Eric stood up, 'Spell what, said Miss Trunchbull. "Pardon?" said Eric. What do you want me to spell? 'Spell what, you stupid boy! Spell the word"what" 'W...O...T said Eric. "wrong screamed Miss Trunchbull. She walked across and looked down at his frightened little face. "W H...O...T he said, trying again quickly Miss Trunchbull put her hands round each of the boy's ears and lifted him out of his chair, 'Help!' cried Eric, 'You're hurting me! From the back of the room, Miss Honey cried, 'Miss Trunchbull, don't! His ears will come off! 'Small boys' ears do not come off shouted Miss Trunchbull. You spell the word "what A...T Now spell it, you httle snake! "W... H... T spells what!' cried Eric. Miss Trunchbull dropped him back into his chair. "That's the way to do it, Miss Honey!" she said. "You're too soft with them. Read Nicholas Nickleby, by Charles Dickens. Read about Mr Wackford Squeers of Dotheboys Hall school. So that they learned, what did he do with boys? He hit them, Miss Honey! Hit them hard! Read it. It's a very good book. "I've read it, said Matilda quietly. Miss Trunchbull looked down at her. 'Don't lie to me, girl!" she shouted. Stand up. What is your name?' Matilda stood up and said, 'Matilda Wormwood, Miss Trunchbull. "Wormwood?" said Miss Trunchbull, 'Are you the daughter of the man Wormwood of Wormwood Cars?' "Yes, Miss Trunchbull, said Matilda. "He's a robber!" shouted Miss Trunchbull. "A few days ago he sold me a car. "It's almost new" he said. But today the gearbox blew up! And it was full of sawdust!