He seized Tommy and dragged him into the schoolroom.
"You're in the plot," he exclaimed, "and I'll cane you. Bend your back, sir, and touch your toes with your fingers." At the same time he took a cane from his desk.
"I won't," answered Tommy, resolutely.
The Rev. C. Floyd looked perfectly diabolical with his black face and hands, while Tommy resembled one of the attendant imps.
All the young gentlemen were highly amused, but the discipline of the academy was so strict that they did not dare to laugh.
Finding that Tommy would not submit to the cane, the reverend gentleman endeavored to strike him where he stood.
The boy, however, dived between his legs, throwing him on his face, and ran away to the kitchen, where the cook considerately washed his face and hands, and sewed the buttons on his coat.
"Now," exclaimed Bobsey, "you look less like a Heast Hindian, and more of a Christian. Warn't it a lark? Oh! crickey, didn't I split with laughing ven I saw old Floyd near smothered with soot!"
"I'm afraid he'll be down on me for it," said Tommy.
"Never mind, you and me's friends, and if you get the dirty kick out, I'll see hafter you."