. He was roused to the
highest pitch of anger, and felt as though he had just as lief die as
live in defence of his mother's good name.

I am not sure that I could excuse Bobby's violence under any other
circumstances. He loved his mother--as the novelists would say, he
idolized her; and Mr. Hardhand had certainly applied some very
offensive epithets to her--epithets which no good son could calmly
hear applied to a mother. Besides, Bobby, though his heart was a large
one, and was in the right place, had never been educated into those
nice distinctions of moral right and wrong which control the judgment
of wise and learned men. He had an idea that violence, resistance with
blows, was allowable in certain extreme cases; and he could conceive
of no greater provocation than an insult to his mother.

"Be calm, Bobby; you are in a passion," said Mrs. Bright.

"I am surprised, marm," began Mr. Hardhand, who prudently refrained
from repeating the offensive language--and I have no doubt he was
surprised; for he looked both astonished and alarmed. "This boy has a
most ungovernable temper."

"Don't you worry about my temper, Mr. Hardhand; I'll take care of
myself. All I want of you is not to insult my mother. You may say what
you like to me; but don't you call her hard names."

Mr. Hardhand, like all mean, little men, was a coward; and he was
effectually intimidated by the bold and manly conduct of the boy. He
changed his tone and manner at once.

"You have no money for me, marm?" said he, edging towards the door.

"No, sir; I am sorry to say that I have been able to save only five
dollars since I paid you last; but I hope----"

"Never mind, marm, never mind; I shall not trouble myself to come here
again, where I am liable to be kicked by this ill-bred cub. No, marm,
I shall not come again. Let the law take its course."

"O, mercy! See what you have brought upon us, Bobby," exclaimed
Mrs. Bright, bursting into tears.

"Yes, marm, let the law take its course."

"O, Bobby! Stop a moment, Mr. Hardhand; do stop a moment."

"Not a moment, marm. We'll see;" and Mr. Hardhand placed his hand
upon the latch string.

Bobby felt very uneasy and very unhappy at that moment. His passion
had subsided, and he realized that he had done a great deal of
mischief by his impetuous conduct.

Then the remembrance of his morning adventure on the bridge came like
a flash of sunshine to his mind, and he eagerly drew from his pocket
the h