the child for his pretty ways.

The Squire dismounted from his horse and came to where the boy was
lying.

"Awake!" said he, shaking him by the shoulder, "and depart from my
lands, for you have betrayed my trust, and let the sheep and the cows
stray into the fields and meadows!"

Little Boy Blue started up at once and rubbed his eyes; and then he
did as Isaac prophesied, and began to weep bitterly, for his heart was
sore that he had failed in his duty to the good Squire and so
forfeited his confidence.

But the Squire's daughter was moved by the child's tears, so she took
him upon her lap and comforted him, asking,

"Why did you sleep, Little Boy Blue, when you should have watched the
cows and the sheep?"

"My mother has broken her leg," answered the boy, between his sobs,
"and I did not sleep all last night, but sat by her bedside nursing
her. And I tried hard not to fall asleep, but could not help myself;
and oh, Squire! I hope you will forgive me this once, for my poor
mother's sake!"

"Where does your mother live?" asked the Squire, in a kindly tone,
for he had already forgiven Little Boy Blue.

"In the cottage down by the river," answered the child; "and she is