"
"So, at least, it seems to me. Then, of course, I ought not to
injure Neighbour Barton's cows or hogs, even if they do break into
my cornfield or garden, simply because it would be wrong to do so.
This is the principle upon which we should act, and not from any
selfish policy."
After this there was no trouble about Farmer Gray's geese or cattle.
Sometimes the geese would get among Mr. Barton's hogs, and annoy
them while eating, but it did not worry him as it did formerly. If
they became too troublesome he would drive them away, but not by
throwing sticks and stones at them as he once did.
Late in the fall the shoemaker brought in his bill for work. It was
a pretty large bill, with sundry credits.
"Pay-day has come at last," said Farmer Gray, good-humouredly, as
the shoemaker presented his account.
"Well, let us see!" and he took the bill to examine it item after
item.
"What is this?" he asked, reading aloud.
"'Cr. By one bushel of corn, fifty cents.'"
"It's some corn I had from you."
"I reckon you must be mistaken. You never got any corn from me."
"Oh, yes I did. I remember it perfectly. It is all right."
"But when did you get it, Friend Barton? I am sure that I haven't
the most distant recollection of it."
"My hogs got it," the shoemaker said, in rather a low and hesitating
tone.
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