The revelation that he would be released to his family this very evening 
hit Hackworth like a deep lungful of opium smoke. The caning went by quickly 
and efficiently; he did not have time to worry about it, which helped a little. 
The pain sent him straight into shock. Chang pulled his flaccid body off the 
rack and bore him over to a hard cot, where he lay semiconscious for a few 
minutes. They brought him tea—a nice Keemun with distinct lavender 
notes.