in whom there appeared to be left no defence. Never have I
seen so old a woman in such a towering rage, and rarely have I seen
one of seventy-five with vigour sufficiently unimpaired to feel so
extremely as she gave evidence of doing.

"This is the first time anythink like this ever happened in my family,
and if I thought it wouldn't be the last I believe I'd kill you where
you are."

Andrew emitted no sound, he had given himself up with that calmness
one evinces when the worst is upon them--when there is nothing further
beyond.

"Go off to bed as you are without a bit to eat," she continued,
plucking at her little collar as though to get air. "To-morrow I'll
see the Brays about this, and I'll skelp the skin off of you. I'd do
it now, only there's no knowing where I'd end, I feel that terrible
upset. What would Jim Clay think now, I wonder? You God-forsaken young
vagabond, bringin' disgrace upon me at this time of me life. I'd be
ashamed to walk up town and give me vote as I was lookin' forward to,
and me grandson nearly in jail for stealing. _Stealing_! It's a nice
sounding word in connection with one of your own that you've rared
strict, ain't it? You snuffed up mighty smart when I asked you your
doings, now it comes out why you couldn't account for 'em. 'Might as
well be in a bloomin' glass case as have to carry a pocket-book round
an' make a map of where he's been,' sez he. It appears a map of your
doin's wouldn't pass examination by the police. How would you have
been makin' a honest way in the world if I wasn't here to be
responsible for you?"

"Oh, grandma!" said Dawn, seeking to calm her, lest the excitement
would be too much. "After all it mightn't be so bad. Lots of boys take
a few paltry oranges out of the gardens and no one makes such a fuss
but that old creature. He just wants to be officious." This was an
injudicious attempt at peace.

"Is that you speakin', Dawn? '_Lots of boys do it._' Perhaps you will
also say, 'Lots of girls come home with a baby in their arms.' Once
you get the idea in your head that there's no harm because lots do it,
you're on a express train to the devil. Lots of people do things and
some don't, and that's the only difference between the vagabonds I've
never been, and the decent folk I'd cut me throat if I wasn't among.
An' you're the last person I ever would have thought would have upheld
a _thief_!"

"Well, grandma!" protested Dawn, "I don't uphold him. I'm ashamed to
b