relate what consequences ensued from the building of Bell Franklin's
wharf.


BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

[CONTINUED]

In the morning, when the early sunbeams were gleaming on the steeples
and roofs of the town and gilding the water that surrounded it, the
masons came, rubbing their eyes, to begin their work at the foundation
of the new house. But, on reaching the spot, they rubbed their eyes so
much the harder. What had become of their heap of stones?

"Why, Sam," said one to another, in great perplexity, "here's been some
witchcraft at work while we were asleep. The stones must have flown
away through the air!"

"More likely they have been stolen!" answered Sam.

"But who on earth would think of stealing a heap of stones?" cried a
third. "Could a man carry them away in his pocket?"

The master mason, who was a gruff kind of man, stood scratching his
head, and said nothing at first. But, looking carefully on the ground,
he discerned innumerable tracks of little feet, some with shoes and some
barefoot. Following these tracks with his eye, he saw that they formed
a beaten path towards the water-side.

"Ah, I see what the mischief is," said he, nodding his head. "Those