Snake and Sword - A Novel by Percival Christopher Wren
page 98 of 312 (31%)
page 98 of 312 (31%)
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Fortunately, "Stout" (so called because he was Porter), passing the big doors without, was attracted by the screams. Entering, he hastened to the side of the agitated Head, and, with some difficulty, untied from that gentleman's leg, a small boy--but not until the small boy had fainted.... When Dam regained consciousness he had a fit, recovered, and found himself in the Head's study, and the object of the interested regard of the Head, Messrs. Colfe and Steynker, the school medico, and the porter. It was agreed (while the boy fought for his sanity, bit his hand for the reassuring pleasure of physical pain, and prayed for help to the God in whom he had no reason to believe) that the case was "very unusual, very curious, v-e-r-y interesting indeed". Being healthier and stronger than at the time of previous attacks, Dam more or less recovered before night and was not sent home. But he had fallen from his place, and in the little republics of the dormitory and class-room, he was a thing to shun, an outcast, a disgrace to the noble race of Boy. Not a mere liar, a common thief, a paltry murderer or vulgar parricide--but a COWARD, a blubberer, a baby. Even Delorme, more in sorrow than in anger, shunned his erstwhile bosom-pal, and went about as one betrayed. The name of "Funky Warren" was considered appropriate, and even the Haddock, his own flesh and blood, and most junior of "squeakers," |
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