the scrape without a broken head or a bloody nose. Johnny was a
bully, and he had a bully's reputation to maintain; but he never
fought when the odds were against him; and he had a congressman's
skill in backing out before the water got too hot. On the whole,
he rather enjoyed the pun; and he had the condescension to laugh
heartily, though somewhat unnaturally, at the jest.

"Will you give me a flounder, Tommy?" said the little ragged
girl, as she glanced into his well-filled basket.

"What do you want of him, Katy?" asked Tommy turning round and
gazing up into her sad, pale face.

Katy hesitated; her bosom heaved, and her lips compressed, as
though she feared to answer the question.

"To eat," she replied, at last, in a husky tone.

"What's the matter, Katy?"

The face of the child seemed to wear a load of care and anxiety,
and as the young fisherman gazed a tear started from her eye, and
slid down her cheek. Tommy's heart melted as he saw this
exhibition of sorrow. He wondered what could ail her.

"My mother is sick," replied Katy, dashing away the tell-tale
tear.

"I know that; but what do you want of flounders?"