small and insignificant, of the institution.

The crowd of boys, and the maze of passages, rooms, and staircases, were
very confusing after the quiet, old-fashioned house at Chatford; but
though in this world there is no lack either of lame dogs or of stiles,
there is also a good supply of kindly-disposed persons who are ever
ready to help the former over the latter, and our three friends were
fortunate enough to fall in with one of these philanthropic individuals
soon after their arrival.

The stranger, who was a youngster of about their own age, with a
pleasant, good-natured-looking face, patted Diggory on the back in a
fatherly manner, and addressing the group said,--

"Well, my boys, we're a large family at Ronleigh, but fresh additions
are always welcome. How did you leave them all at home? Quite well,
I hope? Um, ah! Just so. That's what Dr. Denson always says,"
continued the speaker, without waiting for any reply to his numerous
questions. "You'll have to go and see him after tea. My name's Carton;
what's yours?"

The three comrades introduced themselves.

"What bedroom are you in?"

"Number 16."

"Then you're in the same one as I and young Hart. Come for a stroll,
and I'll show you round the place."