noon
I shall lick the first boy who throws a spit-ball , or who does anything contrary to the rules of the school , '' said Mr. Thrasher , flourishing a raw hide , on the first morning . He read a long list of rules , numbered from one up to eighteen . Before he finished his rules , a little boy laughed , and caught a whipping . Before noon half a dozen were hauled up . There was a council of war at noon among the big boys , who , having had their own way , were determined to keep it . They agreed to give Mr. Thrasher a pitched battle . They had it in the afternoon ; a half-dozen pounced upon the master at once , and after a short struggle put him out doors .