CHAPTER III.

TEMPTATION.

The little ducks—Their house and pond—Their first ducking—An exciting scene—The beautiful and the ridiculous—Winter wheat—Hard work—A welcome proposal—The Cross-Roads—Clinton’s errand—Oscar and Jerry—Gunning—The closed store—Another successful temptation—The river—The Falls—The wood-road—The cigars—Temptation again—Why Clinton yielded—A new sensation—Starting for home—Another new sensation, not so pleasant—Arrival home—Sickness—Telling half the truth—Parental sympathy—What conscience said—Good-night, 43