The St. Cloud journal., 1870-07-14

the confusion within should mean and
how 1t would end; waiting with an
amused smile GU his handsome young
face. Jerome had bound towel tight
ly round Freddy's eyes, and was hold
ing it on from behind, while the child
kicked in every direction.
"Let co." cried Eric, stamping v;o-
lently; "let my brother CO."
Don's smile grew broader. This was
such novel style Of addressing anoth-
er brother-and bigger one too.
"Yoa look we'll ia frowns, Polly"
laughed Jerome. "Now Castor, try
the backward plunge again."
! Eric closed his little arms round
Freddy, and threw hack his head.
"Jerry, I shall fight you when I'm
dressed, you confounded sneak"
J Every trace Of the smile had left
Douald's angry face, as he came into
the room and took Eric by the arm.
"Looss that child, Jerome" he said,
in his sternest voice. "Eric, how dare
you speak as you spoke then to .Jer-
ryw
"Oh, Don, I didn't mean to-" he
began-"it slipped out"
"A nice thing to slip ont Of child's
mouth" eaid Donald, between his
teeth "You shall be punished for this
as you were never punished BEFORE"
"Oh no, Don, I've said I'm sorry.
You ought to listen to me-"
"Joe would forgive him." began
Freddy, to the rescue.
"But .he would punish me this time"
said Eric, brave]y "she said she would
lock ma up if said it again"
"And now you have said it," added
Donald, "and shall be locked no in
deed"
The child's face suddenly lost its
brave, sorrowful look.
GIVE heard you say it, Don. That's
how I learnt it."
"You cowardly little fellow, I don't
believe you ever heard me say it; aud
if you did, that is no reason for you.
Are you the same as me?'
''No, I'm not" said Erie, fighting
with his tears, "and I don't want to be ;
so I won't say the bad words you say
and I'm not cowardly, AID never will
be. I'm going now to tell Joe what
I said. Unless-unless you forgive
me, Don, and I needn't"
ut would not be for your good if I
forgave you.'
eyes, it should, Don, I would be bet
ter tor it. Hon't you believe me ?"
The brave, childish eyes, pleading
thro ugh the tears, made no impression
on his brother then, but haunted that
brother sorrowfully for many a year to
come. --->.'.. - -; ., r.
II know best what is good for you,"
he said, unmoved. "But do not ex-
pect you will tell Joe. 1 will do that
part"
"No you shau't,' said the child,
tightening his lips. "I'n tell Joe
myself; but I won't tell her you sav
the same words-becausc it's cowardly
to tell of ones brother. Don't mind,
Freddy it won't kill me to spend a
day in an empty ROOM"
There was no lingering in the little
feet as they marched to the door.
Outside, Jerry caught him for a
moment.
"It won't be so bad as you think, it,
tie 1eIloW. Cheer up"
The bell had rung for prayers. It
would not do to tell until after break
fast, as Josie did not like any trouble to
to be spoken of before her f4ther. So
Eric sat in his ph CO, and pretended to
eat and enjoy himself; but it was a
poor pretenoe !; and when Don met the
wistfull eyes, he looked away, half re-
buked.
Jerome finished his breakfast in .
few minutes, and disappeared. When
Mr.. Kennard had entered bis study,
and Josie had seen Don off at the gar
den door, Eric told his tale. half eor-
rowfally /; and very, very regretfa!ly.
Josie acted upon her threat.
II am going into the citv presently"
she said, lingering with him in the
bare room that had little in it beside .
great empty cupboard; $50 I shall
bring you up something that you will
eat when you are hungry aud when 1
come home, you will have made q
brave resolution, I think. never to say
those things again, and will have
prayed for help to do it. Oh, Eric,
my little one, it grieves me 80 to leave
you here, and to know Why I must do
it."
| When she came back few minutes
afterwards with plate of bread and
butter and glass Of milk, the child
was leaning against the window, look
ing out on the lowering winter sky.
She fingered as long as she felt she
nught to, longing for hum to speak.
Then she said, in despair.
"What, Eric 2"
She knew that he had not spoken she
knew, that this kind of proceeding was
not wise yet she said it again, seeing
him stand so still and motionless.
"What, little one 2"
"Joe," said the child, slowly, "yes
God really hear bad words little boys
say, palmer than big boys"
"No, dear, He hears us al alike"
She had glided up close to him then,
glad of the excuse, and taking his face