"I took the licking," was the short answer.
"Took the licking! From whom!"
"Mr. Hardman."
"Do you mean to say that Mr. Hardman whipped you!"
"Yes, I do. I went over and told him to."
"Did it hurt?" whispered Allee, with eyes brimming full of sympathy.
"It might have been worse, s'posing he had used a piece of iron instead of a stick."
Profound silence reigned in the little room. Then Gail said abruptly, "Come upstairs with me. I want to see you alone."
Peace glanced apprehensively at the pale face, which looked unusually stern and severe, and said, "That is a sure-enough receipt, but if you don't b'lieve it, you can ask Mr. Hardman about it."
"I am not doubting your story in the least," answered the big sister, smiling in spite of herself, "but I want to talk to you, dear."