Fourdaysheworkedeverydayandalldaylong。andeveryeveningthelady，whenshecameouttowalkinhergardens，lookedathiswork。Atlastshesaidtohergardener，Thislittleboyworksveryhard。
Neverhadsogoodalittleboyaboutthegrounds，saidthegardener。
he’salwaysathiswork，letmecomebywhenIwill，andhehasgottwiceasmuchdoneasanotherwoulddo。yes，twiceasmuch，ma’am。forlookhere——hebeganatthis’ererose-bush，andnowhe’sgottowhereyoustand，ma’am。andhereistheday’sworkthatt’otherboy，andhe’sthreeyearsoldertoo，didto-day——Isay，measureJem’sfairly，andit’stwiceasmuch，I’msure。
Well，saidtheladytohergardener，showmehowmuchisafairday’sworkforaboyofhisage。
Comeatsixo’clockandgoatsix？why，aboutthismuch，ma’am，saidthegardener，markingoffapieceoftheborderwithhisspade。
Then，littleboy，saidthelady，somuchshallbeyourtaskeveryday。
Thegardenerwillmarkitoffforyou。andwhenyou’vedone，therestofthedayyoumaydowhatyouplease。
Jemwasextremelygladofthis。andthenextdayhehadfinishedhistaskbyfouro’clock。sothathehadalltherestoftheeveningtohimself。
Hewasasfondofplayasanylittleboycouldbe。andwhenhewasatitheplayedwithalltheeagernessandgaietyimaginable。soassoonashehadfinishedhistask，fedLightfoot，andputbythesixpencehehadearnedthatday，herantotheplaygroundinthevillage，wherehefoundapartyofboysplaying，andamongstthemLazyLawrence，whoindeedwasnotplaying，butlounginguponagate，withhisthumbinhismouth。Therestwereplayingatcricket。Jemjoinedthem，andwasthemerriestandmostactiveamongstthem。till，atlast，whenquiteoutofbreathwithrunning，hewasobligedtogiveuptoresthimself，andsatdownuponthestile，closetothegateonwhichLazyLawrencewasswinging。
Andwhydon’tyouplay，Lawrence？saidhe。
I’mtired，saidLawrence。
Tiredofwhat？
Idon’tknowwellwhattiresme。grandmothersaysI’mill，andImusttakesomething——Idon’tknowwhatailsme。
Oh，pugh！takeagoodrace——one，two，three，andaway——andyou’llfindyourselfaswellasever。Come，run——one，two，three，andaway。
Ah，no，Ican’trun，indeed，saidhe，hangingbackheavily。youknowI
canplayalldaylongifIlikeit，soIdon’tmindplayasyoudo，whohaveonlyonehourforit。
Somuchtheworseforyou。Come，now，I’mquitefreshagain，willyouhaveonegameatball？do。
No，ItellyouIcan’t。I’mastiredasifIhadbeenworkingalldaylongashardasahorse。
Tentimesmore，saidJem，forIhavebeenworkingalldaylong，ashardasahorse，andyetyouseeI’mnotabittired，onlyalittleoutofbreathjustnow。
That’sveryodd，saidLawrence，andyawned，forwantofsomebetteranswer。thentakingoutahandfulofhalfpence，——SeewhatIgotfromfathertoday，becauseIaskedhimjustattherighttime，whenhehaddrunkaglassortwo。thenIcangetanythingIwantoutofhim——see！apenny，twopence，threepence，fourpence——there’seightpenceinall。wouldnotyoubehappyifyouhadEIGHTPENCE？
Why，Idon’tknow，saidJem，laughing，foryoudon’tseemhappy，andyouHAVEEIGHTPENCE。
Thatdoesnotsignify，though。I’msureyouonlysaythatbecauseyouenvyme。Youdon’tknowwhatitistohaveeightpence。Youneverhadmorethantwopenceorthreepenceatatimeinallyourlife。
Jemsmiled。Oh，astothat，saidhe，youaremistaken，forIhaveatthisverytimemorethantwopence，threepence，oreightpenceeither。I
have——letme——see——stones，twoshillings。thenfivedays’work——that’sfivesixpences，that’stwoshillingsandsixpence。inall，makesfourshillingsandsixpence。andmysilverpenny，isfourandsevenpence——fourandsevenpence！
Youhavenot！saidLawrence，rousedsoasabsolutelytostandupright，fourandsevenpence，haveyou？Showitme，andthenI’llbelieveyou。
Followme，then，criedJem，andI’llsoonmakeyoubelieveme。come。
Isitfar？saidLawrence，followinghalf-running，half-hobbling，tillhecametothestable，whereJemshowedhimhistreasure。Andhowdidyoucomebyit——honestly？
Honestly！tobesureIdid。Iearneditall。
Lordblessme，earnedit！well，I’veagreatmindtowork。butthenit’ssuchhotweather，besides，grandmothersaysI’mnotstrongenoughyetforhardwork。andbesides，IknowhowtocoaxdaddyoutofmoneywhenIwantit，soIneednotwork。Butfourandsevenpence。let’ssee，whatwillyoudowithitall？
That’sasecret，saidJem，lookinggreat。
Icanguess。IknowwhatI’ddowithitifitwasmine。First，I’dbuypocketfulsofgingerbread。thenI’dbuyeversomanyapplesandnuts。
Don’tyoulovenuts？I’dbuynutsenoughtolastmefromthistimetoChristmas，andI’dmakelittleNewtoncrack’emforme，forthat’stheworstofnuts。there’sthetroubleofcracking’em。
Well，youneverdeservetohaveanut。
Butyou’llgivemesomeofyours，saidLawrence，inafawningtone。forhethoughtiteasiertocoaxthantowork——you’llgivemesomeofyourgoodthings，won’tyou？
Ishallnothaveanyofthosegoodthings，saidJem。
Then，whatwillyoudowithallyourmoney？
Oh，Iknowverywellwhattodowithit。but，asItoldyou，that’sasecret，andIsha’n’ttellitanybody。Comenow，let’sgobackandplay——
theirgame’sup，Idaresay。
Lawrencewentbackwithhim，fullofcuriosity，andoutofhumourwithhimselfandhiseightpence。IfIhadfourandsevenpence，saidhetohimself，Icertainlyshouldbehappy！
