hat
my only feeling was one of satisfaction at the thought that Yetmore had
been made to restore the widow's property, and that the fear of ridicule
would probably keep him silent on the subject. Sharing with most boys
the love of fair play and the hatred of oppression, Tom's cleverness and
promptness of action seemed to me altogether commendable.

Nevertheless, I foresaw one consequence of the transaction which, I
thought, was pretty sure to follow, namely, that it would arouse in
Yetmore an angry resolve to "get even" with Tom by hook or by crook.
That he would resort to active reprisals if the opportunity presented
itself I felt certain, and so I warned our friend. But Tom, careless as
usual, refused to take any precautions, believing that Yetmore would not
venture as long as he--Tom--had, as he expressed it, two such damaging
shots in his magazine as the story of the lead boulder and the story of
the oil barrel; on both of which subjects he had, with rare discretion,
determined to keep silence unless circumstances should warrant their
disclosure.

It was not till I had reached home again and had jubilantly retailed the
story to my father, that I began to understand how there might be yet
another aspect to the matter. Instead of receiving it with a hearty
laugh and a "Good for Tom," as I had anticipated, he shook his head and
said:

"I'm sorry to hear it. Tom made a mistake that time. That Yetmore should
be made to give up the barrel of oil is proper enough; but what right
has Tom to appropriate to himself the duties of judge, jury and
executive officer? It is just such cases as this that earn for the
American people the reputation of a nation without respect for law. No.
Tom meant well, I know, but in my opinion he made a mistake all the
same."

"I never thought of it in that light," said I; "so it is just as well,
probably, that Tom didn't let me into the secret beforehand, because I'm
afraid I should have been only too ready to help if he had asked me."

"Yes, it is just as well you were not given the choice, I expect,"
replied my father, smiling. "I'm glad Tom had the sense to take the
whole responsibility on his own shoulders. Does he expect that Yetmore
will be content to let the matter rest where it is?"

"He seems to think so; though he is such a heedless fellow that it
wouldn't bother him much if he thought otherwise."

"Well, in my opinion he will do well to keep his eyes open. As I told
you before