"
So they went to work where the sheaves had stood before the cart was
loaded, and had nearly filled the bag, when Willy heard his father
calling to him from under the walnut-tree.
CHAPTER SECOND.
HOW THE YOUNG GLEANER WAS MUCH FRIGHTENED, AND HOW HAPPY HE WAS
MADE--AND HOW DELIGHTED WILLY WAS IN DOING KIND THINGS TO THE POOR.
"I wish you would allow me a few moments," answered Willy to his father,
"just to help a poor boy fill his bag from the gleanings of the field."
[Illustration]
"But I want you to go with me to the garden," replied his father; "there
are some pears to be gathered, and I know somebody that is very fond of
pears."
"Yes, I do like them, father--for I suppose you mean me--but to-day I
like much better to stay here and help this poor boy. I pity him very
much, he has been so cruelly treated by a bad boy." Then Willy told his
father of the little boy's adventure in the squire's field, how the
squire's son had beaten and set the dog upon him, and how the poor boy
had cried and suffered with the pain, and the dread of taking home the
empty bag.
The father listened attentively to his son's tale, and immediately went
to the little ragged fellow, who was so busy gathering the fallen ears,
that he did not hear him when he approached.
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