"What—er—what chastisement does he contemplate administering to
Bob?" asked the minister. He and Mrs. Henderson were conversing off
to one side, in a corner of the room. "I hope he will not whip him.
Bob is too big a boy to be whipped."
"Still, parson, you know what the Good Book says: 'Spare the rod and spoil the child.'"
"Yes, Mrs. Henderson, I know. Chastisement is all right in many cases, but there are other means."
"And it is my plan to take them," went on Bob's mother. "I have just made arrangements with Captain Spark to take Bob with him on a long sea voyage."
"A sea voyage? That ought to be fine. Yes, I think that will be better than whipping Bob. Tell your husband I said so."
"I shall. Now, if you will excuse me, I must see that these young people have plenty to eat. They are a hungry lot."
"Indeed they are. Don't forget to tell Bob I forgive him. I don't want him to worry. Tell him, also, that he must be a little more thoughtful."
"I will."
When Captain Spark and Mrs. Henderson went home from the donation supper that night they discussed on the way the further plans of sending Bob to sea.
"We must consult Mr. Henderson about it," said the captain.