"Hurrah for Nicholas!" shouted Bill Sturdy, in great delight, at the school-master's discomfiture. "What happened next?"
"Nicholas packed up his clothes and left the house, but took care to carry Smike with him, knowing that he would otherwise fare badly."
"And what became of Nicholas afterwards? Did he reach port?"
"He met with a variety of adventures, but at length became rich and happy."
"That's a pretty good yarn," said Bill Sturdy. "I should have liked to help him whip the school-master, though."
"Now, Bill, I am ready to hear your yarn," said Charlie.
XX.
BILL STURDY'S STORY.
After pausing a moment to collect his ideas, Bill Sturdy commenced his story.