Tom and Becky were walking home. Tom had an arm around Becky. Becky was walking very slowly. Tears filled her eyes. Tom had tears in his eyes too. It was tears of anger and sorrow. Polly and Judge Thatcher saw them coming down the road.
"WOAH," Judge Thatcher said, "What happened here."
"Dobbin is a donkey!" Tom exclaimed
"TOM WHAT A THING TO SAY," Polly mildly scolded.
"It's the truth," Tom said, "and I won't be persuaded it's not."
"Why is he a (clears throat) donkey," Judge Thatcher asked putting an arm around his daughter, "and why does Rebecca look like she's about to burst."
"Becky dropped her slate and it broke," Tom said.
"It was an accident," Rebecca added.
"Honey I know you wouldn't drop your slate on purpose," Judge Thatcher said.
"I tried to protect her," Tom said, "Honest I did but I couldn't take the blame. Dobbins saw her break it. He insisted it was on purpose and whipped her something awful."
Judge Thatcher felt a rage inside him for the man who had hurt his daughter. For Becky's sake however he had to remain calm cool and collected.
"Polly," he said, "Go fetch Doc Flamewire... I want to make sure she doesn't have any infections or any serious harm first."
Polly nodded and set off.
"I'm such a disgrace," Becky said.
Cyrus knelt down to his daughter's level.
"Rebecca you are not a disgrace," he said, "even if you had done something wrong you would not be a disgrace. You are a beautiful young lady who I am proud to call my daughter. You dropped your slate. It was an accident."
"Tom," Cyrus said, "Would you mind staying with Becky for a few moments. I need to have a word with this 'teacher' of yours."
He looked at Rebecca.
"Sounds like you could use a treat," he added, "I think that we should go out for a treat after Doc Flamewire looks at you."
"Can I come too," Tom asked.
"Absolutely," Judge Thatcher replied, "and so can Polly."
"Thank you!" Tom exclaimed.
