Finding it was only a boy, she was brave as well as cunning; and, owing
to the wind and his absorption, stole on him unheard, and pinned him
with her strong hands by both his shoulders.
Young Hopeful uttered a screech of dismay, and administered a back kick
that made Jessie limp for two days, and scream very lustily for the
present.
Mr. Bassett, at this dialogue of yells, dropped a coffee-pot with a
crash and a tinkle, and ran out directly, and secured young Hopeful,
who thereupon began to quake and remonstrate.
"I was only taking a look," said he. "Where's the harm of that?"
"You were trespassing, sir," said Richard Bassett.
"What is the harm of that, governor? You can come over all our place,
for what I care."
"Thank you. I prefer to keep to my own place."
"Well, I don't. I say, old chap, don't hit me. 'Twas I put 'em all on
the scent of your kid, you know."
"So I have heard. Well, then, this makes us quits."
"Don't it? You ain't such a bad sort, after all."
"Only mind, Mr. Bassett, if I catch you prying here again, that will be
a fresh account, and I shall open it with a horsewhip."
He then gave him a little push, and the boy fled like the wind. When he
was gone, Richard Bassett became rather uneasy. He had hitherto
concealed, even from his own family, the great wealth his humble home
contained.
Pages:
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479