Kitty left the master, entirely in the dark as to the effect of her intercession; but evidently it was not of much advantage to Dick.  When the boy came from the school about half an hour later, he carried his chin high, his lips were compressed tightly, and he stared straight ahead.  Three faithful friends who had waited to know the worst joined him, but no words were spoken.  They followed at his heels, showing by their silence due respect for a profound emotion.  Dick did not make for home; he turned off to the right and led the way down into one of the large quarries on the flat, and there turned a flushed face and a pair of flashing eyes upon his mates.

‘I’m going to have it out of Ham,’ he said.  ’I don’t care!  He’s a dog, and he ain’t goin’ to do as he likes with me.’

‘How many, Dick?’ asked Ted eagerly.

‘Dunno,’ said Dick, exposing his hands; ‘he jus’ cut away till he was tired, chi-ikin’ me all the time.  But I’ll get even, you see!’

Dick’s palms were very puffy; there were a couple of blue blisters on his fingers, and across each wrist an angry-looking white wheal.  The boys were sufficiently impressed, and, in spite of his wrath against Joel Ham, Dicky could not resist a certain gratification on that account.  Boys take much pride in the sufferings they have borne, and their scars are always exhibited with a grave conceit.  Ted displayed his hands, still betraying evidence of the morning’s caning, and Jacker Mack spoke feelingly of stripes and bruises remaining since Tuesday.  Peterson was the only one quite free from mark or brand of the master’s, and he recollected many thrashings with extreme bitterness, and was quite in sympathy with the party.

‘What say if we give him a scare?’ said Dick.  ‘Are you on?’

Jacker and Ted were dubious.  It was too sudden; their recent experiences had made them unusually respectful of the master.  Dick marked the hesitation, and said scornfully: 

’Oh, you fellows needn’t be afraid.  You won’t be let in for it.  I know a trick that’s quite safe—­bin thinkin’ about it all the afternoon.’

If Dick were quite sure it was safe, and if there were not the smallest possible chance of their complicity being disclosed, Jacker and Ted were quite agreeable.  Peterson was always agreeable for adventure, however absurd.  Dick explained: 

’Hamlet’s gone down to the pub.  He’s sure to get screwed to-night.  There’s a fool feller there from McInnes, knockin’ down a cheque an’ shoutin’ mad.  Hamlet’ll get his share in spite of all, an’ he’ll be as tight as a brick by ten o’clock.  You know my joey ’possum?  Well, I’ll fix him up into the awfullest kind of a blue devil, with feathers an’ things.  We’ll push him into Jo’s room, and when Jo comes home an’ strikes a light he’ll spot him, an’ think he’s got delirious trimmens again.  That’ll give him a shakin’.’

‘My oath, won’t it!’ ejaculated Peterson.