"To buy a new top. Eddie Lawson has one, and I want one like it."
The indulgent father gave him the money with a smile.
Joseph, however, had no idea of buying a top. He had been with his companion that morning into a store and had seen some cocoanuts of which he was very fond. He was sure if he asked for money to buy a cocoanut, he would be refused, because they always made him sick. He thought a cocoanut very cheaply obtained when he had only to tell one lie for it.
In the night, Mr. Saunders was aroused by a stealthy step coming into his chamber, and presently by Aunt Clarissa's voice saying,—
"Joseph seems very sick. I think you had better call the doctor."
The physician came just after the child had thrown from his stomach a quantity of indigestible matter.
"He has been in dreadful pain all night," remarked his aunt, who was holding his head.
"Well, he'll die one of these days, if you are not more careful what he eats," said the doctor, dryly. "He's had cocoanut again, which is rank poison to him."
"Joseph, have you eaten any cocoanut?" asked his father. "Tell me the truth, my boy, and I'll forgive you this time."
He shook his head.