn off to sleep." For Jones had earned his soubriquet by always showing a particularly large white feather when there was any chance of a fray. "Phew, Jones; none of us would give much for _you_," said Henderson contemptuously. "_Little_ fools, indeed! You know very well that _you_ daren't lay a finger on the least of us, whether we're beneath your notice or no. An ostrich is a big bird, but its white feathers are chiefly of use in helping it to run away." He went to Eden's bedside, for the child was still sobbing with pain, and was evidently in a great state of nervous agitation. "Never mind, Eden," he said, in a kind and soothing voice; "think no more of it; we won't let them take you prisoner again." And as he spoke he took his place by Eden's side, and looked with angry defiance at the two bullies. "Those fellows hurt me so," said Eden, in an apologetic tone, bravely trying to check his tears. "Oh, I wish Evson would come back." "He is coming back in a night or two; his knee is nearly well. I haven't helped you enough, poor little fellow. I'm so sorry. I say, you _brutes_," he continued, raising his voice, "next time you bully Eden, I'll tell Somers as sure as fate." "Tell away then," jeered Harpour; "better go and tell him before your shoes wear out." "Ah, you'll change your tone, Master Harpour, when you've been well whopped," answered Henderson. "I should like to see Somers or any one else whop me," said Harpour, in an extremely "Ercles vein"; "by Jove! Lane himself shouldn't do it." "Oh, indeed!" "I'll `oh, indeed,' you!" said Harpour, getting out of bed; but here Cradock interfered, seized Harpour with his brawny arm, and said-- "There, that's badgering enough for one night. Do let a fellow go to sleep."