Thenextday，asusual，Jemjumpedupbeforesixo’clockandwenttohiswork，whilstLazyLawrencesaunteredaboutwithoutknowingwhattodowithhimself。Inthecourseoftwodayshelaidoutsixpenceofhismoneyinapplesandgingerbread。andaslongastheselasted，hefoundhimselfwellreceivedbyhiscompanions。but，atlengththethirddayhespenthislasthalfpenny，andwhenitwasgone，unfortunatelysomenutstemptedhimverymuch，buthehadnomoneytopayforthem。soheranhometocoaxhisfather，ashecalledit。
Whenhegothomeheheardhisfathertalkingveryloud，andatfirsthethoughthewasdrunk。butwhenheopenedthekitchendoor，hesawthathewasnotdrunk，butangry。
Youlazydog！criedhe，turningsuddenlyuponLawrence，andgavehimsuchaviolentboxontheearasmadethelightflashfromhiseyes。youlazydog！Seewhatyou’vedoneforme——look！——look，look，Isay！
Lawrencelookedassoonashecametotheuseofhissenses，andwithfear，amazementandremorse，beheldatleastadozenbottlesburst，andthefineWorcestershireciderstreamingoverthefloor。
Now，didnotIorderyouthreedaysagotocarrythesebottlestothecellar，anddidnotIchargeyoutowirethecorks？answerme，youlazyrascal。didnotI？
Yes，saidLawrence，scratchinghishead。
Andwhywasnotitdone，Iaskyou？criedhisfather，withrenewedanger，asanotherbottleburstatthemoment。Whatdoyoustandtherefor，youlazybrat？whydon’tyoumove，Isay？No，no，catchingholdofhim，Ibelieveyoucan’tmove。butI’llmakeyou。AndheshookhimtillLawrencewassogiddyhecouldnotstand。Whathadyoutothinkof？Whathadyoutodoalldaylongthatyoucouldnotcarrymycider，myWorcestershirecider，tothecellarwhenIbidyou？Butgo，you’llneverbegoodforanything。youaresuchalazyrascal——getoutofmysight！Sosaying，hepushedhimoutofthehousedoor，andLawrencesneakedoff，seeingthatthiswasnotimetomakehispetitionforhalfpence。
Thenextdayhesawthenutsagain，andwishingforthemmorethanever，hewenthome，inhopesthathisfather，ashesaidtohimself，wouldbeinabetterhumour。Buttheciderwasstillfreshinhisrecollection。
andthemomentLawrencebegantowhisperthewordhalfpennyinhisear，hisfatherswore，withaloudoath，Iwillnotgiveyouahalfpenny，no，notafarthing，foramonthtocome。Ifyouwantmoney，goworkforit。
I’vehadenoughofyourlaziness——gowork！
AttheseterriblewordsLawrenceburstintotears，and，goingtothesideofaditch，satdownandcriedforanhour。andwhenhehadcriedtillhecouldcrynomore，heexertedhimselfsofarastoemptyhispockets，toseewhethertheremightnothappentobeonehalfpennyleft。and，tohisgreatjoy，inthefarthestcornerofhispocketonehalfpennywasfound。
Withthisheproceededtothefruitwoman’sstall。Shewasbusyweighingoutsomeplums，sohewasobligedtowait。andwhilsthewaswaitingheheardsomepeoplenearhimtalkingandlaughingveryloud。
Thefruitwoman’sstallwasatthegateofaninnyard。andpeepingthroughthegateinthisyard，Lawrencesawapostilionandastableboy，abouthisownsize，playingatpitchfarthing。Hestoodbywatchingthemforafewminutes。Ibeganbutwithonehalfpenny，criedthestableboy，withanoath，andnowI’vegottwopence！addedhe，jinglingthehalfpenceinhiswaistcoatpocket。Lawrencewasmovedatthesound，andsaidtohimself，If_I_beginwithonehalfpennyImayend，likehim，withhavingtwopence。anditiseasiertoplayatpitchfarthingthantowork。
Sohesteppedforward，presentinghishalfpenny，offeringtotossupwiththestableboy，who，afterlookinghimfullintheface，acceptedtheproposal，andthrewhishalfpennyintotheair。Headortail？criedhe。Head，repliedLawrence，anditcameuphead。Heseizedthepenny，surprisedathisownsuccess，andwouldhavegoneinstantlytohavelaiditoutinnuts。butthestableboystoppedhim，andtemptedhimtothrowagain。ThistimeLawrencelost。hethrewagainandwon。andsohewenton，sometimeslosing，butmostfrequentlywinning，tillhalfthemorningwaslost。Atlast，however，findinghimselfthemasterofthreehalfpence，saidhewouldplaynomore。
Thestableboy，grumbling，sworehewouldhavehisrevengeanothertime，andLawrencewentandboughthisnuts。Itisagoodthing，saidhetohimself，toplayatpitchfarthing。thenexttimeIwantahalfpennyI’llnotaskmyfatherforit，norgotoworkneither。Satisfiedwiththisresolution，hesatdowntocrackhisnutsathisleisure，uponthehorseblockintheinnyard。Here，whilstheate，heoverheardtheconversationofthestableboysandpostilions。Atfirsttheirshockingoathsandloudwranglingfrightenedandshockedhim。forLawrence，thoughlazy，hadnotyetlearnedtobeawickedboy。But，bydegrees，hewasaccustomedtotheswearingandquarrelling，andtookadelightandinterestintheirdisputesandbattles。Asthiswasanamusementwhichhecouldenjoywithoutanysortofexertion，hesoongrewsofondofit，thateverydayhereturnedtothestableyard，andthehorseblockbecamehisconstantseat。Herehefoundsomerelieffromtheinsupportablefatigueofdoingnothing，andhere，hourafterhour，withhiselbowsonhisknees，andhisheadonhishands，hesat，thespectatorofwickedness。Gaming，cheatingandlyingsoonbecamefamiliartohim。and，tocompletehisruin，heformedasuddenandcloseintimacywiththestableboyaverybadboywithwhomhehadfirstbeguntogame。
