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56 MOONFOLK.
" I have it," exclaimed he at length ;
and taking a
pair of scissors from his pocket, he quietly cut the skirts
all round about, leaving the egg-basket exposed. Then
catching it up, he hurried away, turning his head over
his shoulder and laughing at the ridiculous sight the
But walking with one's
poor Egg-Woman now presented.
head over one's shoulder is not very safe when one
carries a basket of eggs. Johnny Stout had not gone
very far before he met Tom, Mr. Piper's son, who had
just stolen a pig from Jack's house, and was running
away as fast as he could, with Jack after him. Tom was
looking back at Jack, and Johnny Stout was looking
back at the Egg-Woman. Before either of them knew
that the other was near, they ran plump into each other,
with such force as to smash every egg in the basket, and
to kill the pig, which was half frightened to death
already. "While the two boys stood staring and gasping
at each other, Jack overtook Tom Piper, and seized him
by the collar, crying :
"
Ha !
you young villain, I've got you now, haven't
I ? " and without waiting to hear Tom's reply, began
to lay his cart-whip over the young thief's
shoulders in
the most liberal fashion.
" Oh, Mr. Jack, please don't any more, please don't ! "
cried little Rhoda, running down the hill as fast as she
could, and beginning to cry herself. At the sound of
her voice, Mr. Jack let go of Tonrs collar, and he ran
roaring down the street toward his father's house, where