46 TOM'S REWARD. CHAP. IL 



bottle as firmly as possible. The adder was safely 

 got in and handed to the Doctor, who gave Tom 

 fourpence for the treasure. Next day it appeared 

 in the window, to the general admiration of the 

 inhabitants. 



Tom hastened home with his fourpence. On 

 entering the house he encountered his father, who 

 seized him ^ by the neck, and asked, "Where's that 

 venomous beast that you had ? " "I left it with Dr. 

 Ferguson." "But have you no more?" "No." 

 " That's very strange ! You seldom come home with 

 so few things about you. But we shall see." The 

 boy was then taken into the back yard, where he was 

 ordered to strip. Every bit of clothing was shaken, 

 examined, and searched ; the father standing by with 

 a stick. Nothing was found, and Tom was allowed 

 to put on his clothes and go up stairs to bed. 



