“I am afraid I will get you into trouble, Jack,” said Vivian, after a pause.

“Never you think of that, Master Bell. You don’t think the doctor’ll be flogging me, do you, now?” asked the carrier, with a broad grin.

“No; I don’t think he would do that.”

“I would like to see him try it, I would.”

“But he might refuse to employ you.”

“As I am the only carrier hereabouts he wouldn’t do that.”

“Well, you are very kind, Jack.”

“And why wouldn’t I be? I’d help any of the schoolboys. There’s one thing I’d like to help them in.”

“And what’s that?”

“To flog the schoolmaster. That would be rare fun.”