Theconsequencesofthisintimacyweshallpresentlysee。ButitisnowtimetoinquirewhatlittleJemhadbeendoingallthiswhile。
Oneday，afterJemhadfinishedhistask，thegardeneraskedhimtostayalittlewhile，tohelphimtocarrysomegeraniumpotsintothehall。
Jem，alwaysactiveandobliging，readilystayedfromplay，andwascarryinginaheavyflowerpot，whenhismistresscrossedthehall。
Whataterriblelitter！saidshe，youaremakinghere——whydon’tyouwipeyourshoesuponthemat？Jemturnedtolookforthemat，buthesawnone。Oh，saidtheladyrecollectingherself，Ican’tblameyou，forthereisnomat。
No，ma’am，saidthegardener，norIdon’tknowwhen，ifever，themanwillbringhomethosematsyoubespoke，ma’am。
Iamverysorrytohearthat，saidthelady。Iwishwecouldfindsomebodywhowoulddothem，ifhecan’t。Ishouldnotcarewhatsortofmatstheywere，sothatonecouldwipeone’sfeetonthem。
Jem，ashewassweepingawaythelitter，whenheheardtheselastwords，saidtohimself，PerhapsIcouldmakeamat。Andallthewayhome，ashetrudgedalongwhistling，hewasthinkingoveraschemeformakingmats，which，howeverbolditmayappear，hedidnotdespairofexecuting，withpatienceandindustry。Manywerethedifficultieswhichhispropheticeyeforesaw。buthefeltwithinhimselfthatspiritwhichspursmenontogreatenterprises，andmakesthemtrampleonimpossibilities。Inthefirstplace，herecollectedthathehadseenLazyLawrence，whilstheloungeduponthegate，twistabitofheathintodifferentshapes。andhethought，thatifhecouldfindsomewayofplaitingheathfirmlytogether，itwouldmakeaveryprettygreensoftmat，whichwoulddoverywellforonetowipeone’sshoeson。Aboutamilefromhismother’shouse，onthecommonwhichJemrodeoverwhenhewenttoFarmerTruck’sforthegiantstrawberries，herememberedtohaveseenagreatquantityofthisheath。and，asitwasnowonlysixo’clockintheevening，heknewthatheshouldhavetimetofeedLightfoot，strokehim，gotothecommon，return，andmakeonetrialofhisskillbeforehewenttobed。
Lightfootcarriedhimswiftlytothecommon，andthereJemgatheredasmuchoftheheathashethoughtheshouldwant。Butwhattoil！whattime！whatpainsdiditcosthim，beforehecouldmakeanythinglikeamat！Twentytimeshewasreadytothrowasidetheheath，andgiveuphisproject，fromimpatienceofrepeateddisappointments。Butstillhepersevered。NothingTRULYGREATcanbeaccomplishedwithouttoilandtime。Twohoursheworkedbeforehewenttobed。Allhisplayhoursthenextdayhespentathismat。which，inall，madefivehoursoffruitlessattempts。Thesixth，however，repaidhimforthelaboursoftheotherfive。Heconqueredhisgranddifficultyoffasteningtheheathsubstantiallytogether，andatlengthcompletelyfinishedamat，whichfarsurpassedhismostsanguineexpectations。Hewasextremelyhappy——
sang，dancedroundit——whistled——lookedatitagainandagain，andcouldhardlyleaveofflookingatitwhenitwastimetogotobed。Helaiditbyhisbedside，thathemightseeitthemomentheawokeinthemorning。
Andnowcamethegrandpleasureofcarryingittohismistress。Shelookedfullyasmuchsurprisedasheexpected，whenshesawit，andwhensheheardwhomadeit。Afterhavingdulyadmiredit，sheaskedhowmuchheexpectedforhismat。Expect！——Nothing，ma’am，saidJem。Imeanttogiveityou，ifyou’dhaveit。Ididnotmeantosellit。Imadeitinmyplayhours，Iwasveryhappyinmakingit。andI’mveryglad，too，thatyoulikeit。andifyoupleasetokeepit，ma’am，that’sall。
Butthat’snotall，saidthelady。Spendyourtimenomoreinweedinginmygarden，youcanemployyourselfmuchbetter。youshallhavetherewardofyouringenuityaswellasofyourindustry。Makeasmanymoresuchmatsasyoucan，andIwilltakecareanddisposeofthemforyou。
Thank’e，ma’am，saidJem，makinghisbestbow，forhethoughtbythelady’slooksthatshemeanttodohimafavour，thoughherepeatedtohimself，Disposeofthem，whatdoesthatmean？
Thenextdayhewenttoworktomakemoremats，andhesoonlearnedtomakethemsowellandquickly，thathewassurprisedathisownsuccess。
Ineveryonehemadehefoundlessdifficulty，sothat，insteadofmakingtwo，hecouldsoonmakefourinaday。Inafortnighthemadeeighteen。
ItwasSaturdaynightwhenhefinished，andhecarried，atthreejourneys，hiseighteenmatstohismistress’house。piledthemallupinthehall，andstoodwithhishatoff，withalookofproudhumility，besidethepile，waitingforhismistress’appearance。Presentlyafolding-door，atoneendofthehall，opened，andhesawhismistress，withagreatmanygentlemenandladies，risingfromseveraltables。
Oh！thereismylittleboyandhismats，criedthelady。and，followedbyalltherestofthecompany，shecameintothehall。Jemmodestlyretiredwhilsttheylookedathismats。butinaminuteortwohismistressbeckonedtohim，andwhenhecameintothemiddleofthecircle，hesawthathispileofmatshaddisappeared。
Well，saidthelady，smiling，whatdoyouseethatmakesyoulooksosurprised？
Thatallmymatsaregone，saidJem。butyouareverywelcome。
