wing was greater than that of any bird.

[Illustration]




CHAPTER VIII.

THE WALK TO THE CREEK.


The next day there was a heavy thunder shower, in the morning, which
compelled the boys to stay in the house; and in the afternoon the
teacher of the academy paid Mr. Harvey a visit. During the time that he
staid, Thomas, with his brother and cousin, were told to remain in the
house. But the next day was cool and pleasant, and they started early on
a ramble through the fields. As they passed close to a farm house,
Samuel saw a large dog chained to a tree, in the yard. It looked very
fierce at them as they passed, and then began to growl and bark. Thomas
told his cousin, that this dog had bitten several persons in the
neighborhood, and that some of the school boys had tried to poison it;
but that the farmer was careful always to keep it chained, so that no
body might get a chance to catch it in the road.

About half a mile further onward was a fine stream of water. It began in
the hills, and ran winding along, deeper and broader, to a great
distance. Mr. Harvey owned several farms along this creek; and here
Thomas and John often came, in summer evenings, to swim. The water was
clear and pure, so that hundreds of fish could be seen sporting around