It was now some weeks since Harrison had begun to save money for the new bonnet. The next afternoon following this conversation he was sent upon an errand, and unexpectedly received three shillings for the promptness and fidelity with which he performed it. This, added to his stock on hand, would make just four dollars. He determined to appropriate the whole of it, and instantly hurried home to ask his mother to accompany him to a milliner's. On his way he saw a pretty straw bonnet, ready trimmed, hanging in a show-case, and could not resist the temptation of asking the price. What was his delight to find it less than the sum he had earned. So great were his excitement and joy that he burst into his mother's room, startling her not a little by his abrupt entrance.
"Come!" he exclaimed, "come quick, mother! I want to show you something. Oh, I'm so happy! Please put on your bonnet, and come with me to the next street."
"What is it, dear?" she asked, in some surprise, "I had rather know before I go out."
"Well, then, please wait a minute and I'll tell you." He ran into his small room, put his hand under the ticking, and drew out a small purse. Happiness swelled his young heart almost to bursting. This was his first gift. It was to his dearest earthly friend, purchased with his own earnings. Suddenly his heart almost ceases to beat. He misses the familiar sound of the silver pieces, so fondly treasured, so often counted. He holds the purse up to the light; he presses his fingers convulsively upon it. Yes, he realizes that his hard earned money is gone,—all gone,—and with one loud cry throws himself across his narrow bed.
Mrs. Danforth ran quickly to his aid, but he could not speak; his disappointment was too great. At length he began:
"It's too bad! It's too mean to steal money from a little boy like me, and from an own son too. He shall give it back! It's mine, and I'll have it again," were his expressions, uttered in a loud angry tone, so different from his usual tender voice that his mother started from him in amazement.
A passionate burst of tears at length relieved the poor boy, and, sitting at his mother's feet, he unfolded to her the secret so carefully cherished, and the bitter disappointment which had overwhelmed him.
Mrs. Danforth's tears fell thick and fast; not at the loss of the bonnet, not even at the grief of the boy, sad as it was, but at the downfall of all her hopes. She pressed her hands upon her heart and sobbed aloud, "O God! that I should have lived to see this day! Give me strength to bear thy chastening rod."