"Yes, mother, you are right," said Mr. Stormways, just then. "Things have
been going from bad to worse in our town of late, and the fathers are
beginning to wonder where it will end. Only yesterday I met old Peleg
Growdy. You remember the old fellow, for we stopped at his place when we
were out riding, and had a drink at his well."

"Yes, and a most singular old man he was. I really couldn't say that I
was much impressed with his looks or conversation," replied the lady, as
she poured another cup of coffee for her husband.

"All very true; but he minds his own business if let alone; and after all
I find that he is a well educated man, up in most questions of the day.
But the boys, or some of them at least, have for a long time considered
old Peleg a fit subject for practical jokes. They change the lines on his
team, given half a chance, and annoy him in every way possible. Really, I
don't wonder he is bitter about it."

"But you had something in mind, father, when you said that you met him?"

Mr. Stormways looked at Jack.

"That is true, my son; and do you know, the first thought that came to me
was one of pleasure to feel absolutely sure no boy of mine would disgrace
himself in plaguing an old man who had never harmed him."

Jack felt a glow in the region of his heart at this show of confidence;
and resolved that more than ever would he merit it; but somehow he could
not help looking out of the tail of his eye toward Karl, to find that the
color had mounted to his forehead, and that he seemed embarrassed.