The answer is unprintable; but it brought not the faintest flush to Stalky's downy cheek.
`Make him an Ag Ag, Turkey!'
And an Ag Ag was he made, forthwith. The hard-bought experience of nearly eighteen years was at his disposal, but he did not seem to appreciate it.
`He says we are sweeps. Put him away! Now, Campbell! Oh, I forgot! I say, Campbell, what did you bully Clewer for?'
Then came the tears--scalding tears; appeals for mercy and abject promises of peace. Let them cease the tortures and Campbell would never lift hand against them. The questions began again--to an accompaniment of keen persuasions.
`You seem hurt, Campbell. Are you hurt?'
`Yes. Awfully!'
`He says he is hurt. Are you broke?'
`Yes, yes! I swear I am. Oh, stop!'
`He says he is broke. Are you humble?'
`Yes!'
`He says he is humble. Are you devilish humble?'
`Yes!'
`He says he is devilish humble. Will you bully Clewer any more?'
`No. No--ooh!'
`He says he won't bully Clewer. Or any one else?'
`No. I swear I won't!'
`Or any one else. What about that lickin' you and Sefton were goin' to give us?'
`I won't! I won't! I swear I won't!'
`He says he won't lick us. Do you esteem yourself to know anything about bullyin'?'
`No, I don't!'
`He says he doesn't know anything about bullyin'. Haven't we taught you a lot?'
`Yes--yes!'
`He says we've taught him a lot. Aren't you grateful?'
`Yes!'
`He says he is grateful. Put him away. Oh, I forgot! I say, Campbell, what did you bully Clewer for?'
He wept anew; his nerves being raw. `Because I was a bully. I suppose that's what you want me to say?'