How does Mitchell's reaction to Paul's punishment
compare to Paul's reaction?
Both boys agree that Paul's punishment is worse
than they thought it would be.
Mitchell thinks Paul's punishment is the worst it
could be, but Paul is sure it could be worse.
O Paul thinks that his punishment is fair, while Mitchell
thinks that he did not deserve it.

Both boys agree that Paul’s punishment is worse than they thought it would be.

Explanation:

It wasn't until the next day I saw Mitchell again. "You get a whippin' for ridin' that stallion?" he asked as I made my way through the woods toward the creek.

I shook my head. "No. Just can't ride Ghost Wind anymore."

Mitchell glanced sideways at me, almost as if he felt bad about my predicament. "That bad as a whippin'?"

"Worse."

He shrugged. "Maybe so. Whippin', I s'pose, you get it over and done wit'."

"That's how I see it," I said, and started away.

"Ey, Paul!" Mitchell called after me. "Anyways, you still get t' ride your own horse, that Appaloosa. So not ridin' Ghost Wind, that ain't so bad."

I turned and looked back at him "No . . . don't get to ride him either, or any other horse . . . not 'til my daddy says I can. He was plenty mad."

better now, by post malone