? ? ? ? "Rebecca Thatcher," (Tom glanced at her face- it was white with terror,)- "did you tear- no, look me in the face"- (her hands rose in appeal)- "did you tear this book?"
? ? ? ? A thought shot like lightning through Tom's brain. He sprang to his feet and shouted-
? ? ? ? "I done it!"
? ? ? ? The school stared in perplexity at this incredible folly. Tom stood a moment, to gather his dismembered faculties; and when he stepped forward to go to his punishment the surprise, the gratitude, the adoration that shone upon him out of poor Becky's eyes seemed pay enough for a hundred floggings. Inspired by the splendor of his own act, he took without an outcry the most merciless flaying that even Mr. Dobbins had ever administered; and also received with indifference the added cruelty of a command to remain two hours after school should be dismissed- for he knew who would wait for him outside till his captivity was done, and not count the tedious time as loss, either.
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