There was a moment of hesitation, and she fancied she saw him put something into the crotch of the tree before he came sliding down at her feet, looking decidedly confused.
"What were you doing up there, Conny?" she asked, pleasantly.
"No harm at all, ma'am," said Conny, with his eyes on his bare brown feet.
"I suppose not, but I should like to know what it was that you hid up in the tree."
"It's no harm, ma'am," repeated Conny, very red and very earnest.
"Then you can certainly show it to me: I wish to see it," said Mrs. Hunter, decidedly.
Conny disappeared in the tree, and in an instant came down, more slowly than before, carrying something carefully in his hand. He gave it to Mrs. Hunter, and stood before her looking as red and guilty as if he had been found in possession of the doctor's gold watch. It was a miniature sideboard of fragrant red cedar, nearly complete, with drawers, shelves, and exquisite carvings—a lovely little model of the handsome sideboard which was the pride of Mrs. Hunter's heart.
"What a beautiful thing!" said Mrs. Hunter, with such delight in her tone that Conny ventured to look up.
"I was keeping it a secret, ma'am, for little Miss Betty's birthday, to give it her unbeknown."
"It is the very prettiest toy I ever saw," said Mrs. Hunter. "I am sorry I spoiled your secret, Conny, but you don't mind my knowing, do you?"