Arewe？saidthelady，well，takeupyourhatandgohomethen，foryouseethatitisgettinglate，andyouknowLightfootwillwonderwhat’sbecomeofyou。Jemturnedroundtotakeuphishat，whichhehadleftonthefloor。
Buthowhiscountenancechanged！thehatwasheavywithshillings。
Everyonewhohadtakenamathadputintwoshillings。sothatfortheeighteenmatshehadgotthirty-sixshillings。Thirty-sixshillings，
saidthelady。fiveandsevenpenceIthinkyoutoldmeyouhadearnedalready——howmuchdoesthatmake？Imustadd，Ibelieve，oneothersixpencetomakeoutyourtwoguineas。
Twoguineas！exclaimedJem，nowquiteconqueringhisbashfulness，foratthemomentheforgotwherehewas，andsawnobodythatwasby。Twoguineas！criedhe，clappinghishandstogether，——O，Lightfoot！O，mother！Then，recollectinghimself，hesawhismistress，whomhenowlookeduptoquiteasafriend。WillYOUthankthemall？saidhe，scarcelydaringtoglancehiseyesrounduponthecompany。willYOU
thank’em，foryouknowIdon’tknowhowtothank’emRIGHTLY。
Everybodythought，however，thattheyhadbeenthankedRIGHTLY。
Nowwewon’tkeepyouanylonger，only，saidhismistress，Ihaveonethingtoaskyou，thatImaybebywhenyoushowyourtreasuretoyourmother。
Come，then，saidJem，comewithmenow。
Notnow，saidthelady，laughing。butIwillcometoAshtonto-morrowevening。perhapsyourmothercanfindmeafewstrawberries。
Thatshewill，saidJem：I’llsearchthegardenmyself。
Henowwenthome，butfeltitagreatrestrainttowaittillto-morroweveningbeforehetoldhismother。Toconsolehimselfheflewtothestable：——Lightfoot，you’renottobesoldonMonday，poorfellow！saidhe，pattinghim，andthencouldnotrefrainfromcountingouthismoney。
Whilsthewasintentuponthis，Jemwasstartledbyanoiseatthedoor：
somebodywastryingtopullupthelatch。Itopened，andtherecameinLazyLawrence，withaboyinaredjacket，whohadacockunderhisarm。
Theystartedwhentheygotintothemiddleofthestable，andwhentheysawJem，whohadbeenatfirsthiddenbythehorse。
We——we——wecame，stammeredLazyLawrence——Imean，Icameto——to——to——
Toaskyou，continuedthestable-boy，inaboldtone，whetheryouwillgowithustothecock-fightonMonday？See，I’veafinecockhere，andLawrencetoldmeyouwereagreatfriendofhis。soIcame。
Lawrencenowattemptedtosaysomethinginpraiseofthepleasuresofcock-fightingandinrecommendationofhisnewcompanion。ButJemlookedatthestable-boywithdislike，andasortofdread。Thenturninghiseyesuponthecockwithalookofcompassion，said，inalowvoice，toLawrence，Shallyouliketostandbyandseeitseyespeckedout？
Idon’tknow，saidLawrence，astothat。buttheysayacockfight’safinesight，andit’snomorecruelinmetogothananother。andagreatmanygo，andI’venothingelsetodo，soIshallgo。
ButIhavesomethingelsetodo，saidJem，laughing，soIshallnotgo。
But，continuedLawrence，youknowMondayisthegreatBristolfair，andonemustbemerrythen，ofallthedaysintheyear。
Onedayintheyear，sure，there’snoharminbeingmerry，saidthestableboy。
Ihopenot，saidJem。forIknowformypart，Iammerryeverydayintheyear。
That’sveryodd，saidLawrence。butIknowformypart，Iwouldnotforalltheworldmissgoingtothefair，foratleastitwillbesomethingtotalkofforhalfayearafter。Come，you’llgo，won’tyou？
No，saidJem，stilllookingasifhedidnotliketotalkbeforetheill-lookingstranger。
Thenwhatwillyoudowithallyourmoney？
I’lltellyouaboutthatanothertime，whisperedJem。anddon’tyougotoseethatcock’seyespeckedout。itwon’tmakeyoumerry，I’msure。
IfIhadanythingelsetodivertme，saidLawrence，hesitatingandyawning。
Come，criedthestableboy，seizinghisstretchingarm，comealong，
criedhe。and，pullinghimawayfromJem，uponwhomhecastalookofextremecontempt。leavehimalone，he’snotthesort。
Whatafoolyouare，saidhetoLawrence，themomenthegothimoutofthestable。youmighthaveknownhewouldnotgo，elseweshouldsoonhavetrimmedhimoutofhisfourandsevenpence。Buthowcameyoutotalkoffourandsevenpence。Isawinthemangerahatfullofsilver。
Indeed！exclaimedLawrence。
Yes，indeed。butwhydidyoustammersowhenwefirstgotin？Youhadlikedtohaveblownusallup。
Iwassoashamed，saidLawrence，hangingdownhishead。
Ashamed！butyoumustnottalkofshamenowyouareinforit，andI
sha’n’tletyouoff。youoweushalfacrown，recollect，andImustbepaidto-night，soseeandgetthemoneysomehoworother。Afteraconsiderablepauseheadded，Ianswerforithe’dnevermisshalfacrownoutofallthatsilver。
Buttosteal，saidLawrence，drawingbackwithhorror，IneverthoughtIshouldcometothat——andfrompoorJem，too——themoneythathehasworkedsohardfor，too。
Butitisnotstealing。wedon’tmeantosteal。onlytoborrowit。andifwewin，whichwecertainlyshall，atthecock-fight，payitbackagain，andhe’llneverknowanythingaboutthematter，andwhatharmwillitdohim？Besides，whatsignifiestalking，youcan’tgotothecock-
fight，orthefaireither，ifyoudon’t。andItellyewedon’tmeantostealit。we’llpayitbyMondaynight。
Lawrencemadenoreply，andtheypartedwithouthiscomingtoanydetermination。
