“I wonder whether Bill’s asleep?” said Andrew.
“You might go to the foot of the stairs and listen,” said his mother.
Andrew followed his mother’s advice, and, opening the door at the foot of the attic stairs, was astonished to hear the deep breathing which issued from Bill’s chamber.
“Ma,” he said, “Bill is snoring like a house afire.”
“Reckless boy! Does he make so light of the flogging which your father has promised him?”
“I don’t know. He’s gettin’ awful sassy lately. I do wish father would come home.”
“I think I hear him now,” said Mrs. Badger, listening intently.
Her ears did not deceive her.
Soon the steps of the master of the house, as he considered himself, were heard upon the doorstep, and Mr. Nathan Badger entered.
“I’m glad you’ve come, pa. Are you goin’ to flog Bill now?”