In a minute, however, a study door opened, and a sixth-form boy came out, and off they all scuttled up the stairs, and then noiselessly dispersed to their different rooms.

Tom's heart beat rather quick as he and East reached their room, but he had made up his mind.

"I shan't hide, East," said he.
"Very well, old fellow," replied East, evidently pleased; "no more shall I.They'll be here for us directly." The room was a great big one, with a dozen beds in it, but not a boy that Tom could see except East and himself.

East pulled off his coat and waistcoat, and then sat on the bottom of his bed whistling and pulling off his boots.

Tom followed his example.
A noise and steps are heard in the passage, the door opens, and in rush four or five great fifth-form boys, headed by Flashman in his glory.
Tom and East slept in the farther corner of the room, and were not seen at first.
"Gone to ground, eh ?" roared Flashman.