“‘How much do you think he understood, mother?’ said Silky.
“‘I don’t know,’ said Mrs. Meadow, shaking her head.
“‘He listened, mother,’ said Silky.
“‘Yes. I won’t say anything more to him to-day. He’s had enough.’
“And when the little sleeper awoke, they bent all their attention to giving him a pleasant day. He had a good dinner and a nice supper. His clothes were thoroughly dried; and Mrs. Meadow said when she put them on, that if she could only get a chance of a week-day, she would patch them up comfortably for him. Towards nightfall the rain stopped, and he went home dry and warm, and with a good piece of cheese and a loaf of plain gingerbread under his arm. When he was all ready to set out he paused at the door, and looking up at Mrs. Meadow said,—
“‘Does he say we mustn’t do that?’
“‘Who, dear?’
“‘Does Jesus Christ say we mustn’t do that?’
“‘Do what?’
“‘Steal,’ said Norman, softly.