"You heard the doctor's orders yesterday, Jones iv., about keeping off
the playing field?"
"Yes, sir," said I, realising for the first time that I was well out in
the middle of the field, and that the rest of my comrades were looking
on from a safe distance.
"Come to me after school for exemplary punishment. You are the most
disorderly boy in the house, and it is evident a lenient punishment is
no good in your case."
"Please, sir," said the loyal Dicky, "I lugged him on a good part of the
way."
"No, you didn't," snarled I--taking this as a taunt, whereas it was
intended as a "leg-up"--"I came of my own accord."
"Very well," said Mr Sharpe. "You will come to me, Jones iv., of my
accord"--and he walked away.