Up went the curtain and several trees in tubs appeared , then a stately gentleman in small clothes , cocked hat , gray wig , and an imposing cane , came slowly walking in . It was Gus , who had been unanimously chosen not only for Washington but for the father of the hero also , that the family traits of long legs and a somewhat massive nose might be preserved . `` Ahem ! My trees are doing finely , '' observed Mr. W. , senior , strolling along with his hands behind him , casting satisfied glances at the dwarf orange , oleander , abutilon , and little pine that represented his orchard . Suddenly he starts , pauses , frowns , and , after examining the latter shrub , which displayed several hacks in its stem and a broken limb with six red-velvet cherries hanging on it , he gave a thump with his cane that made the little ones jump , and cried out , -- `` Can it have been my son ? '' He evidently thought it was , for he called , in tones of thunder , -- `` George ! George Washington , come hither this moment ! '' Great suspense on the part of the audience , then a general burst of laughter as Boo trotted in , a perfect miniature of his honored parent , knee breeches , cocked hat , shoe buckles and all . He was so fat that the little tails of his coat stuck out in the drollest way , his chubby legs could hardly carry the big buckles , and the rosy face displayed , when he took his hat off with a dutiful bow , was so solemn , the real George could not have looked more anxious when he gave the immortal answer . `` Sirrah , did you cut that tree ? '' demanded the papa , with another rap of the cane , and such a frown that poor Boo looked dismayed , till Molly whispered , `` Put your hand up , dear . '' Then he remembered his part , and , putting one finger in his mouth , looked down at his square-toed shoes , the image of a shame-stricken boy . `` My son , do not deceive me . If you have done this deed I shall chastise you , for it is my duty not to spare the rod , lest I spoil the child . But if you lie about it you disgrace the name of Washington forever . '' This appeal seemed to convulse George with inward agony , for he squirmed most effectively as he drew from his pocket a toy hatchet , which would not have cut a straw , then looking straight up into the awe-inspiring countenance of his parent , he bravely lisped , -- `` Papa , I tannot tell a lie . I did tut it with my little hanchet . '' `` Noble boy -- come to my arms ! I had rather you spoilt all my cherry trees than tell one lie ! '' cried the delighted gentleman , catching his son in an embrace so close that the fat legs kicked convulsively , and the little coat-tails waved in the breeze , while cane and hatchet fell with a dramatic bang .
The curtain descended on this affecting tableau ; but the audience XXXXX out both Washingtons , and they came , hand in hand , bowing with the cocked hats pressed to their breasts , the elder smiling blandly , while the younger , still flushed by his exertions , nodded to his friends , asking , with engaging frankness , `` Was n't it nice ? ''
called carry cocked come cried doing gave made spare strolling