of address.

"Ain't you a highwayman?" asked the old lady.

"If you look at me close I think you will be able to answer that
question for yourself."

The old lady cautiously rose to a sitting posture, and, mechanically
adjusting her spectacles, took a good look at the young man.

"Why, I declare for it, ef it ain't Mr. Morton! I thought 'twas you that
fired at me."

"I hope you are not hurt," said Mr. Morton, finding a difficulty in
preserving his gravity.

"I dunno," said the old lady dubiously, pulling up her sleeve, and
examining her arm. "I don't see nothin'; but I expect I've had some
injury to my inards. I feel as ef I'd had a shock somewhere. Do you
think he'll fire again?" she asked, with a sudden alarm.

"You need not feel alarmed," was the soothing reply. "It was no doubt an
accident."

Turning suddenly, he espied Pomp peering from behind a tree, with eyes
and mouth wide open. The little contraband essayed a hasty flight; but
Mr. Morton, by a masterly flank movement, came upon him, and brought
forward the captive kicking and struggling.

"Le' me go!" said Pomp. "I ain't done noffin'!"

"Didn't you fire a gun at this lady?"

"No," said Pomp boldly. "Wish I may be killed ef I did!"

"I know 'twas you--you--you imp!" exclaimed Mrs. Payson, in violent
indignation. "I seed you do it. You're the wust boy that ever lived, and
you'll be hung jest as sure as I stan' here!"

"How did it happen, Pomp?" asked Mr. Morton quietly.

"It jest shooted itself!" said Pomp, in whom the old lady's words
inspired a vague feeling of alarm. "I 'clare to gracious, Mass' Morton,
it did!"

"Didn't you have the gun in your hand, Pomp? Where did you get it?"

"I jest borrered it of Mass' Frank, to play sojer a little while," said
Pomp reluctantly.

"Does he know that you have got it?"

"I 'clare I done forgot to tell him," said Pomp reluctantly.

"Will you promise never to touch it again?"

"Don't want to!" ejaculated Pomp, adding spitefully, "He kick me over!"

"I'm glad on't," said the old lady emphatically, with a grim air of
satisfaction. "That'll l'arn you not to fire it off at your elders
ag'in. I've a great mind to box your ears, and sarve you right, too."

Mrs. Payson advanced, to effect her purpose; but Pomp was wary, and,
adroitly freeing himself from Mr. Morton's grasp, butted at the old lady
with such force that she would have fallen backward but for the timely
assistance of Mr. Morton, who sprang