Hereletuspauseinourstory。Wearealmostafraidtogoon。Therestisveryshocking。Ourlittlereaderswillshudderastheyread。Butitisbetterthattheyshouldknowthetruth，andseewhattheidleboycametoatlast。
Inthedeadofthenight，Lawrenceheardsomebodytapathiswindow。Heknewwellwhoitwas，forthiswasthesignalagreeduponbetweenhimandhiswickedcompanion。Hetrembledatthethoughtsofwhathewasabouttodo，andlayquitestill，withhisheadunderthebedclothes，tillheheardthesecondtap。Thenhegotup，dressedhimself，andopenedhiswindow。Itwasalmostevenwiththeground。Hiscompanionsaidtohim，inahollowvoice，Areyouready？Hemadenoanswer，butgotoutofthewindowandfollowed。
Whenhegottothestableablackcloudwasjustpassingoverthemoon，anditwasquitedark。Whereareyou？whisperedLawrence，gropingabout，whereareyou？Speaktome。
Iamhere。givemeyourhand。Lawrencestretchedouthishand。Isthatyourhand？saidthewickedboy，asLawrencelaidholdofhim。howcolditfeels。
Letusgoback，saidLawrence。itistimeyet。
Itisnotimetogoback，repliedtheother，openingthedoor。you’vegonetoofarnowtogoback，andhepushedLawrenceintothestable。
Haveyoufoundit？Takecareofthehorse。Haveyoudone？Whatareyouabout？Makehaste，Ihearanoise，saidthestableboy，whowatchedatthedoor。
Iamfeelingforthehalf-crown，butIcan’tfindit。
Bringalltogether。HebroughtJem’sbrokenflowerpot，withallthemoneyinit，tothedoor。Theblackcloudhadnowpassedoverthemoon，andthelightshonefulluponthem。Whatdowestandherefor？saidthestableboy，snatchingtheflower-potoutofLawrence’stremblinghands，andpulledhimawayfromthedoor。
GoodGod！criedLawrence，youwon’ttakeall。Yousaidyou’donlytakehalfacrown，andpayitbackonMonday。Yousaidyou’donlytakehalfacrown！
Holdyourtongue，repliedtheother，walkingon，deaftoallremonstrances——ifeverIamtobehanged，itsha’n’tbeforhalfacrown。
Lawrence’sbloodrancoldinhisveins，andhefeltasifallhishairstoodonend。Notanotherwordpassed。Hisaccomplicecarriedoffthemoney，andLawrencecrept，withallthehorrorsofguiltuponhim，tohisrestlessbed。Allnighthewasstartingfromfrightfuldreams。orelse，broadawake，helaylisteningtoeverysmallnoise，unabletostir，andscarcelydaringtobreathe——tormentedbythatmostdreadfulofallkindsoffear，thatfearwhichistheconstantcompanionofanevilconscience。
Hethoughtthemorningwouldnevercome。butwhenitwasday，whenheheardthebirdssing，andsaweverythinglookcheerfulasusual，hefeltstillmoremiserable。ItwasSundaymorning，andthebellrangforchurch。Allthechildrenofthevillage，dressedintheirSundayclothes，innocentandgay，andlittleJem，thebestandgayestamongstthem，wentflockingbyhisdoortochurch。
Well，Lawrence，saidJem，pullinghiscoatashepassedandsawLawrenceleaningagainsthisfather’sdoor，whatmakesyoulooksoblack？
I？saidLawrence，starting。whydoyousaythatIlookblack？
Nay，then，saidJem，youlookwhiteenoughnow，ifthatwillpleaseyou，foryou’returnedaspaleasdeath。
Pale？repliedLawrence，notknowingwhathesaid，andturnedabruptlyaway，forhedarednotstandanotherlookofJem’s。consciousthatguiltwaswritteninhisface，heshunnedeveryeye。Hewouldnowhavegiventheworldtohavethrownofftheloadofguiltwhichlayuponhismind。
HelongedtofollowJem，tofalluponhiskneesandconfessall。
DreadingthemomentwhenJemshoulddiscoverhisloss，Lawrencedarednotstayathome，andnotknowingwhattodo，orwheretogo，hemechanicallywenttohisoldhauntatthestableyard，andlurkedthereaboutsalldaywithhisaccomplice，whotriedinvaintoquiethisfearsandraisehisspiritsbytalkingofthenextday’scock-fight。Itwasagreedthatassoonastheduskoftheeveningcameon，theyshouldgotogetherintoacertainlonelyfield，andtheredividetheirbooty。
Inthemeantime，Jem，whenhereturnedfromchurch，wasveryfullofbusiness，preparingforthereceptionofhismistress，ofwhoseintendedvisithehadinformedhismother。andwhilstshewasarrangingthekitchenandtheirlittleparlour，herantosearchthestrawberrybeds。
Why，myJem，howmerryyouareto-day！saidhismother，whenhecameinwiththestrawberries，andwasjumpingabouttheroomplayfully。Now，keepthosespiritsofyours，Jem，tillyouwant’em，anddon’tletitcomeuponyouallatonce。Haveitinmindthatto-morrow’sfairday，andLightfootmustgo。IbidFarmerTruckcallforhimto-night。Hesaidhe’dtakehimalongwithhisown，andhe’llbeherejustnow——andthenIknowhowitwillbewithyou，Jem！
SodoI！criedJem，swallowinghissecretwithgreatdifficulty，andthentumblingheadoverheelsfourtimesrunning。
Acarriagepassedthewindow，andstoppedatthedoor。Jemranout。itwashismistress。Shecameinsmiling，andsoonmadetheoldwomansmile，too，bypraisingtheneatnessofeverythinginthehouse。
Weshallpassover，howeverimportantastheyweredeemedatthetime，thepraisesofthestrawberries，andofmygrandmother’schinaplate。
Anotherknockwasheardatthedoor。Run，Jem，saidhismother。I
hopeit’sourmilk-womanwithcreamforthelady。No。itwasFarmerTruckcomeforLightfoot。Theoldwoman’scountenancefell。Fetchhimout，dear，saidshe，turningtoherson。butJemwasgone。heflewouttothestablethemomenthesawtheflapofFarmerTruck’sgreat-coat。
