"Now, Master Keene, I've just shown you the three roads to larning, and
also the three implements to persuade little boys to larn; if you don't
travel very fast by the three first, why you will be followed up very
smartly by the three last--a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse,
any day; and one thing more, you little spalpeen, mind that there's more
mustard to the sandwiches to-morrow, or else it will end in a blow-up.
Now you've got the whole theory of the art of tuition, Master Keene;
please the pigs, we'll commence with the practice to-morrow."
My worthy pedagogue did not address me any more during that day; the
school broke up at five, and I made haste home, thinking over all that
had passed in the school-room.
My granny and mother were both anxious to know what had passed; the
first hoped that I had been flogged, the second that I had not, but I
refused to communicate. I assumed a haughty, indifferent air, for I was
angry with my mother, and as for my grandmother, I hated her. Aunt
Milly, however, when we were alone, did not question me in vain. I told
her all that had passed; she bade me be of good heart, and that I should
not be ill-treated if she could help it.
I replied, that if I were ill-treated, I would have my revenge somehow
or another. I then went down to the barracks, to the rooms of Captain
Bridgeman, and told him what had occurred. He advised me to laugh at
the ruler, the ferrule, and the rod. He pointed out to me the necessity
of my going to school and learning to read and write, at the same time
was very indignant at the conduct of Mr O'Gallagher, and told me to
resist in every way any injustice or tyranny, and that I should be sure
of his support and assistance, provided that I did pay attention to my
studies.
Fortified by the advice and protection of my two great friends, I made
up my mind that I would learn as fast as I could, but if treated ill,
that I would die a martyr, rather than yield to oppression; at all
events, I would, if possible, play Mr O'Gallagher a trick for every
flogging or punishment I received; and with this laudable resolution I
was soon fast asleep, too fast even to dream.