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,