Sityedown，farmer，saidtheoldwoman，aftertheyhadwaitedaboutfiveminutesinexpectationofJem’sreturn。You’dbestsitdown，iftheladywillgiveyouleave。forhe’llnothurryhimselfbackagain。Myboy’safool，madam，aboutthattherehorse。Tryingtolaugh，sheadded，IknewhowLightfootandhewouldbeloathenoughtopart。Hewon’tbringhimouttillthelastminute。sodosityedown，neighbour。
ThefarmerhadscarcelysatdownwhenJem，withapale，wildcountenancecameback。What’sthematter？saidhismistress。Godblesstheboy！
saidhismother，lookingathimquitefrightened，whilsthetriedtospeak，butcouldnot。
Shewentuptohim，andthenleaninghisheadagainsther，hecried，It’sgone！——it’sallgone！and，burstingintotears，hesobbedasifhislittleheartwouldbreak。
What’sgone，love？saidhismother。
Mytwoguineas——Lightfoot’stwoguineas。Iwenttofetch’emtogiveyou，mammy。butthebrokenflower-potthatIputthemin，andall’sgone！——quitegone！repeatedhe，checkinghissobs。Isawthemsafelastnight，andwasshowing’emtoLightfoot。andIwassogladtothinkIhadearnedthemallmyself。andIthoughthowsurprisedyou’dlook，andhowgladyou’dbe，andhowyou’dkissme，andall！
Hismotherlistenedtohimwiththegreatestsurprise，whilsthismistressstoodinsilence，lookingfirstattheoldwoman，andthenatJemwithapenetratingeye，asifshesuspectedthetruthofhisstory，andwasafraidofbecomingthedupeofherowncompassion。
Thisisaverystrangething！saidshe，gravely。Howcameyoutoleaveallyourmoneyinabrokenflower-potinthestable？Howcameyounottogiveittoyourmothertotakecareof？
Why，don’tyouremember？saidJem，lookingup，inthemidstofhistears——why，don’tyourememberyou，yourownself，bidmenottellheraboutittillyouwereby？
Anddidyounottellher？
Nay，askmammy，saidJem，alittleoffended。andwhenafterwardstheladywentonquestioninghiminaseveremanner，asifshedidnotbelievehim，heatlastmadenoanswer。
Oh，Jem！Jem！whydon’tyouspeaktothelady？saidhismother。
Ihavespoke，andspokethetruth，saidJem，proudly。andshedidnotbelieveme。
Stillthelady，whohadlivedtoolongintheworldtobewithoutsuspicion，maintainedacoldmanner，anddeterminedtowaittheeventwithoutinterfering，sayingonly，thatshehopedthemoneywouldbefound，andadvisedJemtohavedonecrying。
Ihavedone，saidJem。Ishallcrynomore。Andashehadthegreatestcommandoverhimself，heactuallydidnotshedanothertear，notevenwhenthefarmergotuptogo，saying，hecouldwaitnolonger。
JemsilentlywenttobringoutLightfoot。Theladynowtookherseat，whereshecouldseeallthatpassedattheopenparlour-window。Theoldwomanstoodatthedoor，andseveralidlepeopleofthevillage，whohadgatheredroundthelady’scarriageexaminingit，turnedabouttolisten。
InaminuteortwoJemappeared，withasteadycountenance，leadingLightfootand，whenhecameup，withoutsayingaword，putthebridleintoFarmerTruck’shand。
HeHASBEENagoodhorse，saidthefarmer。
HeISagoodhorse！criedJem，andthrewhisarmoverLightfoot’sneck，hidinghisownfaceasheleaneduponhim。
Atthisinstantapartyofmilk-womenwentby。andoneofthem，havingsetdownherpail，camebehindJem，andgavehimaprettysmartblowupontheback。Helookedup。Anddon’tyouknowme？saidshe。
Iforget，saidJem。IthinkIhaveseenyourfacebefore，butI
forget。
Doyouso？andyou’lltellmejustnow，saidshe，halfopeningherhand，thatyouforgetwhogaveyouthis，andwhochargedyounottopartwithit，too。Hereshequiteopenedherlargehand，andonthepalmofitappearedJem’ssilverpenny。
Where？exclaimedJem，seizingit，oh，wheredidyoufindit？andhaveyou——oh，tellme，haveyougottherestofmymoney？
Iknownothingofyourmoney——Idon’tknowwhatyouwouldbeat，saidthemilk-woman。
Butwhere——praytellmewhere——didyoufindthis？
Withthemthatyougaveitto，Isuppose，saidthemilk-woman，turningawaysuddenlytotakeuphermilk-pail。ButnowJem’smistresscalledtoherthroughthewindow，begginghertostop，andjoininginhisentreatiestoknowhowshecamebythesilverpenny。
Why，madam，saidshe，takingupthecornerofherapron，Icamebyitinanoddway，too。YoumustknowmyBettyissick，soIcamewiththemilkmyself，thoughit’snotwhatI’musedto。formyBetty——youknowmyBetty？saidshe，turningroundtotheoldwoman，myBettyservesyou，andshe’satightandstirringlassy，ma’am，Icanassure——
Yes，Idon’tdoubtit，saidthelady，impatiently。butaboutthesilverpenny？
Why，that’strue。asIwascomingalongallalone，fortherestcameround，andIcameashortcutacrossyonfield——no，youcan’tseeit，madam，whereyoustand——butifyouwerehere——
Iseeit——Iknowit，saidJem，outofbreathwithanxiety。
Well——well——Irestedmypailuponthestile，andsetsmedownawhile，andtherecomesoutofthehedge——Idon’tknowwellhow，fortheystartledmesoI’dlikedtohavethrowndownmymilk——twoboys，oneaboutthesizeofhe，saidshepointingtoJem，andoneamattertaller，butill-lookinglike。soIdidnotthinktostirtomakewayforthem，andtheywerelikeinadesperatehurry：so，withoutwaitingforthestile，oneof’empulledatthegate，andwhenitwouldnotopenforitwastiedwithaprettystoutcordoneof’emwhipsoutwithhisknifeandcutsit——Now，haveyouaknifeaboutyou，sir？continuedthemilkwomantothefarmer。Hegaveherhisknife。Here，now，ma’am，juststicking，asitwerehere，betweenthebladeandthehaft，wasthesilverpenny。Theladtooknonotice。butwhenheopenedit，outitfalls。
