IT WAS VERY SLOW PROGRESS THAT THE TWO MADE ALONG THE UNEVEN COBBLES.
“I can’t bear it, Mammy; I won’t have they,” Tommy cried.
There was no resisting Mammy’s strength; the shoes were not only on, but buttoned.
“I won’t have they, Mammy. Lemme go to bed.”
“You may go to bed the minute you’ve had your tea, my son; but first run an’ get me two cabbages to Bridget’s.”
A downward movement on Tommy’s part drew a warning from Mrs. Tregennis. “Don’t ee remove they shoes, my son. Now run off quickly and get me two cabbages to Bridget’s.”
As Mrs. Tregennis spoke she put some coppers into Tommy’s hand. Tommy’s fingers remained limp and the pennies rolled over the kitchen floor. At the same time he kicked off the strap shoes and sent them to the farthest corner of the room.
Then Tommy was whipped, and in spite of cries and kicks the strap shoes were again buttoned on his wet, resisting feet. “Now go and get me two cabbages to Bridget’s,” commanded Mrs. Tregennis.
“Shan’t fetch no more errands for ee, ever;” asseverated Tommy, his fingers clenched.
“Go an’ get me two cabbages to Bridget’s,” said Mrs. Tregennis, now punctuating each word with a slap, and Tommy’s sobs rose anew.