"It would have burned to the ground, if Mr. Presby and Ben had not put the fire out. I have let my friend expose you in his own way, because the trouble he has taken reveals to me your true character. You are worse than your dissolute companions. Richard, you have become a villain!"
Mr. Grant rose from his chair and walked away to hide the tears which this sad revelation of his son's character drew from his eyes.
"He is not so bad as he might be," interposed Mr. Presby. "Remember that he saved the animals in the barn."
"The record is black even with this redeeming line," said Mr. Grant. "I would rather follow my son to his grave than have him become such a wretch as you are, Richard. Shall I let you take the consequences of your crime?"
"What consequences, father?" asked Richard, with a degree of humility he had never before exhibited.
"Are you a simpleton? Don't you know the penalty of your crime?"
"We didn't burn the barn."
"In the eye of the law you are just as guilty as though the barn had burned to the ground. If convicted, you would be sent to the state prison. I have made up my mind what to do with you," said Mr. Grant, as he walked out of the room, for his emotions would no longer permit him to remain.
"You have got into a bad scrape, Dick," added uncle Obed, as he shook his head, and followed his brother, leaving the culprit alone with Mr. Presby.
"He will not let them send me to the state prison?" said Richard, fearful that his father might have abandoned all hope of redeeming him from the error of his ways.