Strong-minded and clear-headed, he calculated correctly that the momentary dislike of his schoolfellows, with whom he well knew that he never could be popular, would be less unbearable than Barker's villanous insults.

The consequence was that Barker was caned soundly, although, with some injustice, Mr.Gordon made no attempt to conceal that he did it unwillingly.
Of course the fellows were very indignant with Owen for sneaking, as they called it, and for a week or two he had the keen mortification of seeing "Owen is a sneak," written up all about the walls.

But he was too proud or too cold to make any defence till called upon, and bore it in silence.

Barker vowed eternal vengeance, and the very day after, had seized Owen with the avowed intention of "half murdering him." But before he could once strike him, Owen said in the most chill tone, "Barker, if you touch me, I shall go straight to Dr.Rowlands." The bully well knew that Owen never broke his word, but he could not govern his rage, and first giving Owen a violent shake, he proceeded to thrash him without limit or remorse.
Pale, but unmoved, Owen got away, and walked straight to Dr.Rowlands' door.

The thing was unheard of, and the boys were amazed at his temerity, for the doctor was to all their imaginations a regular _Deus ex machina._ That afternoon, again Barker was publicly caned, with the threat that the next offence would be followed by instant and public expulsion.