School started again, and soon the ink(墨水)in Tom's spelling book was found. Tom said he hadn't split the ink, but that made it look as if he were lying. Becky almost said Alfred Temple had done it, but she kept quiet. She thought that Tom would tell the teacher about her tearing(撕)his book, so she didn't save him. Mr Dobbins beat him and then Tom went back to his seat。
After an hour Mr Dobbins unlocked his desk and took out his book, Tom looked over at Becky. She looked like a hunted and helpless rabbit. The next moment the master faced the children. There was a long silence, then he spoke, "Who tore this book?"
There wasn't a sound. The teacher searched their faces.
"Benjamin Rogers, did you do it?"
Benjamin said no.
"Joseph Harper, did you?"
Joseph also said no. Dobbins looked at the rows of boys, thought for a moment, then turned to the girls.
"Amy Lawrence?"
A shake of the head.
"Gracie Miller?"
The same sign.
Becky was next. Tom was shaking from head to foot.
"Rebecca Thatcher?"—(Tom looked at her face; it was white with terror)— "did you tear?—no, look at my face—did you tear this book?"
Tom jumped to his feet and shouted, "I did it!"
The children stared(盯着) in surprise at his foolish act.
And when he stepped forward for his punishment, he saw the surprise, the thanks, and the love that came from Becky's eyes.This was enough for one hundred beatings. And he didn't even mind staying for two hours after school, because he knew that Becky was waiting for him outside.
Tom went to bed that night planning some actions on Alfred Temple, for Becky had told him everything. And he fell asleep with Becky's last words to him in his ear, "Tom, you are so great!"
①Gracie Miller replied to the teacher by shaking her head.
②The children were surprised at Tom's foolish act.
③Tom was beaten for the ink split in his spelling book.
④Becky was thankful to Tom for what he did for her.
⑤Mr Dobbins' book was carelessly torn(撕) by Becky.