334 
JACK SHORT. 
quietly rising, he went around the corner of 
the house and ascended to a sort of garret 
above the wood-house, where old planks, 
worn-out tools and other things little used 
or sought for were stowed away. 
It chanced that Mr. Short had occasion to 
go to this garret for something a short time 
afterwards ; and his astonishment was great 
w T hen, on reaching the level of the door, he 
beheld his son upon his knees in the corner. 
Jack started up in some confusion when he 
heard a step, and coloured crimson when he 
met his father’s eye. It came to his lips at 
once to make a false excuse for his posi¬ 
tion ; hut happily the temptation was re¬ 
sisted, and he was silent. 
“ Never mind, Jack,” said his father, not 
unkindly. “ Ho need to be ashamed of say¬ 
ing your prayers. It’s those that don’t say 
’em that have reason to be ashamed.” He 
put his hand upon the boy’s head, and 
added, still more gently, “ I’ve seen lately 
that you’ve been trying to be abetter boy; 
and, though I haven’t said much, it’s done 
my heart good. I’m not what I ought to be 
myself; but I’ve got a father’s feelings for 
