―I know why, Cecil Thunder said. He is right and the other fellows are wrong because a flogging wears off after a bit but a fellow that has been expelled from college is known all his life on account of it. Besides Gleeson won’t flog him hard.

―It’s best of his play not to, Fleming said.

―I wouldn’t like to be Simon Moonan and Tusker, Cecil Thunder said. But I don’t believe they will be flogged. Perhaps they will be sent up for twice nine.

―No, no, said Athy. They’ll both get it on the vital spot.

Wells rubbed himself and said in a crying voice:

―Please, sir, let me off!

Athy grinned and turned up the sleeves of his jacket, saying: