No friends! why all the school like you." And he scampered off, leaving Eric ill at ease.
Duncan didn't re-enter the study that evening.
The next day, about half-past four, Eric found himself on the way to Ellan.

As he was starting, Bull caught him up, and said-- "Are you going to the Anti-muffs ?" "Yes; why?
are you going too ?" "Yes; do you mind our going together ?" "Not at all." In fact, Eric was very glad of some one--no matter who--to keep him in countenance, for he felt considerably more than half ashamed of himself.
They went to "The Jolly Herring," as the pot-house was called, and passed through the dingy beery tap-room into the back parlor, to which Eric had already been introduced by Wildney.

About a dozen boys were assembled, and there was a great clapping on the table as the two new-comers entered.

A long table was laid down the room, which was regularly spread for dinner.
"Now then, Billy; make haste with the goose," called Brigson.

"I vote, boys, that Eric Williams takes the chair." "Hear! hear!" said half a dozen; and Eric, rather against his will, found himself ensconced at the end of the table, with Brigson and Bull on either hand.