losed on Holmes; and the Doctor, in answer to the puzzled look
of his lieutenant, explained shortly. "A gross case of bullying.
Wharton, the head of the house, is a very good fellow, but slight and
weak, and severe physical pain is the only way to deal with such a case;
so I have asked Holmes to take it up. He is very careful and
trustworthy, and has plenty of strength. I wish all the sixth had as
much. We must have it here, if we are to keep order at all."

Now I don't want any wiseacres to read this book; but if they should, of
course they will prick up their long ears, and howl, or rather bray, at
the above story. Very good, I don't object; but what I have to add for
you boys is this: that Holmes called a levy of his house after breakfast
next morning, made them a speech on the case of bullying in question,
and then gave the bully a "good sound thrashing;" and that years
afterwards, that boy sought out Holmes, and thanked him, saying it had
been the kindest act which had ever been done upon him, and the
turning-point in his character; and a very good fellow he became, and a
credit to his School.

After some other talk between them, the Doctor said, "I want to speak
to you about two boys in your form, East and Brown: I have just been
speaking to them. What do you think of them?"

"Well, they are not hard workers, and very thoughtless and full of
spirits--but I can't help liking them. I think they are sound good
fellows at the bottom."

"I'm glad of it. I think so too. But they make me very uneasy. They are
taking the lead a good deal amongst the fags in my house, for they are
very active, bold fellows. I should be sorry to lose them, but I shan't
let them stay if I don't see them gaining character and manliness. In
another year they may do great harm to all the younger boys."

"Oh, I hope you won't send them away," pleaded their master.

"Not if I can help it. But now I never feel sure, after any
half-holiday, that I shan't have to flog one of them next morning, for
some foolish, thoughtless scrape. I quite dread seeing either of them."

They were both silent for a minute. Presently the Doctor began again:--

"They don't feel that they have any duty or work to do in the School,
and how is one to make them feel it?"

"I think if either of them had some little boy to take care of, it would
steady them. Brown is the most reckless of the two, I should say; East
wouldn't get into so many scrapes without him."

"