The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-07-14

He has been running an and out OF the
room all TIE morning. -
But Tommy eill7 denied the deed,
thouebp the farmer demanded and his
wife implored. Mr.. Pritohard's face
grew oninous. M
an rive You till noon to tell the
TRUTH" he said, sand then II you don't
confesE-why, I'll have nothing to do
with q boy who lies. Well ride back to
the Door house this very afternoon.
"Oh, Joseph I" said Mrs. Pritchard,
following her husband into the entry.
"He is so little Give him one more
trial.
"Lmcy,'' he said, firmly, s'when a
youngster can tell falsehood like that,
with so calm n face, he is ready to tell
them by. the dozen. tell you it's in
the blood. I'll have nothing to do with
boy that tells lies. Perhaps the fear
of going back will bring him to his
senses. - 10 aeAlA-
He went out to his work, and Mrs.
Pritchard returned to Tommy, and talked
with him a long while very kindly
and persuasively, but all to no effect.
He replied, as often as she asked him,
that he had not touched the gum-drops.
At last she gave it up, and, with sad mis-
givings, resumed her occupation, while
Tommy went to playing with the cat on
the floor.
At noon Farmer Pritchard came into
the house, and they had dinner. After
dinner he called Tommy to him.
Tommy" he asked, "did you take
the gum-drops 2"
"No, 1 didn't" said Tommy.
every WE'LL" said the farmer "my
horse is harnessed. Lucy, put the boys
cap ON. 1 shall carry him back to the
poor-house, because he won't tell me the
truth. 7"
"Why, don't want to go back" said
Tommy, very soberly.
But still he denied taking the gum
drops. Mr.. Pritchard told his wife to
get the boy ready. She cried as she
brought out his little warm coat and cap
and put them on him. But Tommy did
not cry. He comprehended that an in
| Justice was done to him, and he knit his
baby brow and held his little lips tight.
The horse was brought round. Mr..
Pritchard came in for the boy. think
he believed up to the last moment that
Tommy would confess T; but the little
fellow stood steadfast
He was lifted into the wagon. Such
little boy he looked as they drove
away. The wind blew cold, and he had
to hold on to his cap. Nothing was said
as they drove along, though Farmer
Pritchard really felt little sorry that he
had gone so far. But he thought to
himself it was lest to be firm at the out
set. A week at the poor-house would
bring Tommy to terms. 1t would be a
lesson he would never forget, and then
they would take him back again.
But Tommy had no hope to beSr him
up. He only knew that all the happy
life of the past few days was over;
snatched from him suddenly. He
thought of the cold, forlorn house to
which he was returning, and shudderad.
The helpless old women, the jeering
boys, the nights of teror-all these he
thought Of. when, with pale face and
blue lips, he was taken down from the
wagon and sent up to the house. Farm
er Pritchard watched him as he went up
the steps, a slow, forlorn little boy. He
went in. The matron came out for an
explanation. 1t was given, and the farm
er drove away.
He drove home. It was not pleasant
ride. He missed his little companion
but he reasoned obdurately within him
self that he had done all for the best.
His wife met him tearfully at the door.
The kitchen looked lonely, as they went
into it together. A top lay in one cor
ner, primer was on the footstool. Mrs.
Pritchard put them out of sight.
The farmer laid fresh stock of gum
drops on his bureau at night, and
thought grimly that these were safe. lie
retired early, not knowing what else to
do; but his sleep was broken.
Mrs. Pritchard could not sleep at ALL
The tears stole through her closed eye
lids long after the candle was put ou
and the house was still. She was thinking
of the poor little boy, even then, per
haps, covering in his cold bed witt
terror. She was usually sound sleeper
but this night she could not sleep.
Suddenly curious, small sound at
tracted her attention. 1t was repeated
again and again, and now and then Their,
:. was tiny rustic of paper. The soun(
came from the bureau. She listened In
tently and her heart beat loud will
excitement She knew that sound well
"Joseph !" she whispered. "Joseph.'
What, Lucyl" said her husband, il
voice that sounded as if he, too, haC
, been lying awake.
"Do you hear that noise, Joseph IT.
MICE"
CT know it. What of it 2"
, It's mice, Joseph, and they're ate
your gum-drops.
| "Good gracious, Lucy" groane(
( Farmer Pritchard upon his pillow. 1
flashed upon him instantly. He, an,
/ not Tommy, was the sinner. The nois
4 stopped. The little depredators wer
3 frightened, but soon began again. An,
I a rare feass they made of it.
t 1t seemed as if that night would neve
: end. The farmer heard every hour tn
clock struck, and at 5 he got up an,
I made fire in the kitchen. His wifi
p arose at the same time and began to ge
breakfast q" - 49, =
- 81 won't wait for breakfast" he said
g You can have it lot and ready whe
!; we get back. I'll harness up and stal
g now, so as to get over there by dawn"