Heavy wings were brooding over the kitchen in Angel Street. The gas jet drooped dejectedly as if reluctant to light up the scared faces of Mrs. Massel and her daughter. They sat side by side on the sofa nervously rubbing together the palms of their hands. The thin white cat scratched his ribs against their ankles and howled into their faces inquiringly. "Never mind," said Channah, "perhaps he'll just give him a good hiding and send him off without supper. It's happened before, mother. Don't look so worried!" "Thou dost not know, Channah, what he's been saying to me in bed the last few nights. He said if he'll go again with Sewelson he'll _shmeis_ him till he begs for mercy. He said he'll keep him in the cellar all night, he'll _shmeis_ him till he can't even cry. Oh, what a year has fallen upon us, Channah!" "I hate Sewelson, it's all his fault! I wish he was at the bottom of the sea!" Channah burst out bitterly. "But it was wrong of Feivel. It was wrong to go out with Sewelson again. I told him. He deserves it. But no, the poor dove, not ..." "Not what he'll get. Do you know who it was told father he was talking to Sewelson? Oh, the sneak--I could murder him!" "I don't know! I don't know! It was one of the _chayder_ boys, I think. But hush, here come they! Don't say a word to him, Channah, or he'll turn round on me and keep on shouting in bed all night! Oi, look at the child!" Reb Monash entered the room, his face bloodless with anger and cold determination. Philip followed behind, his hands sunk in his pockets, his chin on his breast. Reb Monash took from the pocket of his alpaca coat a long thin strip of black hide. He sat down on a chair, and without looking towards Philip, commanded "Thy trousers down!" Philip obeyed. "Now I will teach thee whether thou wilt mix with all the filth in the land. Over my knees!" The venomous strap descended, twice, three times, four times. A swift catch came from Philip's throat. Again and once again. Her whole body shuddering dismally, Mrs. Massel stole from the room. From the scullery came Channah's voice, moaning. Again the strap came down. A thin cry of pain shrilled through Philip's teeth. "And wilt thou again go with Sewelson?" No answer. "And wilt thou again go with Sewelson. Say no!" "I will! I will!" "Well, we will see who will prevail. Say no!" "I will!" "I am stronger than thou. Say no!" For answer Philip's body rolled slackly from his father's knees. "No, my son, no! It is not yet finished. Wilt thou say no? One word, no!" The strap whistled through the air. Remotely, brokenly, Philip's voice came from far off. "No!" "That is as I thought! Thou wilt bless me some time with tears in thine eyes for what has been done to-night. Thy mother can give thee supper if she will, I do not forbid."