"Well," said Sam, assuming a serious air, "perhaps our Lord forgave the boy this time, that in future he may learn to be more respectful."
"The lawn of the College," continued Bolax "is kept so smooth and green; they have signs all around, 'Keep off the Grass,' but the boys pay no attention and actually walk on the nice lawn, when the poor Brothers have such work to keep it nice. I went behind a big fellow that was on the grass and I pushed him off, and asked him if he didn't see the sign." "What did he say to you?" laughed the boys. "Oh, he called me a fusty kid, and said, 'I'd get my eye teeth cut after awhile, if I stayed long enough at College.' But, Ma says I cut my eye teeth when I was two years old." "Is that so? Let me see," said Sam, opening Bo's mouth. "Yes, I really believe you have."
"Are the priests kind to you?"
"You bet they are. Why there's one, oh, he is so beautiful, but the poor dear is lame. He stays in his room most of the time. Day before yesterday he asked me to come up to see him, and he showed me pictures, and told me a story of a soldier—and, oh, I just know he is an angel, because he has a closet full of guns."
Such a reason for being considered an angel struck the boys as so funny, that they laughed outright. Sam patted the little fellow on the head, and gave him a boy's greatest compliment: "You certainly are a jolly good fellow, Bolax."
By this time the coal had been deposited in the cellar, so Bolax wanted to go away. "Oh, come in," said Sam, "and say Good-bye, but first let me wipe your face; there is just a speck of black on the end of your nose." Bo was very thankful to be made somewhat presentable and entered the parlor, taking leave of the ladies in a most dignified manner, which ill-assorted with his begrimed appearance.
"You're not going to ride home on the coal cart?" said Miss Devine.
"I'm not fit to get into your carriage," said Bo.
"Never mind, come with me; we'll excuse you this time."