haker? Twas a kindly turn to the little
fellows, and I'm sorry thee didn't stay to tea, lad."

"We always like to try to make them happy," said Jonah. "Indeed, that
is what I came to see you about. I'm sorry to say--"

"Thee's come to tell me why Teddy was blubbering when he got home.
Thee'd better tell that to his mother," said the father.

"I'm so sorry to say," pursued Jonah, beginning to wish he was over his
task, "my assistant-master is disappointing me. I took him on half in
charity six months ago, but lately he has been having a bad influence in
the school, and I thought it, my duty--"

"Tut, tut! The lads have been cheerier this last six months than ever
before--"

"Of course we try all we can to make them happy, and shield them from
harm," pursued Trimble, "and I am glad you think we have made school
happy for them--"

"And is that all thee's come to say?" said the bewildered parent.

"No, sir. Of course in school I can look after the boys and see they
come to no harm; but after school hours of course they are out of my
control, and then it is I'm afraid of their coming to mischief. My
assistant, I hear, has been in the habit of walking home with them, and
from what I know of him he is not a desirable companion for them, and I
think it is my duty to put you on your guard, Mr Rosher. They should
not be encouraged to see too much of him out of doors or bring him to
the house."

"It bothers me why you keep the man if he's that sort!" said Mr Rosher.
"What's wrong with him?"

"I'm afraid he's a bad character. I have only discovered it lately, and
intend to dismiss him as soon as I get a new assistant."

"What dost mean by a bad character? Is he a thief?"

Trimble looked very grave.

"I wish it was no worse than that."

The farmer's jaw dropped.

"What?" said he. "Dost mean to tell me the man's a murderer?"

Jonah looked terribly shocked.

"It's a dreadful thing to suspect any one," said he, "but it would not
be right of me to let things go on without warning you. I shall keep
your boys under my own eyes all school-time; and I advise you--"

"I don't want thy advice. Take thyself off!"

Jonah saw that to prolong the interview would only make matters worse.
The good father was evidently roused; but whether against him, Jonah, or
against Jeffreys, he could scarcely tell. He departed decidedly
crestfallen, and more than half repenting of his amiable expedition.

His misgivings were