Through the Wilderness. 109

 

“Stephen,” said Ned in an impressive way,
“do you know that the cherries in your aunt’s
orchard are just ripe?”

“Yes, we've been picking some,” said Ste-

shen. “ But you can’t get at them as you did
at the strawberries; the wall’s too high, and
the door’s locked.”

“Yes; but you can unlock it for me, and
that’s what you've got to do to-night ; leave it
so that I may find it open early to-morrow.
Do you hear?”

Stephen’s indignation here suddenly boiled
over.

“How dare you say such things to me!
Ill tell my aunt that there are thieves about,
and get her to let the watch-dog loose to
catch them.”

“Say a word about me, or leave the gate
locked when I tell you to have it open, and
see what I’ll say of Johnnie!”

“T don't care,” retorted Stephen, running
away in a rage, pursued by a threatening
shout from Ned, to which he paid no atten-
tion, never stopping till he reached his brother
at the garden gate.

“Why, Stephen, what’s the matter?” Johnnie
called in his turn. “What was Ned saying
to you?”