“Was that the reason why you asked him to help you the other day?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You know that I forbid the use of answers, don’t you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then I shall punish you both. You will stay in during every interval this week. Go to your seat. Davidson, you will also stay in during every interval this week, and come to me again directly after the afternoon service.”
When Alfred returned to his seat King whispered to him:
“You got me a caning the other day, and now you are in for one yourself, you little sneak! I hope Mr. Harmer will make you smart like he did me, that’s all.”
It was a sad day for Alfred. The service in the cathedral, which was one of the pleasures of his life, he could not enjoy. His friends, Walter and Steve, tried to make the best of it, but it was no good. He spent most of the time in tears, the hours seemed so long; and when he went alone into the school-room, after the afternoon service, it was with beating heart and trembling limbs. Mr. Harmer was not there, and he had to wait some minutes.
The door opened, and King and Cox put their heads round and laughed.
“I wouldn’t be in your shoes for anything,” said King. “Now you know how I felt.”