Dexter nodded, and began to move away.
“So you’re going off, are yer!” said Dan’l. “Two floggings a day for a year. You’re in for it, youngster.”
“Get out,” said Dexter. “They don’t flog boys at good schools.”
“Oh, don’t they?” said Dan’l. “You’ll see. Well, never mind! And, look here, I’ll ask master to let me send you a basket o’ apples and pears when they’re ripe.”
“You will, Dan’l!” cried Dexter excitedly.
“Ay: Peter and me’ll do you up a basket, and take it to the station. Be a good boy, and no more Bob Dimsted’s.”
Dan’l chuckled as if he had said something very funny, and walked away.
“Here, don’t look dumpy about it, my lad,” said Peter kindly. “’Tain’t for ever and a day.”
“No, Peter,” said Dexter gloomily, “it isn’t for ever.”
“Sorry you’re going, though, my lad.”