"I am ashamed to say that Johnny was mean enough to accept this offer, and let the little girl bear his punishment; for without even stopping to thank her, he started up and made off, slamming the door behind him, and locking it with a spiteful snap.
"He had a famous time sailing the pretty little boat in the brook; and only came in at tea-time—as hungry as a bear.
"After he had eaten a hearty meal of bread and butter, baked pears, and a great piece of nice gingerbread, he noticed that the farmer's wife commenced to clear away the things, and then he remembered poor little Susie. He sat silent a good while, but at last he could not stand it any longer, and he said—'Say? ain't you agoing to give that little gal up stairs any tea? say?'
"'Yes, Johnny,' answered the mother, 'you can take this to her,' and she handed him a piece of dry bread on a plate.
"Johnny took the plate, carried it up stairs, and began to kick and bang at the door—Thump! bump! thump!
"'Unlock it and come in,' cried Susie. So Johnny did so, and went in; but when he saw the dear little child sitting there so patiently and smiling at him, a strange trem bling came to his lips, and without saying a word, he put down the plate, and darted away.
"All that night Susie staid in the garret, and slept as quietly and sweetly as if she had been in her own little room.
"When the next day came, Johnny felt very much like asking pardon for his bad conduct, and begging that Susie might come down from her captivity, while he took her place; but the sun was shining gloriously, and Johnny thought of the little boat; and so, driving away the good thoughts and impulses, he eat his breakfast, snatched up the boat, and ran out to play.
"When dinner-time came, he was the very first to come in, he was so hungry; and soon after the rest of the family, except one, took their places.
"'Where's Susie?' asked Johnny.