His father called, "Peter!"
But Peter did not stop. He ran to the door and threw the crust out upon the grass.
His father went after him. "You may pick up your crust, Peter," said he.
This time Peter started to obey. He knew that he had been very naughty. But, before he could get to the crust, an old hen ran up. She snatched it in her bill and off she went.
Peter looked at his father. He was not sure what his father would do. He almost wished the hen had not taken the crust.
Father only laughed. He said, "That old hen is a friend of yours, Peter. If it had not been for her, you would have eaten that crust."
"I know it," said Peter. "And, father, I am sorry. I do not like to be naughty. I will be good. I will eat my crusts now to please you."
And after this he did.