He held the door open, and then led us into a small room at the end of the passage used for spare boxes and lumber. Here we were locked in and left, and as soon as we were alone Mercer burst into a fit of laughter.
“Oh, what a game!” he panted, wiping the tears from his eyes. “I say, though, he never missed the water-jug. What’s the matter?”
“Matter!” I cried; “it’s a shame to lock us up here like two prisoners in this old lumber-room.”
“Oh, never mind! it’s only old Reb’s nasty petty way. I don’t believe the Doctor knows. He isn’t petty; he scolds you and canes you if you’ve done anything he don’t like, but as soon as you’ve had your punishment, it’s all over, and he forgets what’s past. I say!”
“Well?”
“He will not expel us; I’m not afraid of that.”
In about half an hour, we heard Mr Rebble’s steps again.
“Now then, the physic’s ready,” whispered Mercer. “Don’t you cry out. It hurts a good deal, and the Doctor hits precious hard, but the pain soon goes off, and it will only please old Rebble if you seem to mind.”
Just then the door was opened, and our gaoler appeared again.
“This way,” he said shortly, and we went out into the passage once more, while my heart began to flutter, and I wondered whether I could bear a caning without showing that I suffered, and, to be frank, I very much doubted my power in what would be to me quite a new experience. I set my teeth though, and mentally vowed I would try and bear it manfully.