I say farm, though the town had grown quite to it, and a long distance along the east side of it. Vainly people tried to have the firm sell lots, but they said they wanted it all for themselves when they retired; but virtually we lived "in town."
Tommy was a much worse boy, in some respects, than either of his brothers.
He was underhanded and treacherous, keeping a fair outside to the world, and was counted by many a model youth.
His mother regarded him as such, and, in a manner, made Dr. Fred believe the same; but they were destined to a sudden awakening.
I suppose parents in general would consider it presumption for an old horse to advise them, but if they had heard as much talk among boys and young men as I have, they might be wiser than they are.
At any rate, I shall intimate that the wise parent will make sure whether his son goes to bed to sleep upon returning to his room, or whether it is only to keep still until the house is quiet, and then steal down the back stairs, or down the woodshed roof to spend the night in revelry.
Mrs. Wallace did not always breakfast with the family, but sometimes when she did I have heard that she noticed Tommy's pallor and worn expression, and chided him for studying so hard.
To others she expressed the opinion that the "dear child" was killing himself by close application, and she feared his mind would prove too much for his body. Bobby would laugh and tell her not to worry; that Tom would never die young on account of his goodness or smartness.
Well, it was a shock to me, one night about two o'clock, to hear Tommy's step in the barn and hear him call to Burr in a frightened whisper:
"Burr, Burr, get up and hide me somewhere; for Heaven's sake, hide me, I pray. I have killed a man and they are after me."