mother had suggested, namely, by first learning his lessons for the next day, and then going on with a hutch he was making for his rabbits; so he wandered into the farmyard, and spent some time in throwing stones at the chickens, and a poor dog who was not far off; and when this little amusement had been put a stop to by one of the farm men, he betook himself to the field, and hunted the sheep, till the big ram at last suddenly faced round upon him, frightening him so much that he took to his heels and fled ignominiously, hoping that no one had seen him. After this he went into the house and brought out his toy gun, with which he amused himself for some time by taking aim at the rooks which were flying about.

"If only I had a real gun," thought he, "I would shoot enough for a rook pie, and have it for my dinner." And then he bethought himself of his father's gun, which was still in the corner of the dining-room. He might take it without any one being the wiser, and have some fun with it. The worst of it was his father was certain not to have left it loaded; however, it

would be something to have it in his own hands.

So he went into the dining-room, and lifting the gun, which he found heavier than he had expected, he carried it carefully into the garden, with many backward glances to make sure no one was watching him. He now tried to imagine himself Robinson Crusoe, going out in search of wild animals, and began to look cautiously about for any chance tigers that might be lurking about the laurels. Suddenly Pompey, Walter's black retriever, a great favourite of his, came bounding over the fence which divided the garden from the field. Quick as thought the imaginary Crusoe lowered his gun, took aim at the pretended tiger, and—— It was lucky for Pompey that Walter's hands were not very steady nor his aim truc, for the gun, which had been unintentionally left loaded, went off with a bang, and when the smoke had cleared away, and Walter had picked himself up-for he had tumbled down from the force of the shock-he saw his poor dog lying on the ground, moaning, and stretching out one of his fore paws, as if in great pain. Two or

three of the maids and some of the farm men came running from the house and yard at the sound of the gun, and they all gathered round poor Pompey to find out what had happened to him. Meanwhile, Walter stood aghast, longing to go nearer, yet afraid to do so. Suddenly one of the maids, looking round, espied him, and the gun lying by his side, and her indignation knew no bounds. Pointing him out to the others, all turned towards him, and Walter, in a terrible fright, took to his heels, and did not stop till he had taken refuge in a small wood not far from the house, and there he remained all the afternoon, alone with his own thoughts, which were not of the most agreeable description. In the first place, he was, he knew, sure of a flogging from his father, who would on no account overlook an act of disobedience; and then poor Pompey-would he die? The very idea made Walter sob and cry most bitterly.

As time went on he began to be very hungry, as he had had nothing to eat since breakfast; and about four o'clock he wandered down to the lodge, thinking he might pre

vail on Mrs. Jones, the lodgekeeper, to give him something to eat. Just as he had reached the gate, however, he heard wheels, and the pony carriage turned in, his father and mother having returned earlier than they expected.

"Well, Walter, dear," said his mother, "how have you been getting on? Jump in, and drive up to the house with us."

him.

So he had to get in, but could only sob in reply to Mrs. Collard's questions, and she could not imagine what was the matter with When they got to the house, of course all the story came out from the servants; which, when his father heard, he told Walter to follow him to his study, and then and there gave him such a flogging as he had never received in his life before. What was a still greater punishment to him, however, was the sight of poor Pompey, limping about on three legs, with his broken paw quite helpless, and bound up in splints. It was a long time before he could use it again, and it made Walter's heart ache to see him.

Walter went to school soon after this, and came home at the end of

in a languid tone.

Mrs. Hale, perceiving that Willie's conduct would receive no check from his mother, and that her barège dress would be the sufferer if the child's attack on it were prolonged, rose from the rocking-chair and took another seat. Willie climbed into the chair with an air of exultation, and commenced rocking to and fro violently, Mrs. Gordon coloured slightly, and said to her visitor, "I fear, Mrs. Hale, you will think my Willie a bad boy. I own I spoil him a little; but he is my only child. He knows he is mother's pet, and takes advantage of it sometimes."

"Not a little spoiled not a little," thought Mrs. Hale; but she was far too sensible a woman to utter in the child's presence anything that might imply blame of his mother. She merely bowed in reply to Mrs. Gordon's half apology, and began talking on other subjects. Presently a blow on her arm caused Mrs. Hale to look round. Willie had slipped off the rocking-chair, and was standing behind her, and as she turned

from the whip in her face.

"Willie! Willie !" cried his mother, now seriously concerned, "give me that whip, there's a darling; and go and ask Jane to give you a nice piece of cake."

"I don't care for cake; I want her (pointing to Mrs. Hale) to be my horse."

"Mother will be your horse, byand-by. Now go to Jane. She has something nice for you, I know," rejoined the mother.

"I won't go. I want to stay here," stoutly responded the son.

Meanwhile Mrs. Hale had risen from her seat, for she foresaw who would be the victor in this contest. She had intended to spend the afternoon with her friend, but now she heartily wished to escape from the house where this little tyrant ruled. So, when Mrs. Gordon pressed her to resume her seat and take off her bonnet, she declined. Mrs. Gordon accompanied her friend to the door, saying, "I am very sorry Willie behaved so badly. I am afraid his conduct is driving you away; but he is my only child. I cannot bear to thwart him or to punish him. If I had half-a-dozen