THE GRAVE ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE. 45

position from’ which he had, on the first
occasion, succeeded in raising himself to
the top of the wall; but as he -rested
on the ledge previously to making the
requisite spring, his left foot suddenly
slipped; and it was only by a vigorous
effort that he saved himself from falling
headlong into the playground. As it
was, he was obliged to step hastily on
to the bench, and from thence to the
ground, before he could recover his
équilibrium. ‘It is Walter's tiresome
marble,” muttered he, as he picked up
the alley, which, it will be remembered,
his little brother had balanced on the
ledge of the buttress the night before;
‘what a provoking child he is.” Hay-
ing thus vented his anger on the uncon-
scious cause of his misfortune, he put
the marble into his pocket, and recom-