They seem to think that rules are made capriciously, and for the pleasure of the masters; but this is not so.  They are made for the good of the whole School, and must and shall be obeyed.  Those who thoughtlessly or wilfully break them will not be allowed to stay at the School.  He should be sorry if they had to leave, as the School might do them both much good, and wishes them to think very seriously in the holidays over what he has said.  Good-night.”

And so the two hurry off horribly scared; the idea of having to leave has never crossed their minds, and is quite unbearable.

As they go out, they meet at the door old Holmes, a sturdy, cheery prepostor of another house, who goes in to the Doctor; and they hear his genial, hearty greeting of the newcomer, so different to their own reception, as the door closes, and return to their study with heavy hearts, and tremendous resolves to break no more rules.

Five minutes afterwards the master of their form—­a late arrival and a model young master—­knocks at the Doctor’s study-door.  “Come in!” And as he enters, the Doctor goes on, to Holmes—­“You see, I do not know anything of the case officially, and if I take any notice of it at all, I must publicly expel the boy.  I don’t wish to do that, for I think there is some good in him.  There’s nothing for it but a good sound thrashing.”  He paused to shake hands with the master, which Holmes does also, and then prepares to leave.

“I understand.  Good-night, sir.”

“Good-night, Holmes.  And remember,” added the Doctor, emphasizing the words, “a good sound thrashing before the whole house.”

The door closed on Holmes; and the Doctor, in answer to the puzzled look of his lieutenant, explained shortly.  “A gross case of bullying.  Wharton, the head of the house, is a very good fellow, but slight and weak, and severe physical pain is the only way to deal with such a case; so I have asked Holmes to take it up.  He is very careful and trustworthy, and has plenty of strength.  I wish all the sixth had as much.  We must have it here, if we are to keep order at all.”

Now I don’t want any wiseacres to read this book, but if they should, of course they will prick up their long ears, and howl, or rather bray, at the above story.  Very good—­I don’t object; but what I have to add for you boys is this, that Holmes called a levy of his house after breakfast next morning, made them a speech on the case of bullying in question, and then gave the bully a “good sound thrashing;” and that years afterwards, that boy sought out Holmes, and thanked him, saying it had been the kindest act which had ever been done upon him, and the turning-point in his character; and a very good fellow he became, and a credit to his School.

After some other talk between them, the Doctor said, “I want to speak to you about two boys in your form, East and Brown.  I have just been speaking to them.  What do you think of them?”