One was the shabby lame boy , who hopped to and fro with his crutch , munching a dry cracker , with now and then a trip to the pump to wash it down . He seldom brought any lunch , and seemed to enjoy this poor treat so much that the big bright-faced chap tossed him a red apple as he came out of the yard to get his hat , thrown there by the mate he had been playfully thrashing . The lame child eyed the pretty apple lovingly , and was preparing to take the first delicious bite , when the fat youth with a dexterous kick sent it flying into the middle of the street , where a passing wheel crushed it down into the mud . `` It 's a shame ! He shall have something good ! The scamp ! '' And with this somewhat confused exclamation Miss Hetty threw down her work , ran to the closet , then darted to the front door , embracing the tin box , as if the house was on fire and that contained her dearest treasures . `` Sakes alive , what is the matter with sister ? '' ejaculated Miss Jerusha , going to the window just in time to see the fat boy tumble off the post as the tall lad came to the rescue , while the cripple went hopping across the street in answer to a kindly quavering voice that called out to him , -- `` Come here , boy , and get a cookie , -- a dozen if you want 'em . '' `` Sister 's done it at last ! '' And , inspired by this heroic example , Miss Jerusha threw up the window , saying , as she beckoned to the avenger , -- `` You too , because you stood by that poor little boy . Come right over and help yourself . '' Charley Howe laughed at the indignant old ladies , but , being a gentleman , took off his hat and ran across to thank them for their interest in the fray . Several other lads followed as irresistibly as flies to a honey-pot , for the tin box was suggestive of cake , and they waited for no invitation . Miss Hetty was truly a noble yet a droll sight , as she stood there , a trim little old lady , with her cap-strings flying in the wind , her rosy old face shining with good-will , as she dealt out cookies with a lavish hand , and a kind word to all . `` Here 's a nice big one for you , my dear . I do n't know your name , but I do your face , and I like to see a big boy stand up for the little ones , '' she said , beaming at Charley as he came up . `` Thank you , ma'am . That 's a splendid one . We do n't get anything so nice over there . ''
And XXXXX gratefully bolted the cake in three mouthfuls , having given away his own lunch .
Charley Hetty Jerusha Sister avenger fire first fro honey-pot right