"
"It would have been just as bad if it had
been somebody else's cat. I ve a great mind
to put you in the lockup."
"Oh, don't, please don't, Mr. Rogers!"
implored Peter, quite panic-stricken.
"Will you promise never to stone another cat?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then go about your business."
Peter lost no time, but scuttled up the street
with his companion.
"I am much obliged to you for protecting
Flora's cat," then said the constable to Gilbert.
"You are quite welcome, sir. I won't see
any animal abused if I can help it."
"You are right there."
"Wasn't that boy Peter Cook?"
"Yes. Don't you know him?"
"No; but I know his stepbrother, Carl."
"A different sort of boy! Have you come
to visit him?"
"No; he is visiting me. In fact, he has left
home, because he could not stand his step-
mother's ill-treatment, and I have come to see
his father in his behalf."
"He has had an uncomfortable home. Dr.
Crawford is an invalid, and very much under
the influence of his wife, who seems to have
a spite against Carl, and is devoted to that
young cub to whom you have given a lesson.
Does Carl want to come back?"
"No; he wants to strike out for himself, but
I told him it was no more than right that he
should receive some help from his father."
"That is true enough. For nearly all the doctor's
money came to him through Carl's mother."
"I am afraid Peter and his mother won't
give me a very cordial welcome after what has
happened this morning. I wish I could see
the doctor alone.
Pages:
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32