Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-07-18
cloud came down upon him.


Kept few gum drops. which he could
reach out and get. to soolhe his tbroa,
when the coughing came on. One fore
noon. CHANGING to go into the bedroom.
mis- eye fell upon the little paper bag,
and he saw there was not single gum
drop there.
That rogue Tommy has been here. -"
he said to himself. | know there were
i've or six last night; and. Tor a wonder.
did not have to take single one.
Tommy! Tommy! Look here Have
you been getting my gumdrops?"
Tommy. who was playing in the door.
looked up brightly. and said: mo. l
didn't get any"
"Did yOa take them Lucy?n asked the
farmer. turning 10 his wife.
Mrs. Pritohard had not touched them,
aud her heart sank as she said so; for
who was there left to do it but little
Tommy? Her husbands face grew
grave.
Tommy" he said, "you need not be
afraid 10 tell the truth. Didn't you take
the gumdrops?"
mo, l didn't replied Tommy, readily.
oh! yes, you did, Tommy. Now
tell the truth"
No. L didn't"
This is bad. very bad, indeed" said
Mr., Pritchard sternly. This is what
I've been afraid Of"
"Oh. Tommy" pleaded Mrs. Prilch-
ard, III you took them, do say So"
~ he took them ~ repeated her hus-
band. "Why, it is as clear as day light.
Tie has been running in and out of
the room all the morning"
But Tommy still denied the deed.
though the farmer commanded and his
wife implored Mr. Pritchard's face
grew ominous.
"ril give you till noon to tell the
truth, he said; land then ii you don't
conless-why I'll have nothing to do
with a boy who lies. Wen tide back to
The poor-house this very afternoon"
"Oh, Joseph!n said Mrs. Pritchard,
following her husband into the entry.
"He is so little Give him one more
trial
Lucy" he said firmly. when
Youngster can tell falshood like that,
with so calm face. he is ready TO tell
them by the dozen. tell u,its in the
blood. I'll have nothing to do with
boy that lies. Perhaps the fear OF going
back will bring him 10 his senses"
lie went out; and Mrs. Pritchard re-
turned to Tommy. and talked with him
long while very kindly and persuasive
" bu, all to no effect. lie replied,as often
as she asked him. that he had not touched
the gumdrops. At last she gave 1t up,
and with sad misgivings resumed her
occupations; while Tommy went playing
with the cat on the floor.
At noon Farmer Pritchard came into
the house. and they had dinner. Alter
dinner he called Tommy to him.
Tommy" he asked, ibid you take
the gum-drops'
No, didn't" said Tommy.
Very we'll" said the farmer my
horse is harnessed Lucy, put the boys
cap on. shall carry him back to the
poor-house. because he will not tell me
the truth"
Why, don't want 10 60 back said
Tommy very soberlY.
Blu. still he denied taking the gum
drops. Mr.. Pritchard told his vile TO
get the boy ready She cried as she got
on, his little warm coat and cap and put
them on him. But Tommy did not cry.
He comprebended that an injustice was
done TO him, and be knit his baby brow
and held his little lips tight. The horse
was brought round. Mr.. Pritchard came
in tor the boy. think he believed up
TO the last moment that Tommy would
would confess; bat thel little fellow
stood sleadfast.
He was lifted into the wagon. Such a
l,nle bov 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 ne
had gone so far. But he thought to him.
self it was best 10 be firm at the outset.
week at the poor-house would bring
Tommy to terms. l! would be lesson
he would never forget and then they
would take him back again.
But Tommy had no hope to bear him
ND. He only knew that all the happy
lie of the past few days was over;
snatcbed from him suddenly. He thought
OF the cold, forlorn house to which he
was returning. and shuddered' The
bslnless old woman, the ieering boys
The nights OF terror-all these ne thought
of when with pale face and blue lips. he
wos taken down from the wagon and
sent I'D to the house Farmer Pritchard
watched him, as be went mp the steps,
IL mt IN