"It was Bob Henderson," volunteered several.

"Yes, Mr. Blackton," said Mrs. Henderson. "I am sorry to have to
admit that it was my son who played that prank. But he is going to
be punished for it. His father has sent him home and has followed
after him."

"I hope he will not punish Bob too severely. It was a boyish prank,
due more to thoughtlessness than to malice."

"I suppose it was, but Bob plays altogether too many such pranks. I
think this will be the last."

"Well, tell Bob I forgive him, though my trousers are ruined."

"Mr. Henderson will arrange with you about that."

"What--er--what chastisement does he contemplate administering to
Bob?" asked the minister. He and Mrs. Henderson were conversing off
to one side, in a corner of the room. "I hope he will not whip him.
Bob is too big a boy to be whipped."

"Still, parson, you know what the Good Book says: 'Spare the rod and
spoil the child.'"

"Yes, Mrs. Henderson, I know. Chastisement is all right in many
cases, but there are other means."

"And it is my plan to take them," went on Bob's mother. "I have