﻿MISCHIEVOUS THEODORE. 219 



ticulars of this sinful act were unfolded, loud and boisterous mirth 

 expressed the delight these idle fellows felt at such a feat. At a lit- 

 tle distance from the rest stood two other boys, named Oliver and 

 Theodore, in close and earnest conversation. 



Said Theodore, " It would be prime fun, if you would throw those 

 crackers into the fire ; how the boys would jump and run ! I 'd 

 throw them in if they were mine." 



"So would I," replied Oliver, "if Master wasn't in; but he'd 

 know who did it, and I don't see any fun in getting a whipping." 



" But only think," said Theodore, " how they would crack and 

 fly. Just see what a grist of them are round the fire ! Why, they 

 would scatter like blackbirds. Come, Oliver, do put them in." 



"I've a great mind to," replied Oliver, hesitatingly ; "but I'm 

 afraid of being found out. If I could do it without Master's know- 

 ing it, I would in a moment ; but, Theodore, I don't love being 

 thrashed." 



" Well, I always thought you were a coward," said the wily 

 Theodore ; " see, it's almost nine, and we must go to our seats in a 

 few moments will you give the crackers to anybody else who '11 

 put them in the fire ? }: 



" Yes," answered Oliver, " to be sure I will. I want to see the 

 fun as well as you do." 



Theodore here went towards the fire, and touching one of the 

 group on the shoulder, whispered 



" Aaron, I want to speak with you." 



The boy followed him a little way down the room. 



Said Theodore, " Don't you want to see some sport this morning, 

 Aaron ? " 



" Sport ? " said Aaron ; " yes, I 'm always ready for a frolic; what 

 is it ? " 



" Why," replied the tempting boy, " Oliver has got a bunch of 

 crackers, and I've been thinking what a scattering they would make 

 among the boys if some one would put them in the fire ; and Oliver 

 says he'll give them to any one who will put them in. Won't you 

 do it ? " 



Aaron rubbed his hands for joy, and his bright eyes sparkled at 



