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All at once, as I was bending down, I heard Courtenay, the elder boy,

say: "What did he say--back to school and be flogged?"

"Yes," said Philip aloud; "but he didn't know They only flog workhouse

boys and paupers"

"I say, though," said Courtenay, "who is that chap grubbing out the

slugs and snails?"

My back was turned, and I went on with my work "What! that chap I

spoke to?" said Philip; "why, I told you He's a pauper"

"Is he?"

"Yes, and Browny fetched hioing to be a caterpillar crusher"

I felt as if I should have liked to be a boy crusher, and have run at

him with my fists clenched, and drubbed him till he roared forhere?" said Courtenay in a sour, es, and not here"

This was as if they were talking to themselves, but meant for me to

hear

"Old Broas afraid to put hiht hiot loose, and I found hi the peaches, but I dropped on to hiht to look after him," said Courtenay

"Don't I tell you he ran away I expect Broill have to put a

dog-collar and chain on hiarden to keep hi These workhouse boys are such hungry beggars"