Two boys were one day on their way from school, and as they were passing
a cornfield, in which there were some plum trees, full of nice ripe
fruit, Henry said to Thomas, "Let us jump over and get some plums.
Nobody will see us, and we can scud along through the corn and come out
on the other side."
Thomas said, "I cannot. It is wrong to do so. I would rather not have
the plums, than to steal them, and I think I will run along home."
"You are a coward," said Henry, "I always knew you were a coward, and if
you don't want any plums you may go without them, but I shall have some
very quick."
Just as Henry was climbing the fence, the owner of the field rose up
from the other side of the wall, and Henry jumped back, and ran away.
Thomas had no reason to be afraid, so he stood still, and the owner of
the field, who had heard the conversation between the boys, told him
that he was very glad to see that he was not willing to be a thief. He
then told Thomas that he might step over the fence and help himself to
as many plums as he wished. The boy was pleased with the invitation, and
soon filled his pockets with plums which he could call his own. Honesty
will always get its reward.
[Illustration]