Again he stopped, and thought of our Saviour's words; then, turning to his grandmother, he said, "Whoever it is that has robbed us of the fruit, I forgive him, even if it is Tom Andrews."
Ned went to work that day with a heavy heart. Tom Andrews was in high glee; for his master had said he would give him another week's trial. Ned told him of the misfortune that had happened to him, and thought that Tom looked rather confused. He also remarked that his companion had not got the red handkerchief on that he usually wore about his neck; and he asked him the reason.
"I tore it last night, scrambling through a hedge," replied Tom carelessly.
"How came you to be scrambling through a hedge last night?" inquired Ned.
"What makes you ask me that question?" returned the other, sharply.
"Because," answered Ned, fixing his eyes upon him, "because the person who stole my apricots left part of a red handkerchief hanging on our hedge."
"Do you mean to say, then, that I stole them?" exclaimed his companion, in an angry tone. "I'll teach you to tell this of me."
So saying, he struck Ned a blow on the face with his fist, before Ned was aware what he was going to do.
Ned was very much tempted to strike in return; but just as he raised his arm, something seemed to whisper that he ought not to do so; and, drawing back a few steps, he called after Tom, who was beginning to run away, saying,
"You need not be afraid of me. I am not going to strike you, though you did strike me; because it is wrong to return evil for evil."