THE EXAMINATION. 2038

“To be sure it is, Walter,” replied
Mertoun, a little startled at the abrupt-
ness of the question,

“Do not people deserve to be pun-
ished very badly for telling stories, broth-
er?” pursued the child, halftalking to
himself.

“No doubt they do,” said Harry, un-
easily ; “but what makes you ask that?”

“I was thinking,” said Walter, “what
would be done to Edward Sharpe for
telling stories.”

“Edward Sharpe!” ejaculated Mertoun;
“has he been telling stories ?”

Walter nodded.

“What about, Walter?”

“Why, he said that once upon a time,
Some one pretended to be ill, in order
that it might not be found out that he
could not do his ciphering,” replied Wal-