Walter had stolen away to cry over Jim's punishment, and wish that
he had had the courage to tell the truth at first; but saying to
himself that it was too late now, his father wouldn't believe him,
and he would make it up to Jim somehow, even if it took all his
pocket-money for a month.
None of the other members of the family had left the room, and all
wore an anxious, expectant look, as Mr. Dinsmore entered, leading
Elsie by the hand.
"I have brought you another witness, sir," he said, "for it seems
Elsie was present when the mischief was done."
"Ah!" exclaimed the old gentlemen; "then I may hope to get at the
truth. Elsie, who broke my watch?"
"It was not Jim, grandpa, indeed, _indeed_, it was not; but
oh! _please_ don't make me say who it was," replied the little
girl, beseechingly.
"Elsie!" exclaimed her father, in a tone of stern reproof.
"O papa! how can I?" she sobbed, trembling and clinging to his
hand as she caught a threatening look from Arthur.
"Come, come, child, you must tell us all you know about it," said
her grandfather, "or else I can't let Jim off.
Pages:
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177