thinking, all the time, how kind Mr. Sullivan was, when who should come along but the gentleman himself. "And so I have caught you stealing my peaches, you young rogues," said he, as he got over the wall and came up to them. Edward hung down his head and made no reply. He was still up in the tree, filling his cap. "But Edward told me you gave him liberty to get as many as he pleased, and to get them when he pleased," answered Willie. "That's a pretty story indeed; you needn't think you can get off so." And the man took hold of Edward, and pulled him down from the tree. "I have told you the truth; indeed I have. Do you think I would tell a wicked lie ?" and the boy looked up into his face so calmly and innocently that he could not doubt the truth of what he said. "What is your name, little boy?" asked Mr. Sullivan, in a somewhat altered tone. "William Rowe." "What, little Willie Rowe, the son of the widow who lives in the little cottage down by the brook ?" "Yes, sir." "Well, then I believe you; for every one says that Willie Rowe is a good boy, and always speaks the truth; but I am sorry you are in such bad company." All this time Edward had stood by with his cap full of peaches in his hand, looking just as though he would like to run away. And, sure enough, just as Mr. Sullivan finished what he was saying to Willie, down went the peaches, and away scampered the thief, as fast as his feet would carry him. "Rover! Rover! take him! take him!" shouted Mr. Sullivan; and in a moment a great black, shaggy dog came bounding over the hill. Mr. Sullivan pointed to Edward, who had got so far away that he began to feel quite safe, and the dog bounded off after him. Edward could run very fast for a boy, but he could not run as fast as a large dog; and when he turned to take a last look at Willie, Rover was just behind him. He had time to utter but a single cry, before the dog's big feet were upon his shoulders, and his teeth set in the collar of his jacket. Edward came to the ground with a shriek of terror, with the dog on top of him. When Willie saw Edward fall, he really supposed the dog would kill him, and he cried out, "O, Rover will kill him! Mr. Sullivan, call him away, do!" Mr. Sullivan assured Willie there was no danger. He walked quite slowly toward Edward, who, with the dog's feet still upon his |