Leaving his wife weeping by the bed side, Mr. Dodge followed the physician to the door.
"This suspense is terrible," he gasped. "It would be better to know the worst at once."
"Leave the result with God, my afflicted friend."
"I try to do that, but cannot you give me—"
"Would you have his life at the sacrifice of his reason," asked the Doctor interrupting him. Then without another word he got into his buggy, and drove away.
It was near midnight when Ellen, too anxious to sleep, took her lamp, and went to fasten the back door. She started to see a man standing there, but presently recognised Mr. Crawson.
"How is he?" asked the husky voice.
"Very bad indeed!" shrieking and crying out; "Don't, Dan! I wouldn't do so! You said your father gave you leave. I think I ought to have half the lilies. No, I don't think mother would like it if she knew I was here."
Mr. Crawson groaned and turned away.
At home, poor Daniel sobbing and trembling with fear, had confessed to his father every thing that had occurred; how he hated study and had taken every opportunity to play truant; how he had robbed bird's nests, and used the boat many times without permission;—how he had enticed Jimmy on Tuesday, and again on that fatal day;—how Jimmy had made him angry by reproving him for lying; how he had charged the same upon Jimmy;—and how ashamed the poor boy looked;—and at last how frightened he was after he had struck the terrible blow.