Page:Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Volume 1.djvu/20

Rh William, who composed the most trying nicknames, and wickedly goaded the wild visit or into all manner of naughtiness. Christy stood up for her through everything; let her ride the cows, feed the pigs, bang on the piano, and race all over the spice mill, feasting on cinnamon and cloves; brought her down from housetops and fished her out of brooks; never scolded, and never seemed tired of the troublesome friendship of little Torment.

In a week I had exhausted every amusement and was desperately homesick. It has always been my opinion that I should have been speedily restored to the bosom of my family but for Christy, and but for him I should assuredly have run away before the second week was out He kept me, and in the hour of my disgrace stood by me like a man and a brother.

One afternoon, inspired by a spirit of