"They will not steal a single pear." "I'd like to wager you something on that," said the friend.
"Well, I couldn't exactly take such a wager," answered the Parson, "because you see I know the boys won't steal the fruit." Somewhat vexed at the obstinacy of the Parson's faith, his friend exclaimed, "I'd like to know how you can know that beforehand ?" Parson Dorrance loved a joke.
"Neighbor," said he, "I wish I could in honor have let you wager me on that.

I've given the orchard to the boys.

The fruit's all their own." This was the man whom Mercy Philbrick met early in her first summer at Penfield.

She had heard him preach twice, and had been so greatly impressed by his words and by his face that she longed very much to know him.

She had talked with Stephen about him, but had found that Stephen did not sympathize at all in her enthusiasm.