But the favorite amusement was a bolstering match.

One room would challenge another, and, stripping the covers off their bolsters, would meet in mortal fray.

A bolster well wielded, especially when dexterously applied to the legs, is a very efficient instrument to bring a boy to the ground; but it doesn't hurt very much, even when the blows fall on the head.

Hence these matches were excellent trials of strength and temper, and were generally accompanied with shouts of laughter, never ending until one side was driven back to its own room.

Many a long and tough struggle had Eric enjoyed, and his prowess was so universally acknowledged, that his dormitory, No.