Tommy also sought his domicile, finding his father and mother in the kitchen.
"If that boy takes to stopping out nights," he heard Mr. Smithers say, "he can stay away altogether, for what I care."
"You forget," replied his mother, "that it was your injustice and ungovernable temper that drove him out."
"He's such a fool, madam."
"Can he help being a little soft? Besides, he's quite young yet."
At this juncture Tommy came forward.
"Here I am, mother," he said.
"Where have you been, sir?" demanded Mr. Smithers.
Tommy related the incidents of the night, which were pronounced to be very wonderful.
"Well, I'll overlook it this time," said his stepfather; "but don't let it happen again, or I'll take you into the woodshed and welt you considerable."