Finally aunt Annie tried her hand. "See here, Willy dear," said she,
"you are tired and hungry and want your supper; just tell us what you
did with the coat after Grandma Perry gave it to you"--
"She didn't," said Willy.
That was dreadful. They all looked aghast at one another. Was Willy
lying--Willy!
"Didn't--give--it--to you--Sonny!" said Grandpa, feebly, and more
slowly than ever.
"No, sir."
Grandma Stockton had been called quick-tempered when she was a girl,
and she gave proof of it sometimes, even now in her gentle old age.
She spoke very sternly and quickly: "Willy, we have had all of this
nonsense that we want. Now you just speak right up an' tell the truth.
What did you do with your grandfather's coat?"
"I didn't do anything with it," faltered Willy again. His lip was
quivering.
"What?"
"I--didn't"--began the child again, then his sobs checked him. He
crooked his little free arm, hid his face in the welcome curve, and
cried in good earnest.
"Stop crying and tell me the truth," said Grandma pitilessly.
Willy again gasped out his one reply; he shook so that he could
scarcely hold his berry pail. Aunt Annie took it out of his hand and
set it on the table. Uncle Frank rose with a jerk. "I'll run over and
get mother," said he, with an air that implied, "I'll soon settle this
matter.
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