rom school
into the playground with his hoop in his hand.

Plenty of boys were ready to join, and soon there was a tremendous
clattering away with hoop-sticks and hoops, while Ernest was seen with a
light thin hoop, dodging in noiselessly among them. His hoop-stick was
as light as his hoop, which he never beat. He merely pressed the stick
against it, and in an instant, by placing the stick on the top, could
either stop or turn, while he kept it under the most perfect command.
The sides were soon arranged. Out he darted with his swift hoop towards
the enemy's prison, which he circled round; and though Tom Bouldon was
on the watch to catch him, he kept dodging about till another of his own
side ran out, in the hope of knocking down Bouldon's hoop. Bouldon was
in honour bound to follow Ernest till he touched his hoop, or drove him
back to his base. Ernest drove on his hoop to a considerable distance,
with Tommy after him. Jones, one of Ernest's side, pursued Tommy,
Dawson pursued Jones, and Dawson, in his turn, was followed by Buttar,
and so on, till every one playing was out with the double work of having
to try and make a prisoner, and, at the same time, to escape from the
boy pursuing him. To a spectator not knowing the game, it might have
appeared as if all was confusion: but those playing knew exactly what
they were about, and felt that all their energies and science were
required to enable them to play well. Ernest's great aim was to lead
Bouldon into such a position that Jones might catch him. This he at
last succeeded in doing, and Tommy and his hoop were sent into prison,
and as no one was at the base, there he had every chance of remaining
some time. Meantime, Ernest rushed to the base, to be ready to capture
any one who might get back on the opposite side and endeavour to rescue
Bouldon. He was joined speedily by Jones, who had only to look out so
as to escape from Dawson. Dawson might have caught him, but, being
himself pursued, he had to take care of his own safety. When Dawson saw
that Jones had escaped him, he could with honour return to his camp; but
his pursuer was nimble of foot, and had a light hoop, and just before he
reached his base, he, or rather his hoop, was touched, and he had to
take up his place in the prison. Thus the game continued with great
animation, victory appearing now to lean to one side, now to the other;
but on each occasion when their side got the worst of it, Ernest and