"You can c'lect from them later," retorted Peace. "You were at the head of it, I know."
"Get the money, son," repeated the father sternly, and the unhappy boy thought it wise to obey without further demur.
When the two silver dollars were laid in her hand Peace smiled her relief, and with a curt "Thank you," turned to go, when to the utter amazement of the whole family, she whirled suddenly about and confronted Hector again, saying calmly, "While I am here, I might as well c'lect for that cake you stole more'n a year ago."
"Cake?" echoed the group, while the boy's face grew scarlet with guilt once more.
"Yes, cake! We thought my tramp took it at first. Faith made it for the minister's reception and put it on the wash-bench under a dishpan to cool. 'Twas gone when she went to get it again. Hec stole it."
"Hector, did you?"
The boy nodded, too miserable to speak.
"How much was that worth, Peace?"
"It was bigger'n a fifty-cent one. I guess it will be seventy-five cents."
"Get your bank and settle your account, Hector."