u can answer me or not, just as you think
best."

"I would rather not tell my name," replied Richard, in a subdued tone.

The son of the rich broker of Woodville had conscientious scruples on
this point; for though he did not scruple to commit the theft, he was
fully alive to the disgrace of being exposed. The good name, the
worldly reputation of his family, seemed to be of more value than a
conscience void of offence before Him who readeth all hearts. To speak
of the sin of the act was but to utter trite and commonplace words,
which could be found in any cheap catechism; but to mention the
disgrace attending the exposure of that sin, was to touch him where he
was keenly sensitive.

"You must tell me your name," said Mr. Batterman, firmly. "What is your
name?" he added, turning to Sandy, whom he now held with one hand.

"Sanderson Brimblecom," answered he, for he had no family reputation to
guard.

"Now, yours?" said he to Richard.

The broker's son made no reply. He had now too much respect for Mr.
Batterman to irritate him with words, and too much respect for the name
he bore to connect it with the theft he had committed. He waited in
silence till Bates came with the lantern.

CHAPTER III.

RICHARD FINDS THAT NO CHASTENING SEEMETH TO BE JOYOUS.

"Tell him who you are, Dick," said Sandy, when Bates appeared with the
lantern. "What's the use of trying to cover up your name, when the
light will blow the whole thing?"

"Well, Dick," added the farmer, adopting the name Sandy had used, "if
you don't tell me who you are, I shall see what virtue there is in that
cowhide."

"My name is Richard Grant," replied the broker's son, sullenly, and
with the feeling that he had sacrificed all his manhood by giving up
the point.

"Ah, then you are the son of Mr. Grant, of Woodville!" sneered Mr.
Batterman. "I don't wonder you didn't want to tell your name, for
stealing melons isn't a very respectable business."

"I am willing to pay for the melons, and let the matter drop where it
is," said Richard, who was so far humbled as to be willing to
compromise with the owner of the stolen fruit.

"I am not exactly willing to let the matter drop where it is. You are
the son of a rich and respectable man, and you ought to know better
than to steal; and I am going to give you a lesson which I hope you
will profit by."

"I will pay double price for all the melons, if you will let me go."

"I wouldn't let you go if you