Stillhetakesnoheed，butcutsthecord，asIsaidbefore，andthroughthegatetheywent，andoutofsightinhalfaminute。Ipicksupthepenny，formyheartmisgavemethatitwastheveryonehusbandhadhadalongtime，andhadgivenagainstmyvoicetohe，pointingtoJem。andI
chargedhimnottopartwithit。and，ma’am，whenIlookedIknewitbythemark，soIthoughtIwouldshowittoHE，againpointingtoJem，andlethimgiveitbacktothoseitbelongsto。
Itbelongstome，saidJem，Inevergaveittoanybody——but——
But，criedthefarmer，thoseboyshaverobbedhim。itistheywhohaveallhismoney。
Oh，whichwaydidtheygo？criedJem，I’llrunafterthem。
No，no，saidthelady，callingtoherservant。andshedesiredhimtotakehishorseandrideafterthem。Ay，addedFarmerTruck，doyoutaketheroad，andI’lltakethefieldway，andI’llbeboundwe’llhave’empresently。
Whilsttheyweregoneinpursuitofthethieves，thelady，whowasnowthoroughlyconvincedofJem’struth，desiredhercoachmanwouldproducewhatshehadorderedhimtobringwithhimthatevening。Outofthebootofthecarriagethecoachmanimmediatelyproducedanewsaddleandbridle。
HowJem’seyessparkledwhenthesaddlewasthrownuponLightfoot’sback！
Putitonyourhorseyourself，Jem，saidthelady。itisyours。
ConfusedreportsofLightfoot’ssplendidaccoutrements，ofthepursuitofthieves，andofthefineandgenerousladywhowasstandingatDamePreston’swindow，quicklyspreadthroughthevillage，anddreweverybodyfromtheirhouses。TheycrowdedroundJemtohearthestory。Thechildrenespecially，whowerefondofhim，expressedthestrongestindignationagainstthethieves。Everyeyewasonthestretch。andnowsome，whohadrundownthelane，camebackshouting，Heretheyare！
they’vegotthethieves！
Thefootmanonhorsebackcarriedoneboybeforehim。andthefarmer，stridingalong，draggedanother。Thelatterhadonaredjacket，whichlittleJemimmediatelyrecollected，andscarcelydaredlifthiseyestolookattheboyonhorseback。GoodGod！saidhetohimself，itmustbe——yetsurelyitcan’tbeLawrence！Thefootmanrodeonasfastasthepeoplewouldlethim。Theboy’shatwasslouched，andhisheadhungdown，sothatnobodycouldseehisface。
Atthisinstanttherewasadisturbanceinthecrowd。Amanwhowashalfdrunkpushedhiswayforwards，swearingthatnobodyshouldstophim。thathehadarighttosee——andheWOULDsee。Andsohedid。for，forcingthroughallresistance，hestaggereduptothefootmanjustashewasliftingdowntheboyhehadcarriedbeforehim。IWILL——ItellyouI
WILLseethethief！criedthedrunkenman，pushinguptheboy’shat。Itwashisownson。Lawrence！exclaimedthewretchedfather。Theshocksoberedhimatonce，andhehidhisfaceinhishands。
Therewasanawfulsilence。Lawrencefellonhisknees，andinavoicethatcouldscarcelybeheardmadeafullconfessionofallthecircumstancesofhisguilt。
Suchayoungcreaturesowicked！thebystandersexclaimed。whatcouldputsuchwickednessinyourhead？
Badcompany，saidLawrence。
Andhowcameyou——whatbroughtyouintobadcompany？
Idon’tknow，exceptitwasidleness。
WhilethiswassayingthefarmerwasemptyingLazyLawrence’spockets。
andwhenthemoneyappeared，allhisformercompanionsinthevillagelookedateachotherwithastonishmentandterror。Theirparentsgraspedtheirlittlehandscloser，andcried，ThankGod！heisnotmyson。Howoftenwhenhewaslittleweused，asheloungedabout，totellhimthatidlenesswastherootofallevil。
Asforthehardenedwretch，hisaccomplice，everyonewasimpatienttohavehimsenttogaol。Heputonabold，insolentcountenance，tillheheardLawrence’sconfession。tillthemoneywasfounduponhim。andheheardthemilk-womandeclarethatshewouldsweartothesilverpennywhichhehaddropped。Thenheturnedpale，andbetrayedthestrongestsignsoffear。
Wemusttakehimbeforethejustice，saidthefarmer，andhe’llbelodgedinBristolgaol。
Oh！saidJem，springingforwardswhenLawrence’shandsweregoingtobetied，lethimgo——won’tyou？——can’tyoulethimgo？
Yes，madam，formercy’ssake，saidJem’smothertothelady，thinkwhatadisgracetohisfamilytobesenttogaol。
Hisfatherstoodbywringinghishandsinanagonyofdespair。It’sallmyfault，criedhe。Ibroughthimupinidleness。
Buthe’llneverbeidleanymore，saidJem。won’tyouspeakforhim，ma’am？
Don’tasktheladytospeakforhim，saidthefarmer。it’sbetterheshouldgotoBridewellnow，thantothegallowsby-and-by。
Nothingmorewassaid。foreverybodyfeltthetruthofthefarmer’sspeech。
LawrencewaseventuallysenttoBridewellforamonth，andthestable-boywassentfortrial，convicted，andtransportedtoBotanyBay。
