And the boys had to "grin and bear it," for there was no escape for them. It was useless to run, and had they tried it they would have been punished more severely. They were too proud to complain. The quicker-tempered Victor wanted to revolt and attack the Shawanoe, but he knew George would not join him, for such rebellion would have been disastrous to them. They had tested the ability of Deerfoot in that line too often to doubt his superiority. Had the shadow of a doubt lingered, the scene they had witnessed a few minutes before would have dispelled it. The rod descended first upon the shoulders of Victor, then upon those of George, and there was no difference in the force of the blows. Oh, how they stung! Each boy wanted to scratch the smarting parts, but grimly stood it out. Finally Victor ventured to say: "When you are tired, Deerfoot, you have our permission to stop." "Tired! He won't get tired in a week. Our only hope is that he will use up all the switches in the country." And the Shawanoe kept at it till the rod broke in the middle and only the stump was left in his hand. He flung that aside, and, without speaking, turned and walked toward the village. As soon as his face was turned the boys devoted their efforts to rubbing and scratching their arms, shoulders and backs. "How many times do you think he struck us?" ruefully asked George. "I guess about four thousand; but I forgot to count." "He started in with you and ended with me, so we both got the same. Gracious alive, but he knows his business!" "Anyhow, what we saw was worth all we had to pay. I didn't think he would do anything of the kind, did you?" "No; I thought we might keep our visit a secret, but not many things escape his eye. I suppose after all he was right." "Wait till these smarts let up a little before you ask me to say that," replied Victor, still rubbing and fidgeting about. "Can't you think of some way of getting even with him?" "I wish I could, but the worst thing anyone can do is to tackle Deerfoot. We must try to believe we were lucky in getting off as lightly as we did." "Lightly!" sniffed Victor. "I should like to know what you call _heavy_ if that is light." "And he is still mad at us. He went off without speaking, and it may be days before he gets over his anger." Bye and bye the smarts so subsided that the boys felt comparatively comfortable. As they picked their way homeward their resentment cooled, and they were able to see things in their proper light. They profoundly loved and admired the young Shawanoe, and required no one to remind them of his affection for them. The punishment he had administered was like that of a father to a wayward child. Moreover, it was well deserved, and they were willing to confess the fact before they reached their tepee.