Newton was groaning and in convulsions. Horrible grimaces contorted his face, his jaws were set, his arms and legs drawn up, and his muscles tense.
“What’s the matter?” His father’s voice was stern as well as full of anxiety. “What’s the matter, boy?”
“Oh!” cried Newton. “Oh! Oh! Oh!”
“Newtie, Newtie!” cried his mother, “where are you in pain? Tell mother, Newtie!”
“Oh,” groaned Newtie, relaxing, “I feel awful!”
“What you been eating?” interrogated his father.
“Nothing,” replied Newton.
“I saw you eatin’ dinner,” said his father.
Again Newton was convulsed by strong spasms, and again his groans filled the hearts of his parents with terror.
“That’s all I’ve eaten,” said he, when his spasms had passed, “except a few raisins. I was putting strychnine in ’em——”