Cuff's fight withDobbin, and the unexpected issue of that contest, will long be remembered by every man who was educated at Dr.

"Your father's only a merchant, Osborne,"Dobbin said in private to the little boy who had brought down the storm upon him.

Now, WilliamDobbin, from an incapacity to acquire the rudiments of the above language, as they are propounded in that wonderful book the Eton Latin Grammar, was compelled to remain among the very last of Doctor Swishtail's scholars, and was "taken down" continually by little fellows with pink faces and pinafores when he marched up with the lower form, a giant amongst them, with his downcast, stupefied look, his dog's-eared primer, and his tight corduroys.

"I can't," saysDobbin; "I want to finish my letter."

"Don't call names,"Dobbin said, getting off the bench very nervous.

"Put down the letter,"Dobbin replied; "no gentleman readth letterth."

Don't strike, or I'll THMASH you," roars outDobbin, springing to a leaden inkstand, and looking so wicked, that Mr.

Cuff, on a sunshiny afternoon, was in the neighbourhood of poor WilliamDobbin, who was lying under a tree in the playground, spelling over a favourite copy of the Arabian Nights which he had apart from the rest of the school, who were pursuing their various sports--quite lonely, and almost happy.

Dobbins, had reached middle age with an unsatisfied ambition.

Well, of course I ain't going to tell oldDobbins on this little fool, because there's other ways of getting even on her, that ain't so mean; but what of it?

Dobbins straightened himself up, yawn- ed, then unlocked his desk, and reached for his book, but seemed undecided whether to take it out or leave it.

Dobbins had ever administered; and also received with indifference the added cruelty of a command to remain two hours after school should be dismissed -- for he knew who would wait for him outside till his captivity was done, and not count the tedious time as loss, either.