ne would not agree to the plan. And I, for my part,
told him to let the things alone. But he wouldn't mind me. I insisted,
but he laughed at me and helped himself to the oranges, figs, walnuts,
and raisins. I told him to put them back directly; but he wouldn't. And
then I struck him and collared him, sir; for I thought it was my duty to
fight for the property that had been left in my care. But he was bigger
than I was, and his brother came to help him, and they were too many for
me, and between them they threw me down. And then you came up. And that
is the whole truth, sir."

"It isn't! it isn't! He stole the things, and now he wants to lay it on
us! that is the worst of all! But we can prove that he did it, because
we are two witnesses against one!" said Master Alfred excitedly.

"Yes; that is the worst of all, my boy; it was bad to take the things,
but you were tempted by hunger; it was worse to deny the act, but you
were tempted by fear; it is the worst of all to try to lay your fault
upon the shoulders of others. I fear I shall be obliged to punish you,"
said the gentleman.

"Sir, punish me for the loss of the fruit if you please; but believe me;
for I speak the truth," said Ishmael firmly.

At that moment he felt a little soft hand steal into his own, and heard
a gentle voice whisper in his ear:

"I believe you, poor boy, if they don't."

He turned, and saw at his side the little orphan girl in deep mourning.
She was a stately little lady, with black eyes and black ringlets, and
with the air of a little princess.

"Come, Claudia! Come away, my love," said the lady, who had just arrived
at the spot.

"No, aunt, if you please; I am going to stand by this poor boy here! He
has got no friend! He is telling the truth, and nobody will believe
him!" said the little girl, tossing her head, and shaking back her black
ringlets haughtily.

It was easy to see that this little lady had had her own royal will,
ever since she was one day old, and cried for a light until it was
brought.

"Claudia, Claudia, you are very naughty to disobey your aunt," said the
gentleman gravely.

The little lady lifted her jetty eyebrows in simple surprise.

"'Naughty,' uncle! How can you say such things to me? Mamma never did;
and papa never does! Pray do not say such things again to me, uncle! I
have not been used to hear them."

The gentleman shrugged his shoulders, and turned to Ishmael, saying:

"I am more grieved than angry,