The dame hobbled to him, and found he had his book upside down; whereupon she turned in wrath to the table, and took from the drawer a long leather strap, with which she proceeded to chastise him.

As his first cry reached my ears I was halfway to the door.

On the threshold I stumbled and fell.
"The new boy's running away!" shrieked some little sycophant inside.
I heard with horror, but I was up and off in a moment.

I had not, however, got many yards from the cottage before I heard the voice of the dame screaming after me to return.

I took no heed--only sped the faster.