Joe at intervals stealing behind him to prick him with straws through a rent in the rear of his patched moleskins.

Little Bill--in readiness to run--standing off, enjoying the sport.
Inside the house sat Mother and Sal, sewing and talking of Maloney's new baby.
"Dear me," said Mother; "it's the tiniest mite of a thing I ever saw; why, bless me, anyone of y' at its age would have made three of--" "MIND, Mother!" Sal shrieked, jumping up on the sofa.

Mother screamed and mounted the table.

Both gasped for breath, and leaning cautiously over peeped down at a big black snake which had glided in at the front door.

Then, pale and scared-looking, they stared across at each other.
The snake crawled over to the safe and drank up some milk which had been spilt on the floor.