The very idea of what might happen sent a thrill through her. But she was a courageous old lady, and screwing up her nerves, she hastened to Uncle Josiah's room.
He was quickly aroused, and loading his pistol, he went down to Barnaby's room, followed by my aunt with Tom by her side, now purring with evident satisfaction.
Barnaby, who with due discretion instantly set the alarm bells ringing, aroused Thomas, and what with the screaming of the women up stairs, the shouting of the men down below, and the ringing of the bells all over the house, the burglars were so frightened, that they took to their heels, leaving all the implements of their trade behind them.
Had it not been for the sagacity of Old Tom, they would have very soon been inside the house.
As the geese, whose loud quacks saved the Capital of Rome, have been honored in the pages of history, so does Old Tom deserve to have his acts recorded by a member of the family to whom he rendered so great a service.
[HOW MY PIGEON HELPED ME
TO GET MY LESSON.]
"I SHALL never know this long lesson," said George Nelson. "I wish there were no such book, then I wouldn't have to get lessons from it."
"What is the matter, George?" asked his grandma, who then entered the room.
"Oh, this lesson!" said George. "I'm sure I can't learn it. Just look! Both of these long columns, and I don't know one word!"