"just to help a poor boy fill his bag from the gleanings of the field."

[Illustration]

"But I want you to go with me to the garden," replied his father; "there
are some pears to be gathered, and I know somebody that is very fond of
pears."

"Yes, I do like them, father--for I suppose you mean me--but to-day I
like much better to stay here and help this poor boy. I pity him very
much, he has been so cruelly treated by a bad boy." Then Willy told his
father of the little boy's adventure in the squire's field, how the
squire's son had beaten and set the dog upon him, and how the poor boy
had cried and suffered with the pain, and the dread of taking home the
empty bag.

The father listened attentively to his son's tale, and immediately went
to the little ragged fellow, who was so busy gathering the fallen ears,
that he did not hear him when he approached.

"Shall I help you?" said the loud voice of the master of the field.

The child was terrified, and replied, "Indeed, indeed, I have not
touched a single stalk or ear of corn except those which were left on
the ground."

"I believe you, my little fellow, you need not tremble so; if you were
a thief you would not be a gleaner. Come here, my boy." He then took him
to a sheaf of corn, and filled his bag.