Our hero was prepared. He sprang for Tommy, seized him, and drawing him to the trough, took a dipper of water, and dashed it into his face.
“The next time you’ll get something worse,” he said, coolly.
Tommy roared with anger and mortification, and again ran into the house, to complain to his mother.
She came out like an avenging fury, and began to revile Andy, and threaten all sorts of punishment when her husband got home.
“Do you expect me to stand still, and let Tommy throw stones at me?” asked Andy.
“I didn’t throw a stone,” denied Tommy.
“Of course you didn’t, my angel!” said Mrs. Brackett. “Henry Miller, when Mr. Brackett gets home, he shall whip you till you are black and blue.”
“Mrs. Brackett,” said an indignant voice behind her, “you are blaming the wrong boy. Tommy did throw stones at Henry, for I saw the whole transaction from my window. Henry treated him just as he ought to be treated. If he were my boy, I would give him a good, sound whipping.”
Knowing that Mr. Dodge had money to leave, Mrs. Brackett did not dare to reply as she wished to do.
“So you turn against my poor boy, too,” she said.