as
a rather long triangle with a few trees in it. Here he made a sudden
dash and was off like a squirrel.

Marilla was after him. "Go it sonny," cried a man laughing, but she
gained on him and took him by the arm with a jerk that nearly capsized
them both.

He could not pull away. She marched him across the street and found
the store, and asked for the notion department. There were the spools
of all kinds.

"Will you please open the bag and find an order in it," she said in a
very nice manner.

The girl smiled. "Three spools of silk, two twist, black cotton number
60, white cotton, 60, 70 and 80."

She put up the order and sent the money whizzing to the cash clerk,
handing the bag to Marilla.

"What's that thing like a railroad for?" asked Jack, keeping his eyes
upon it.

"That carries the money."

"Gee! I wish I had one at home!"

The change came back. Marilla opened the bag to put it in and used
both hands. Jack was off like a flash, turning here and there through
the aisles. Clear down to the end of the store was a toy department.
Marilla was almost up to him when he grabbed a handful of toys and ran
on.

"Oh, do please stop him!" she cried to the clerk.

Two or three joined the chase. Finding they were gaining on him he
threw down the articles and stamped furiously upon them.

"What is all this row?" asked the floor walker.

"The little boy snatched the toys and ran," said the young clerk.

"Oh, Jack, how could you!" cried Marilla.

Jack laughed insolently.

"Is he your brother?" in a sharp tone.

"I'm only the nurse girl, please, sir," and Marilla began to cry.

The floor walker shook Jack until he was purple in the face.

"You little thief! You ought to go to the Station House. I've half a
mind to send you!"

"Oh, please don't," pleaded Marilla. She stooped to pick up some of
the broken pieces. "I think his mother will pay for them."

"Who's his mother?"

"Mrs. John Borden, 138 Arch Street."

"What brought you in the store."

"I was sent to buy some things. They are in this bag, and--the
change."

A gentleman came up to inquire into the matter.

"These children ought to be taught a lesson. That Granford boy carried
off an expensive toy the other night and I sent a note to his mother
that brought her to terms at once. See what is the value of these
things."

The counter girl began to place the pieces together and examine the
marks.

"It is--sixty-seven cents."

"That's too