“Yes,” said William.
“And I suppose he would punish us in some way or other,” added John.
“Yes,” said William, “I think it very likely that he would.”
“But then, John,” continued William, “I don’t think it would be right to let Thomas bear the blame of setting the tool-house on fire, when we are the ones that did it.”
John was silent.
“I think we had better go and tell father all about it the first thing to-morrow morning.”
“We shall get punished if we do,” said John.
“Well,” said William, “I don’t care. I had rather be punished than try to keep it secret. If we try to keep it secret, and let Thomas bear the blame, we shall be miserable about it for a long time, and feel guilty or ashamed whenever we meet father or Thomas. I had rather be punished at once and have it done with.”
“Let us tell father.”
“Well,” said John, “let us tell father. We will tell him the first thing to-morrow morning.”