he used in plowing his fields. Two of the young mules were very
ill-tempered. Milton's father was very careful to keep the little pigs and
calves out of their way, for fear the mules would paw them to death.

"When Milton was almost nine, a little baby brother came into his home.
His name was Marion. Milton loved the baby dearly, and never grew tired
of playing with him.

"Their father built a fence around the yard. They were careful to keep
the gates of the fence closed, so little Marion could not wander away;
especially after the two ill-tempered mules were put out to pasture in
the lot just back of the house.

"Late one afternoon, Milton was helping his father in the back lot. Daddy
had to go and do something else, so he left the boy to finish the job.

"'As soon as you have finished,' said Daddy, 'you may go to the house.
But be sure to latch the back yard gate.'

"Daddy did not get home until after dark. 'Milton,' he said, 'did you
latch the gate when you came in this afternoon?'

"Milton knew he had forgotten, but he thought to himself, 'If I tell the
truth, I shall have to go out and latch the gate now; and I am afraid
of the dark.'

"Aloud, he said, 'Yes, Daddy, I did.'

"'Are you sure?' asked Daddy.