"But I can't treat you, an educated, thoughtful lad, in such a degrading
way. The lash is only for those whose nature is low and vile--whose
education has never placed them upon a level with such as you. It would
be the right punishment for the lads who continually annoy and assault
you. But as for you--Aleck, I am hurt and disappointed. To come back
like this because a few boys pelted you!"

"No, uncle, it was not because of that," cried the lad, warmly.

"Then, why was it, sir?"

Aleck was silent, and the sailor's advice suddenly came to mind: "Tell
him you won and thrashed your man."

But the words would not come, and while he remained silent Captain Donne
spoke again, very sternly now:

"Do you hear me, sir?"

"Yes, uncle," said the boy, desperately.

"Then answer my question. You say it was not because you were pelted
and called names. Why, then, did you degrade yourself like this and
fight?"

"It was because--no, no, uncle," cried the boy, through his teeth, which
were compressed tightly as if he was afraid that the simple truth would
escape; "I--I can't tell you."

"Then there is something more?"

"Yes, uncle."

"What is it, then?" cried the old man, whose own temper was rapidly
getting the mastery. "Speak out, sir, and let me hear whether you have
any decent excuse to offer for your conduct. Do you hear?"

"Yes, uncle," faltered the lad.

"Then speak, sir."

"I--I can't, uncle. Don't ask me, please."

"What! I will and do ask you, sir," cried the old man, furiously: "and
what is more, I will be told. I am the proper judge of your conduct.
How dare you refuse to speak--how dare you tell me almost to my face
that you will not answer my question?"

"I don't tell you that, uncle," cried the boy, passionately. "I only
say I can't tell you."

"You obstinate young scoundrel! How dare you!" roared the old man, now
almost beside himself with rage. "Tell me this instant. Why, then, did
you engage in this disgraceful encounter?"

Aleck darted an imploring look at the old man, which seemed to be
begging him piteously not to press for the answer, but in his furious
outbreak the old man could not read it aright--could only set it down to
stubbornness--and, completely overcome by the passion bubbling up to his
brain, he started to his feet and pointed to the door, but only to dash
his hand down upon the table the next moment.

"No," he cried, "if you forget your duty to me, Aleck, I w