But I hardened the bone of my courage and said, yes, I am ready. But here lay a surprise, Mr Reid, for it was not I who had been chosen for chastening . . .’ ‘But then who?’ Zachary broke in. ‘He,’ said Paulette. ‘He-the-same.’ ‘B’jilliber!’ said Zachary. ‘You’re not tellin me it was Mr Burnham who wanted to be beat?’ ‘Yes,’ Paulette continued. ‘I had understood wrong. It was he who wished to endure the chastening, while I was but to be the instrument of his punishment.
