"Besides, Billy has not done a thing for which a child should be punished.

He is only full of life, no training, and with a boy's love of mischief.

He did abuse your kittens, but an hour before I saw him risk his life to save one from being run over.

He minds what you tell him, and doesn't do anything he is told not to.

He thinks of his brother and sister right away when anything pleases him.