“Yes.”

“What for?”

“Why, to discipline him and make him good.”

“But he died, mama, and so it couldn't make him good.”

“Well, then, I suppose it was for some other reason. We know it was a good reason, whatever it was.”

“What do you think it was, mama?”

“Oh, you ask so many questions! I think it was to discipline his parents.”

“Well, then, it wasn't fair, mama. Why should his life be taken away for their sake, when he wasn't doing anything?”

“Oh, I don't know! I only know it was for a good and wise and merciful reason.”

“What reason, mama?”