He looked from Singer to Philip, but neither answered.
“Don’t you know that I’ve forbidden you to play that idiotic game?”
Philip’s heart beat fast. He knew what was coming and was dreadfully frightened, but in his fright there was a certain exultation. He had never been swished. Of course it would hurt, but it was something to boast about afterwards.
“Come into my study.”
The headmaster turned, and they followed him side by side Singer whispered to Philip:
“We’re in for it.”
Mr. Watson pointed to Singer.
“Bend over,” he said.
Philip, very white, saw the boy quiver at each stroke, and after the third he heard him cry out. Three more followed.
“That’ll do. Get up.”