King explained, but the master caned him all the same, saying it served him right for playing practical jokes on a little boy. King felt very angry with Alfred, as if he had been the cause of his punishment.
It would be well for all boys, when they are going to play jokes on others, to think how they would like them if turned against themselves.
As Alfred was going home in the afternoon with Steve, Mr. Cottenham was standing at his door and called out to them as they passed.
“Come here,” he said, “I want to speak to you for a few minutes.”
They went up to him. Alfred readily guessed why he wanted them.
“What is your name?” he asked Alfred.
“Alfred Davidson.”
“Well, Alfred, how did your friends like the pigeon’s milk?”
“Not much, sir. Herbert King got into a row over it,” replied Steve laughingly. “He even got caned.”
Steve told him about the dean being angry, because he did not like the smell of onions, and would not believe what King said; also that Mr. Harmer would not listen to his excuse, but had caned him, and said he deserved it, for playing practical jokes.