"Oh, thank

you, sir-thank you!

"But when do you expect to be able to make me another payment? This is a very small sum towards the price of a large square of 'plate glass; and as he spoke he glanced at the four halfpence which the boy had spread out.

"This day week, sir, if you please.”

"Very well, let it be so. At this hour I shall be at home to see you."

Poor Jack made his very best bow, and retired. At the time named the boy appeared at the door of Mr. Cavendish's mansion. As the footman had previously received orders to admit him, he was immediately shown into the library.

"I have a shilling for you to-day, sir!" he said "exultingly, and his countenance was radiant with smiles.

"Indeed! That is a large sum for a boy like you to obtain in so short a time. I hope you came by it honestly?" A flush of crimson mounted to the cheek of poor Jack, but it was not the flush of shame.

"I earned every penny of it, sir, excepting one my mother gave me to make it up," he 'energetically replied; and he proceeded to say that he had been on the look-out for jobs all the week; that he had held a horse for one gentleman, and had run on an errand for another; in this way accounting for elevenpence.

"Your industry and perseverance do you credit, my lad," Mr. Cavendish exclaimed, his benevolent

countenance lighting with a smile. "And now I should like to know your name and place of residence."

"I will write it, sir, if you please. Indeed, I brought a piece of paper for the purpose of putting down the money. I hope I shall be able to make it all up in a few weeks, for I am trying to get a situation as errand-boy."

"You can write then? Do you go to school? "Oh yes, sir, I go to a national school." And Jack stepped forward to take the pen which Mr. Cavendish held towards him.

"You write a tolerably good hand, my little man. You may, I think, do better than take an errand-boy's place. Let me see if you have any knowledge of arithmetic." Jack stood boldly up, and unhesitatingly replied to the various questions which were put to him. "That will do, my good boy. Now, when do you think you will be able to come and bring me some more money?"

"I will come again this time next week, if I am alive and well, sir."

"That was wisely added, my lad; for our lives are not in our own keeping. This, I see, you have been taught."

Another week passed, and again Jack appeared, but his countenance now wore an aspect of sadness. "I am very sorry, sir," he said, "I have been unfortunate, and have only a small sum to give you." And as he spoke, he laid three pennyworth of halfpence before Mr. Cavendish. "I assure you,

sir," he earnestly added, "I have offered my services to every gentleman on horseback that I could see."

"I believe you, my boy: I am pleased with your honest 10 intentions. Perhaps you will meet with better success another time. Let me see; you have now paid one shilling and fivepence: that is not amiss for the time;" and with an encouraging smile Mr. Cavendish suffered him to depart.

Though Mr. Cavendish had, from the first, concealed his intentions, his heart was planning a work of benevolence, which was nothing less than to befriend the poor boy, whose noble conduct had won his admiration. For this end, a few days subsequently, he paid the parents a visit when he knew that the son would be at school. He related the incident which had brought the boy under his notice, and proceed

ed to ask whether

his conduct to them was equally praiseworthy.

"Oh yes, sir," exclaimed the mother, her eyes

filling with tears. "He has ever been a dutiful child to us, and always acts in this honest, straightforward manner."

“He has indeed a noble spirit, sir," the father rejoined; "and I am as proud of him, as if he were a prince."

"Would you part with him?" Mr. Cavendish asked. "I have something in view for his future benefit."

Undoubtedly we would, for his benefit,” was the reply of both.

"Well, then, purchase him a new suit of clothes with these two sovereigns, and bring him to my house this day week. I will then tell you what I will do with him.”

Language cannot describe the heartfelt gratitude which beamed in the eyes of the happy parents, nor could they find words to give it utterance.

When next our young hero came into the presence of his benefactor, his appearance was certainly altered for the better, though no disadvantages of dress could rob his noble countenance of its lofty expression. Mr. Cavendish had previously made arrangements for him to become an inmate of his own house, and had also entered his name as a pupil in a neighbouring school. John Williams is now receiving a liberal education, and enjoying all the advantages which wealth can procure. Such a sudden change of position and prospects would, in many instances, prove injurious to the "moral character; but with a mind based upon the solid

principles which our young friend possessed, little fear may be entertained that such will be the

result.

What good traits of character did John Williams possess? From what points in the story do you gather that he was playful, honest, truthful, dutiful, industrious, persevering, attentive at school, and that good principles were firmly fixed in his mind? What proverb does this story illustrate?

4

7

1 missile, any object which is thrown, or intended to be thrown to injure others, as a lance, arrow, bullet, or stone. 2 delinquent, offender; one who commits a fault or crime. footman, a male servant whose duties are to attend the door, the carriage, the table, etc. diffidence, bashfulness; hesitation; want of confidence. 5 apologised, begged pardon; offered an excuse. 6 engagement, obligation; promise; pledged word. plate glass; a very expensive glass made in large sheets or plates. (see app.) exultingly, in an exulting manner, that is, showing great delight and triumph. energetically, in an energetic manner, that is, with emphasis or spirit. 10 intentions, purposes; aims; fixed determination to do something. "moral character, right conduct, proceeding from right principles (see notes on lesson Clever Boys).

9

1SIERRA LEONE is associated, in our imagination at home, with sickness, sorrow, and death; but widely different were the ideas which the first few hours on its sunny shores raised in my mind, for very soon after landing, I felt a great deal better than I had done since leaving England.