Here Bub looked at me, and I understood how he wanted me to tell father when he had spoken to me under the grape vine. That would make it easier with his father.
I felt mighty mean then, I can tell you.
“Throw down your switch, neighbor,” said father. “You’ve got an honest boy, and that’s a fact. When I found you whipping him, I was dreadfully afraid of something bad. Why, neighbor, we’re all liable to forget; it’s human nature.”
Mr. Ridlet looked down.
“Your boy’s an honest boy,” repeated father. (How thankfully Bub looked at him!) “You yourself, Mr. Ridlet, forgot the silver, when you started for Mr. Bangs’,” continued father, with a laugh.
Mr. Ridlet looked foolish. He drew a step nearer father, dropping the switch.
“There’s one thing I’m not likely to forget,” said he, “and that is, my wronging you as I did. But I wish you’d forget it, neighbor. I offer my apologies.”
He held out his hand. Father took it, smilingly.
“Perhaps we’d both better forget the whole thing,” rejoined he.
“Bub,” said Mr. Ridlet, “run into the house and tell your mother that I’ve asked Mr. and Mrs. Pomfrey to spend the evening with us. Tell her to set out her best cake and that basket of blackhearts.”