What could Almira
Jane be doing there? and what could be in that great basket that
Jacob was handing down to her? It looked very much like the great
picnic-basket that hung in the kitchen pantry!
And now it was the banker's turn to be loaded up. Jacob gave him
several heavy parcels, and finally jumped from his perch and
carrying very carefully an odd-shaped package, led the way to the
school door. Billy Butler was standing not far off. He had no fear
of the schoolboys now, and sometimes came to the gate when school
was dismissed to nod to each one he knew, and to say the names
over in his hoarse voice. Jacob called out to him in a friendly
tone, and the boy followed him to the school steps.
Mr. Sinclair was as much surprised as his pupils at the arrival of
his visitors; but he hastily gave them seats, and was about to
call for classes again, when Mr. Patterson said in his big round
voice,--
"Young people, I have not come here to examine your progress in
your studies, but to tell you how delighted I am with the work you
have been at this week. I have never felt so proud of the Hill-top
schoolboys before, and I want to ask you to keep on as you have
begun.
"I'm afraid I have not always been as thoughtful for my animal
friends as I could wish; but, watching a little neighbor of mine
whose pets require a great deal of care, and whose master is
devoted to them, has made me think a little more of the matter.
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