of it, and they had withdrawn with him to the
gallery to watch events, which came quickly enough.

At the supper-table of the young people, little was talked of but
Bob's prank, and opinion was pretty evenly divided as to what would
happen.

"Maybe the minister will have him arrested," suggested one girl.

"Oh, I don't think so," was the opinion of another. "Mr. Blackton
is a kind-hearted man, and he likes Bob."

"But I don't believe he'll like him after tonight."

"Maybe not. It was a mean thing to do, but I couldn't help laughing
when the minister stood up and the chair went with him, swinging
around every time he moved, the legs hitting everybody."

"Yes, it was odd. I had to laugh, too."

The girls and several of their companions indulged in merriment at
the recollection. The minister soon returned to the church parlors,
wearing a different pair of trousers, and he seemed to have regained
his good humor.

"Who was the boy who wanted me to remain seated all the evening, and
perhaps longer?" he asked.

"It was Bob Henderson," volunteered several.

"Yes, Mr. Blackton," said Mrs. Henderson. "I am sorry to have to
admit that it was my son who played that prank. But he is going to
be punished for it. His father has sent him home and has followed
after him."

"I hope he will not punish Bob too severely. It was a boyish prank,
due more to thoughtlessness than to malice."

"I suppose it was, but Bob plays altogether too many such pranks. I
think this will be the last."

"Well, tell Bob I forgive him, though my trousers are ruined."

"Mr. Henderson will arrange with you about that."

"What--er--what chastisement does he contemplate administering to
Bob?" asked the minister. He and Mrs. Henderson were conversing off
to one side, in a corner of the room. "I hope he will not whip him.
Bob is too big a boy to be whipped."

"Still, parson, you know what the Good Book says: 'Spare the rod and
spoil the child.'"

"Yes, Mrs. Henderson, I know. Chastisement is all right in many
cases, but there are other means."

"And it is my plan to take them," went on Bob's mother. "I have
just made arrangements with Captain Spark to take Bob with him on a
long sea voyage."

"A sea voyage? That ought to be fine. Yes, I think that will be
better than whipping Bob. Tell your husband I said so."

"I shall. Now, if you will excuse me, I must see that these young
people have plenty to eat. They are a hungry