Four o'clock
Eric had lately taken a violent dislike to Wright , though he had been fond of him in better days . He used to denounce him as a disagreeable and pragmatical little muff , and was as loud as any of them in condemning his announced determination to `` sneak . '' Had he known that Wright had acted under Montagu 's well-meant , though rather mistaken advice , he might have abstained from having anything more to do with the matter , but now he promised to kick Wright himself after the four o'clock bell . Four o'clock came ; the names were called ; the master left the room . Wright , who perfectly knew what was threatened , stood there pale but fearless . His indifferent look was an additional annoyance to Eric , who walked up to him carelessly , and boxing his ears , though without hurting him , said contemptuously , `` Conceited little sneak . '' Montagu had been told of the intended kicking , and had determined even single-handed to prevent it .