News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1905-03-15
to stick out against it."

| cried, with mock commiseratiOn. I'm
sorry for you"
"You needn't be. | don't want your
! sorrow. l know what I'm about, "Jack
| said.
i've been here longer than you" ex-
| claimed funston after moments re-
Election, "and I'll tell you how to get
out of it,
"HowY
Go back to school. Don't say any
thing about our swamp or saving Fish
er. He don't know, and when Mole
asks you for your impo. say you
couldn't write because you had the
cramp in your hand"
would that be right?" Jack asked
doubtfully.
Did he deal fairly with your" said
Hunston.
No"
well, then, why should you have
any hesitation in cheating him? once
tried the same dodge, and it succeeded
splendidly."
What? Cramp in your hand?"
Eyes, the cramp dodge. Lots of fell
lows have done it"
"All right, I'll try it," said Jack.
by adopting my plan you will prob
ably get off scot free"
That's true" said Jack, who was
unable to stand against this mode of
argument
"Cut away, then. I'll back you up
like brick, and mind one thing"
What is that?'
Don't say word about what has
occurred here, or you will only get me
into row and do yourself no good"
Jack nodded and started off at a
| brisk trot to the school. while Hunston
| started for the boa thousc.
When he got back to the school.
Jack changed his clothes and then
went to the Schoolroom and sat down
and read Il book. as he had some time
10 while away before tea. \ little be-
fore Mr.. Mole entered the schoolroom
and looked round him.
"Harkaway," he said, have you fin
ished your punishment"
mo, sir; | haven't done it,"
Not done it, repeated Mr.. Mole,
growing red in the face with rising
anger. why. may | ask
Because had the cramp in my
right hand, sir. and not being left
handed. ! could not write with the
other"
Jack felt that he flushed while tell
ing this falsehood and cast down his
eyes. being afraid to look the master
in the face.
"ln-deed!" exclaimed Mr.. Mole.
When did this remarkable attack of
cramp come on"
f"Directly got in. sir must have
hurt the sinews in the fight"
So one lie brings about another.
THAT shows the folly and the dan
ger of fighting. 1t shows also my JUS
tica in Furnishing you. How is your
hand now"
Rather stiff and painful, sir, thank
YOU" Jack replied.
Il hope you will be better soon. /
will reconsider your case tomorrow"
With these words Mr.. Mole walked
away to another part of the room, but
he was not convinced of the truth OF
Harkaway's excuse. 1t will be re-
membered that we have described Ma
pie, Hunston's friend, as a sneak. Per-
haps Mr.. Mole knew Naples charac-
ter for he went to him, seeing him cut
ting out a boat from Il piece of wood
in the yard.
Maple" said he. will you go to
Harkaway and ask him to write you a
letter to- your MOTHER
"Yes. sir. But can't l write it my
SELF" inquired Maple.
81 don't want you to do that. Say
YOU have cut your thumb, and tie a
handkerchief round it.
Maple did so with the utmost readl-
ness.
Don't say word to Harkaway
about the request | made to you. When
the letter is written. come to me here"
Maple promised compliance and went
at once to the schoolroom, where Mr.
Mole told him he would find Jack.
Jack was biting his nails and think
ing over the adventures of the after
noon.
Il say, Harkaway,v said Maple.
"Well, what's the matter? Have you
hurt your hand?' said Jack.
"Cut my thumb making one of those
beastly boats" replied Maple, holding
up his bandaged hand and showing the
model of the boat.
That's a bore"
$50 it is. particularly tonight, when
l have to write home. My mother asked
me to write, and she'll fret if she does
not have an answer to her letter." said
Maple.
"Shall l write for your asked Jack,
who fell unsuspectingly into the trap.
81 wish you would. l didn't like to
ask you"
Il will with pleasure. Get me sheet
of paper and an envelope. Where's
Mole? | don't want him to see me writ
ing"
why not?"
Never mind. l have my reasons"
said Jack. What am 1 to say? Go
ahead"
Maple procured the necessary writing
materials and dictated letter to Jack,