His mother threw herself between them, and Tommy escaped the intended blows, but his stepfather chased him around the room, uttering frantic cries.
The door being open, the boy thought it would be only prudent to make his escape.
"You rascal! you dunce!" cried Smithers. "The idea of giving oysters to horses! I'll be even with you!"
Tommy banged the door after him, and his stepfather, having put his hand on it, got badly crushed.
He withdrew his hand covered with blood, and as he sucked his fingers he danced an original fandango on the floor.
At this moment the door opened and a boy's form appeared.
Blinded with rage and smarting with pain, Smithers struck out with the cane.
"Oh, pa!" cried the boy; "what have I done? It's me, Harold. Look out, or you'll hit Ally."
Mr. Smithers groaned again.
In the passion of the moment he struck his own child, Harold, who, with his sister, had just returned from the party.