And, pouncing suddenly, he seized a small urchin, who was rewarded for his suggestion so soundly that he howled with pain.
"There," said Squeers. "Now, if any other boy thinks Smike has run away, I shall be glad to have a talk with him."
There was, of course, a profound silence, during which Nicholas showed his disgust as plainly as looks could show it.
"Well, Nickleby," said Squeers, eyeing him maliciously. "You think he has run away, I suppose?"
"I think it extremely likely," replied Nicholas, in a quiet manner.
"Oh, you do, do you?" sneered Squeers. "Maybe you know he has?"
"I know nothing of the kind."
"He didn't tell you he was going, I suppose, did he?" continued Squeers.
"He did not," replied Nicholas; "I am very glad he did not, for it would then have been my duty to have warned you in time."
"Which no doubt you would have been devilish sorry to do," said Squeers, in a taunting fashion.