An ashy paleness suffused his cheeks, and his tottering steps were unable to bear him away in flight.

Once, and twice, the cutting whip came well down across his back.

Had he been wise enough to stand still and take his thrashing in that attitude, it would have been well for him.

But men so circumstanced have never such prudence.
After two blows he made a dash at the steps, thinking to get back into the club; but Harry, who had by no means reclined in idleness against the lamp-post, here stopped him: "You had better go back into the street," said Harry; "indeed you had," giving him a shove from off the second step.
Then of course Frank could not do other than hit him anywhere.

When a gentleman is dancing about with much energy it is hardly possible to strike him fairly on his back.