There was another side to it. When a good man like Mr. Prescott grows interested in a boy, and, about the time when he feels pretty sure that the boy is all right, something happens, especially about money, the man feels terribly. Then any man is likely to say hard things.
Billy had never even heard about such a thing as “conscience money,” but Mr. Prescott had had an experience with a man whose conscience didn’t work at the right time.
Billy felt uncomfortable when he went out the door; but he was fully half-way home before he realized that Mr. Prescott thought that he had told a lie about the roll of dimes; thought that he had—— Billy couldn’t finish that sentence.
He hardly spoke to Uncle John all the way home. Then, though Aunt Mary had a special treat—the little cakes covered with white frosting, the kind that Billy liked best—he could hardly eat one.
He felt worse and worse. Of course Uncle John knew that something was wrong, but he knew that a boy can’t always talk about his heartaches. Then, if it were business, he didn’t want to tempt him to tell. So Uncle John didn’t ask any questions.
They sat on the steps a long time—so much longer than usual that Aunt Mary called:
“William Wallace, it’s time to come in.”
When she said that, Uncle John said he was so thirsty that he should have to go in to get some water.
Billy heard Uncle John call Aunt Mary into the kitchen to find him a glass. Then he came out again, and sat down close by Billy.
They sat there till long after the clock struck nine. Then Billy said: