Freeman, Mary Eleanor Wilkins, 1852-1930 / 2008-09-08 00:00:00
Josephus whispered to Letitia: "He will give me an awful licking when
we get home, and I am not afraid, honest. But if I can get hold of
that key, I mean to go into that book this very night."
Letitia looked frightened.
"You had better--" began Josephus, and he nodded meaningly.
Letitia knew what he meant, but she had no chance to reply, for Mr.
Holbrook had finished his cordial and had Josephus by the hand, and
was jerking him rather forcibly out of the door.
"A froward child, I fear," remarked Captain John Hopkins when they
had gone.
"Yes," assented his wife.
"He is afraid of Injuns when there are none, too," said
Great-great-grandmother Letitia.
"That is an evil thing, too," said her father. "It is distrusting the
Almighty to fear where is nothing to fear. A froward child, and I
trust that Goodman Holbrook will not spare the rod."
Letitia was very sure that he would not, and she pitied poor Josephus
Peabody with all her heart. She also pitied herself more than usual
that day, for the cold was stinging, and she was put to hard tasks,
and she felt forlorn at the thought that her little brother in the
hardships of the Past might that very night strive to make his
escape.
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