Price was delighted with this formal parade to the execution of justice, for he had made up his mind to conquer the lad's spirit or break it, and when Robert's room was reached, he suddenly twisted his head under his arm, saying: "The moment has arrived, Robert, when I must convince you that I am master of the house." "Mr.Price, beware! Pray don't beat me, it will only make matters worse.
I could not see you strike my sister; but if you will not beat us, we will try to obey you in the future." "No, no, indeed, Robert!" he answered.

"The time has come to convince you that I am master." He held the boy's arm until it ached with pain, but Robert continued to gaze in his face and implore him for the sake of the future not to strike him.

The stepfather was in a rage, and at that moment little cared what he roused in the breast of the boy.

Heedless of his pleading, he raised his slender cane and struck at him, but the active lad dodged the blow and caught his arm with his sharp teeth.
It now became a fight to the finish.

Hugh Price was enraged and struck fast and furious.