De Prudhom did not often allow himself the luxury of an evening out during term time.

But on this particular evening he was pledged to fulfil a long-standing engagement with an old crony and fellow-bachelor, residing about two miles from the school.

By some mysterious means the worthy dominie's intentions had oozed out, and Bilk was by no means the only boy who had heard of it.

Mice seem to find out by instinct when the cat is away, and fix their own diversions accordingly.
I merely mention this to explain that as far as Alexander Magnus was concerned no night could have been more favourable for carrying out the intricate series of instructions laid down by the gipsy for the making of his fortune.

With this reflection he consoled himself somewhat as he ran back to the school.
The doctor had already started for his evening's dissipation, if dining with Professor Hammerhead could be thus described.