I am disposed to believe that the cause of all this disorder is, if not entirely innocent, at least due only to extreme thoughtlessness; but the scandal given to all your comrades, the outrage offered to the discipline and to the established rules of the seminary, call loudly for punishment.

Leave the room." We obeyed; but hardly were we between the double doors of the dormitory than we were seized by four servants, who tied our hands behind us, and led us to the class room, where they compelled us to kneel down before the great crucifix.

The rector told them to execute his orders, and, as we were in that position, the wretches administered to each of us seven or eight blows with a stick, or with a rope, which I received, as well as my companion, without a murmur.

But the moment my hands were free, I asked the rector whether I could write two lines at the very foot of the cross.

He gave orders to bring ink and paper, and I traced the following words: "I solemnly swear by this God that I have never spoken to the seminarist who was found in my bed.