They looked upon it as next worst to being expelled.

For reporting in Ryeburn parlance meant a formal complaint to the head-master, when a boy had been convicted of aggravated disobedience to the juniors.

And its results were very severe; it entirely prevented a boy's in any way distinguishing himself during the half-year: however hard a 'reported' boy might work, he could gain no prize that term.

So no wonder that poor Carlo repeated in amazement, "'_Report_ me ?' "'Yes,' said Sawyer.

'I don't want to do it, but if you continue to disobey me, I must,' and he turned away.
"Off went Carlo to his cronies with his tale of wrongs.