I give you notice, boys.' 'IF you catch him,' retorted Mrs Squeers, contemptuously; 'you are sure to; you can't help it, if you go the right way to work.

Come! Away with you!' With these words, Mrs Squeers dismissed the boys, and after a little light skirmishing with those in the rear who were pressing forward to get out of the way, but were detained for a few moments by the throng in front, succeeded in clearing the room, when she confronted her spouse alone.
'He is off,' said Mrs Squeers.

'The cow-house and stable are locked up, so he can't be there; and he's not downstairs anywhere, for the girl has looked.

He must have gone York way, and by a public road too.' 'Why must he ?' inquired Squeers.
'Stupid!' said Mrs Squeers angrily.

'He hadn't any money, had he ?' 'Never had a penny of his own in his whole life, that I know of,' replied Squeers.
'To be sure,' rejoined Mrs Squeers, 'and he didn't take anything to eat with him; that I'll answer for.