Then he drew himself up, and
prepared to act his important part with becoming gravity. Soon Waldo stood
in the door, and took off his hat.
"Come in, come in, my lad," said Bonaparte, "and shut the door behind."
The boy came in and stood before them.
"You need not be so afraid, child," said Tant Sannie. "I was a child
myself once. It's no great harm if you have taken a few."
Bonaparte perceived that her remark was not in keeping with the nature of
the proceedings, and of the little drama he intended to act. Pursing out
his lips, and waving his hand, he solemnly addressed the boy.
"Waldo, it grieves me beyond expression to have to summon you for so
painful a purpose; but it is at the imperative call of duty, which I dare
not evade. I do not state that frank and unreserved confession will
obviate the necessity of chastisement, which if requisite shall be fully
administered; but the nature of that chastisement may be mitigated by free
and humble confession. Waldo, answer me as you would your own father, in
whose place I now stand to you; have you, or have you not, did you, or did
you not, eat of the peaches in the loft?"
"Say you took them, boy, say you took them, then he won't beat you much,"
said the Dutchwoman, good-naturedly, getting a little sorry for him.
The boy raised his eyes slowly and fixed them vacantly upon her, then
suddenly his face grew dark with blood.
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