Tom how could you be so noble. Explain the circumstances that led Becky in making this declarations.

Becky made this declaration after Tom took the blame for tearing the book, and in turn, took Becky's whipping for her.

"... he took without an outcry the most merciless flaying that even Mr. Dobbins had ever administered; and also received with indifference the added cruelty of a command to remain two hours after school should be dismissed—for he knew who would wait for him outside till his captivity was done, and not count the tedious time as loss, either."