"Well, if ever I let a dog into _my_ ward again!" exclaimed the
nurse, in a tone of stern determination.
"I'm sorry he made such a noise, ma'am. It was only because he was so
glad to find me," said Theodore, quickly.
The nurse turned away in offended silence, and Mr. Scott sat down by
the bed and began to talk with the boy.
He listened with a grave face to Theo's story. When it was ended, he
asked, "Did you recognise either of the boys?"
"Yes, sir; one, certainly, and I think I know one of the others."
"Well?" said the teacher, inquiringly.
Theodore hesitated a moment, then answered in a low tone, "You 'member
them verses you showed me that first Sunday, Mr. Scott?"
The gentleman smiled down into the sober, boyish face. "I remember,"
he replied, "but, Theo, this is a grave matter. To beat a boy until he
is unconscious, and then leave him to live or die, is a crime. Such
boys ought not to be shielded."
"Mr. Scott, I had an awful time over that last night," answered the
boy, earnestly. "I wanted to pay them fellers for this job--you better
b'lieve I did, but," he shook his head slowly, "I can't do it. You
see, sir, I ain't Tode no more--I'm Theodore, now."
There was a look on the homely, boyish face that forbade further
discussion of the matter, and, after a moment's silence, Mr.
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