He worked out the problem, and then tackled something harder still. Not having anyone to guide him, he made numerous mistakes. But he kept on without becoming disheartened and at last the second example was solved as correctly as the first.
He was just about to begin a third, when his mother entered the cottage almost breathlessly. From the look on her face it was plain to see she had something to tell that was of great importance.
CHAPTER VI.
MRS. NELSON'S STORY.
"What is it, mother?" cried Ralph, as Mrs. Nelson placed her basket on the floor and dropped into a chair.
"Oh, Ralph! I can hardly believe it possible!" exclaimed the good woman, catching her breath.
"Believe what possible?"
"That Percy Paget would be so wicked!"