And I broke the window," he added, knowing that it must soon be found out, "but I'll get it mended on Monday." Malison turned as white as a sheet with venomous rage.

Indeed, the hopelessness of the situation had made Alec speak with too much nonchalance.
Anxious to curry favour, the third youngster now called out, "Sandy Forbes gart her gang an' fess a loaf o' white breid." Of this bread, the wretched informer had still some of the crumbs sticking to his jacket--so vitiating is the influence of a reign of terror.

The bread was eaten, and the giver might be betrayed in the hope of gaining a little favour with the tyrant.
"Alexander Forbes, come up." Beyond this point I will not here prosecute the narrative.
Alec bore his punishment with great firmness, although there were few beholders, and none of them worth considering.

After he had spent his wrath, the master allowed them all to depart without further reference to the Shorter Catechism..