Gerald Bracher, a thirteen-year-old boy, is a pupil at a private English boarding school. He likes reading, but there are not enough books in his classroom library.
One Saturday evening, Gerald went to a stationer's shop with his friend Howarth. Howarth wanted to buy a bottle of ink for his pen. At the back of the shop, there were shelves full of books.
"Look at all these interesting books! We need these in our class," said Gerald.
"Why don't you borrow one?" asked Howarth.
"They do not lend books," said Gerald. Then he asked the shop owner. It was simple and cheap. Gerald chose a book and went back to school.
By Sunday evening, Gerald had finished the book. He wanted another book immediately. He forgot that pupils could only go into town on Wednesdays and Saturday evenings.
With the book in his overcoat pocket, he left the school with some day boys. Everything went well. He changed his book at the shop and returned to school. He thought nobody had seen him. But when he hung up his overcoat, he was told that the Headmaster wanted to see him.
"Come in, boy," said Mr. Pemberton. Gerald understood that the Headmaster knew everything.
"Have you anything to tell me?" asked Mr. Pemberton.
"I don't think so, sir," said Gerald.
"Then was it not you in town half an hour ago?"
Gerald was silent and then said quietly, "Yes, sir, it was."
"Why did you go there?"
"I only went to change a book, sir."
"To change a book? Have you read all the books in your classroom and school library?"
Gerald said nothing.
"You know we do not allow boys to go into town on all days." "I am disappointed in you, Bracher," said the Headmaster.
"I am sorry, sir," said Gerald.
"Bend over," said the Headmaster. Gerald saw a cane in the corner of the room. The Headmaster lifted the tail of Gerald's jacket and gave him two strokes with the cane. It was quick, and at first Gerald did not feel pain.
"You may go now, boy," said the Headmaster. Gerald went out. Outside the door, he felt hurt and tears came into his eyes.
