Unfortunate Charlie! When he went home at a late hour Aunt Stanshy was
disposed to rebuke him for his tardiness. This was too much for Charlie.
He broke out into a whimper: "I think I have a sad life, only scoldings at
home and scoldings and arithmetic at school."

"O, no!" said Aunt Stanshy, soothingly, guessing that the little fellow
had had some trouble that day, and had been sufficiently punished for any
fault; "O, no! not so bad as that! Haven't you a pleasant home?"

"Yes--you--you are kind, I know, real kind."

"Well, don't think any thing more about it. Here is a big piece of mince
pie."

He had not eaten more than one half of his lunch when he felt very much
comforted, and the outside world brightened very perceptibly. To comfort
him still further Aunt Stanshy allowed him to go after several boys and
bring them to the barn, and it was in connection with this gathering that
a new and important enterprise was suggested by one of the boys.

"It's something that will pay," said Sid.

Every body wanted to believe it and was willing to help it along. Soon
Charlie came running from the barn into the kitchen.

"Aunt Stanshy, will you please lend me your scales?"

"My what?"