Up-stairs, in bed, Hal faintly heard a shuffling, scraping noise on the porch beneath his room, then, overcome by weariness, indifferent to all noises from whatever source they might proceed, he fell asleep. CHAPTER II When Hal McCormack came down to breakfast on the morning following Hallowe’en, he found that the other members of the family had almost completed their morning meal. But it was apparent, from the atmosphere surrounding the table, that something had gone wrong. His mother looked worried, his young sisters looked curious, and his father, who was captain of the local company of the National Guard, had a stern and military air. “Halpert,” said Captain McCormack, “before you take your seat at the table you will please go to the front porch and see what is there.” The request was such an unusual one that Hal stood for a moment wondering and motionless. But only for a moment. He had been accustomed from childhood to give ready obedience to his father’s commands, and, without comment or question, he obeyed now. Two minutes later he again entered the dining-room. “Well,” questioned his father, “what did you find there?” “Why,” stammered the boy, “I found that marble statue; and it’s broken in two.” “So I discovered. Who broke it?” “Honest, father, I don’t know. We didn’t. It was perfectly all right when we left it.” “Where did you leave it?” “On Jim Perry’s porch.” “When?” “I guess it was about twelve o’clock.” “And where did you get it?” “From Mr. Barriscale’s lawn.” “I thought as much. I recognized it. Who helped you take it?” For the first time Hal hesitated. Hitherto his answers had been prompt and frank. But he could not betray his companions. He had promised not to do so. He would not have done so if he had not promised. “Well?” His father was looking at him sternly and questioningly. He knew that he must make some reply. “Well,” he said, “you see, it’s this way. We all promised not to peach on each other. And, if you’d just as soon, I’d rather not tell.” “As you like about that. I’ll not press the question. But, in that event, I take it that you are ready, yourself, to assume full responsibility for the damage that has been done to the statue.” “But, father, we didn’t break it. We didn’t bring it here.” “That may be. But you removed it from Mr. Barriscale’s lawn. That was the primary offense. If you had not carried it away in the first place it would not have been broken.” “I suppose not.” “Of course not. And since you choose to assume full responsibility for the damage, you must make it right with Mr. Barriscale.” “I’d pay him in a minute but I haven’t any money, except what little I’ve got in the bank.” “Then you must earn it; provided he is willing to make a cash settlement.” At this point Hal’s mother broke into the conversation.