The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-01-17

though the farmer commanded, and his
wife implored. Mr.. Pritchard's face
grew ominous.
"rll give you till noon to tell the
truth" he said; and then, if you don't
confess-why, I'll have nothing to do
with boy who lies. Wen ride back
to the poor-house this very afternoon"
go Josephr' said Mrs. Pritchard,
| following her husband into the entry.
90 He is so little! Give him one more
trial"
Lucy" he said, firmly, "when a
youngster can tell falsehood like that
with so calm face, he is ready to tell
them by the dozen. tell you, it's in
the blood. III have nothing to do with
boy that lies. Perhaps the fear Of
going back will bring him to his
senses"
He went out to his work; and Mrs.
Pritchardreturned to Tommy, and talked
with him 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 gumdrops. At
last she gave it up, and with sad mis-
givings resumed her occupations; 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 gumdropsP"
"No, didn't" said Tommy.
every WE'LL" said the farmer; "my
horse is harnessed. Lucy, put the boys
cap on. L shall carry him back to the
poor-house, because he will not tell me
the truth"
"Why, l don't want to 90 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
injustice 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. 1
think he believed up to the last moment
that Tommy would confess; but the lit
tie 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 Tommy had no hope to bear him
up. He only knew that 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 re-
turning, and shu ddered. The helpless
old women, the jeering boys, the nights
of terror-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. Farmer Pritchard
watched him as he went up the steps,
slow, forlorn little boy. He went in.
The matron came out for an explana-
ton. 1t was given aud the farmer
drove away.
He drove home. 1t was no Ia pleas
ant ride. He missed his little compan-
ion; but he reasoned obdurately within
himself 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 corner, primer was on the foot
stool. Mrs. Pritchard put them out of
sight.
The farmer laid a fresh stock of gum
drops on his bureau at night, and
thought grimly that these were safe.
He 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 eyelids
long after the candle was put out, and
the house was still. She was thinking
of the poor little boy, even then, per-
haps, covering in his cold bed with
terror.
Suddenly curious, small sound at
tracted her attention. 1t was repeated
again and again, and now and then
there was tiny rustic of the paper.
The sound came from the bureau She
listened intently, and her heart beat
loud with excitement. Sne knew the
sound well.
"Joseph!' she whispered. "Joseph!'
"What, DucY," said her husband, in
a voice that sounded as if he, too, had
been lying awake.
80" DO you hear that noise, Joseph?
It's mice!''
Z" know it. What of it?''
Its mice, Joseph, and they're after
your gumdrops."
Good gracious, Lucy" groaned
Farmer Pritchard upon his pillow. 1t
flashed upon him instantly. He, and
not Tommy was the sinner. The noise
stopped. The little depredators were
frightened, but soon began again. And
rare feast they made of it.
1t seemed as if that night would never
end: The farmer heard every hour the
clock struck, and at five he got up and
made fire in the kitchen. His wife
arose at the same time and began to
get breakfast
81 won't wait for breakfast he
said. "You can have it hot and ready
when we get back. pllharness up and
start now, so as to get over there bv
dawn"
In few moments the wheels rolled
noisily over the frozen ground out on
the road, and away drove Mr.. Pritchard
IN the morning starlight.
Mrs: Pritchard brought out the ton
ana the primer again, and made the
kitchen look its very cheerfulest. Then