ore, and knew that Carl's home was nearly a mile distant from the station. Though there was a hack in waiting, he pr

elf and a smaller companion by firing stones at a cat that had taken refuge in a tree. Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect,

oted the boy's mean face and turn-up nose. "Stoning cats seems to

ed heartily at h

" he said. "Doesn'

t have h

I'll take a bigge

a rock which, should it hit the poor cat, would

ock!" said Gilbe

ckly, and eyed G

you?" he

o I am. Put d

ness is it

siness to protect that

having a companion to back him up, and retorted: "Y

dare!" said Gi

solved to keep to his original purpose. He raised his arm again, and took aim;

ou loafer?" demanded Peter,

un, if that's w

ind to give yo

self in a posit

you want to!"

Peter. "You grab his le

ped Gilbert by the legs, while Peter, doubling up his fists, made a rush at his enemy. But Gilbert, swiftly eluding Simon, struck

a second attack; but Peter apparently th

almost foaming at the mouth

asked Gilb

ike a-a tiger, and

at this curious

as you who flew

had you to inte

ess you give up firin

t as long

one!" sa

g of puss. She had taken the opportunity, when her ass

orning, boys! When we meet again, I hop

ter, who saw the village constable approaching.

red man, nearly six feet in height, turned from

want him arrested for

at did

dn't do

range. Young man,

ert V

live in t

live in

e you att

at me, and I had

mon? You saw al

itted Simon,

ter. I don't see how I can arrest this

abused me-the lo

e reason you

es

say?" asked the consta

had taken refuge in that tree over there. He had just hit her, and

ness of yours,"

business, an

te spot on her forehead

s,

mouse c

s,

rascal!" he continued, turning suddenly upon Peter, and shaking him vigorously. "Let me catch you at

terrified boy. "I didn'

had been somebody else's cat. I've a

Mr. Rogers!" implored Pe

se never to sto

s,

bout your

t scuttled up the stre

protecting Flora's cat," then

ir. I won't see any anima

e right

hat boy P

n't you

ow his stepbr

of boy! Have you c

cause he could not stand his step-mother's ill-treatm

r the influence of his wife, who seems to have a spite against Carl, and is devot

I told him it was no more than right that h

ly all the doctor's money came

a very cordial welcome after what has happened t

there he is comin

fell on a thin, fragile-looking man, evidently an invali

nd, taking off his hat, asked p