ed off to another cottage, and here were
several children waiting for her. As soon as the little girl came in
they all crowded around her, and were eager to begin their lessons at
once.

Then she threw the letters down and said to the boy next her, "What did
you have for dinner to-day?" "Bread," answered the little boy. "Well,
put down the first letter," said Goody Two Shoes. Then he put down B,
and the next child R, and the next E, and the next A, and the next D,
and there was the whole word--BREAD.

"What did you have for dinner, Polly Driggs?"

"Apple-pie," said Polly; upon which she laid down the first letter, A,
and the next put down a P, and the next another P, and so on until the
words Apple and Pie were united, and stood thus: APPLE PIE.

Now it happened one evening that Goody Two Shoes was going home rather
late. She had made a longer round than usual, and everybody had kept her
waiting, so that night came on before her day's work was done. Right
glad was she to set out for her own home, and she walked along
contentedly through the fields, and lanes, and roads, enjoying the quiet
evening. The evening was not cool, however, but close and sultry, and
betokened a storm. Presently a drop fell on Goody's face. What should
she do? If she did not make haste she would soon be wet to the skin.

Fortunately there was an old barn down the road, in which she could find
shelter, and Goody Two Shoes gathered her skirts about her and took to
her heels, and ran as if somebody was after her. The owner of the barn
had died lately, and the property was to be sold, and there was a lot of
loose hay on the floor which had not yet been taken away.

Goody Two Shoes cuddled down in the soft hay, glad of a chance to rest
her weary limbs, and quite out of breath with her long run; and just
then down rattled the rain, the thunder roared, the lightning flashed,
and the old barn trembled, and so did Goody Two Shoes.

[Illustration: The spelling Lesson]

She had not been there long before she heard footsteps, and three men
came into the barn for shelter. The hay was piled up between her and
them, so that they could not see her, and, thinking they were alone,
they spoke quite loudly.

[Illustration: Plotting to rob Squire Trueman]

They were plotting to rob Squire Trueman, who lived in the great house
in Margery's village, and were to break in and steal all they could that
very night. This was quite enough for Goody Two Shoes. She