CHAP. ii. A MAGGY MONNY FEET. 35 



One morning, when the boys were at their lessons 

 and the master was at his desk, a sudden commotion 

 occurred. The master gave a loud scream, and, 

 jumping to his feet, he shook something from his 

 arm, and suddenly put his foot upon it. Then, turn- 

 ing in Edward's direction, he exclaimed, "This is 

 some more of your work, Master Edward." Not 

 hearing what he said, Edward made no reply. Another 

 boy was called forward, and both stooping down, they 

 took up something and laid it on a sheet of paper. 

 On rising, the boy was asked what it was. " It's a 

 Maggy Monny Feet," he said. ** Is its bite dangerous ? 

 Is it poisonous ? " The boy could not tell 



Edward was then called to the floor. " You've 

 been at your old trade, Edward, I see ; but 111 now 

 take it out of you. I have warned you not to bring 

 any of your infernal beasts here, and now I have just 

 found one creeping up my arm and biting me. Hold 

 up." Edward here ventured to say that he had not 

 brought the beast, that he had not brought anything 

 for a long while past. "What! a lie too?" said the 

 master : " A lie added to the crime makes it doubly 

 criminal. Hold up, sir ! " Tom held up his hand, and 

 the master came down upon it very heavily with the 

 taws. " The other ! " The other hand was then held 

 up, and when Tom had got his two hot hands, the 

 master exclaimed, " That's for the lie, and this for the 

 offence ! " and then he proceeded to bring the taws 

 heavily down upon his back. The boy, however, did 

 not cry. 