DuringLawrence’sconfinement，Jemoftenvisitedhim，andcarriedhimsuchlittlepresentsashecouldaffordtogive。andJemcouldaffordtobeGENEROUS，becausehewasINDUSTRIOUS。Lawrence’sheartwastouchedbyhiskindness，andhisexamplestruckhimsoforciblythat，whenhisconfinementwasended，heresolvedtosetimmediatelytowork。and，totheastonishmentofallwhoknewhim，soonbecameremarkableforindustry。Hewasfoundearlyandlateathiswork，establishedanewcharacter，andforeverlostthenameofLazyLawrence。
THEFALSEKEY。
Mr。Spencer，averybenevolentandsensibleman，undertooktheeducationofseveralpoorchildren。AmongtherestwasaboyofthenameofFranklin，whomhehadbredupfromthetimehewasfiveyearsold。
Franklinhadthemisfortunetobethesonofamanofinfamouscharacter。
andformanyyearsthiswasadisgraceandreproachtohischild。Whenanyoftheneighbours’childrenquarrelledwithhim，theyusedtotellhimthathewouldturnoutlikehisfather。ButMr。Spenceralwaysassuredhimthathemightmakehimselfwhateverhepleased。thatbybehavingwellhewouldcertainly，soonerorlater，securetheesteemandloveofallwhoknewhim，evenofthosewhohadthestrongestprejudiceagainsthimonhisfather’saccount。
ThishopewasverydelightfultoFranklin，andheshowedthestrongestdesiretolearnandtodoeverythingthatwasright。sothatMr。Spencersoongrewfondofhim，andtookgreatpainstoinstructhim，andtogivehimallthegoodhabitsandprincipleswhichmightmakehimauseful，respectableandhappyman。
Whenhewasaboutthirteenyearsofage，Mr。Spenceronedaysentforhimintohiscloset。andashewasfoldingupaletterwhichhehadbeenwriting，saidtohim，withaverykindlook，butinagravertonethanusual，Franklin，youaregoingtoleaveme。
Sir！saidFranklin。
Youarenowgoingtoleaveme，andtobegintheworldforyourself。Youwillcarrythislettertomysister，Mrs。Churchill，inQueen’sSquare。
YouknowQueen’sSquare？Franklinbowed。Youmustexpect，continuedMr。Spencer，tomeetwithseveraldisagreeablethings，andagreatdealofroughwork，atyourfirstsettingout。butbefaithfulandobedienttoyourmistress，andobligingtoyourfellow-servants，andallwillgowell。Mrs。Churchillwillmakeyouaverygoodmistress，ifyoubehaveproperly。andIhavenodoubtbutyouwill。
Thankyou，sir。
Andyouwillalways——Imean，aslongasyoudeserveit——findafriendinme。
Thankyou，sir——Iamsureyouare——ThereFranklinstoppedshort，fortherecollectionofallMr。Spencer’sgoodnessrusheduponhimatonce，andhecouldnotsayanotherword。
Bringmeacandletosealthisletter，saidhismaster。andhewasverygladtogetoutoftheroom。Hecamebackwiththecandle，and，withastoutheart，stoodbywhilsttheletterwassealing。and，whenhismasterputitintohishand，said，inacheerfulvoice，Ihopeyouwillletmeseeyouagain，sir，sometimes。
Certainly。wheneveryourmistresscanspareyou，Ishallbeverygladtoseeyou。andremember，ifeveryougetintoanydifficulty，don’tbeafraidtocometome。Ihavesometimesspokenharshlytoyou。butyouwillnotmeetwithamoreindulgentfriend。Franklinatthisturnedawaywithafullheart。and，aftermakingtwoorthreeattemptstoexpresshisgratitude，lefttheroomwithoutbeingabletospeak。
HegottoQueen’sSquareaboutthreeo’clock。Thedoorwasopenedbyalarge，red-facedman，inabluecoatandscarletwaistcoat，towhomhefeltafraidtogivehismessage，lestheshouldnotbeaservant。
Well，what’syourbusiness，sir？saidthebutler。
IhavealetterforMrs。Churchill，sir，saidFranklin，endeavouringtopronouncehissirinatoneasrespectfulasthebutler’swasinsolent。
Themanhavingexaminedthedirection，seal，andedgesoftheletter，carrieditupstairs，andinafewminutesreturned，andorderedFranklintorubhisshoeswellandfollowhim。Hewasthenshownintoahandsomeroom，wherehefoundhismistress——anelderlylady。Sheaskedhimafewquestions，examininghimattentivelyasshespoke。andhersevereeyeatfirst，andhergracioussmileafterwards，madehimfeelthatshewasapersontobebothlovedandfeared。Ishallgiveyouincharge，saidshe，ringingabell，tomyhousekeeper，andIhopeshewillhavenoreasontobedispleasedwithyou。
Thehousekeeper，whenshefirstcamein，appearedwithasmilingcountenance。butthemomentshecasthereyesonFranklin，itchangedtoalookofsurpriseandsuspicion。Hermistressrecommendedhimtoherprotection，saying，Pomfret，Ihopeyouwillkeepthisboyunderyourowneye。AndshereceivedhimwithacoldVerywell，ma’am，whichplainlyshowedthatshewasnotdisposedtolikehim。Infact，Mrs。
Pomfretwasawomansofondofpower，andsojealousoffavour，thatshewouldhavequarrelledwithanangelwhohadgotsonearhermistresswithoutherintroduction。Shesmotheredherdispleasure，however，tillnight。when，assheattendedhermistress’toilette，shecouldnotrefrainfromexpressinghersentiments。Shebegancautiously：Ma’am，isnotthistheboyMr。Spencerwastalkingofoneday——thathasbeenbroughtupbytheVILLAINTROPICSOCIETY，Ithinktheycallit？
PhilanthropicSociety。yes，saidhermistress。andmybrothergiveshimahighcharacter：Ihopehewilldoverywell。
I’msureIhopesotoo，observedMrs。Pomfret。butIcan’tsay。formypart，I’venogreatnotionofthoselowpeople。TheysayallthosechildrenaretakenfromtheverylowestDRUGSandREFUGESofthetown，andsurelytheyarelikeenough，ma’am，totakeaftertheirownfathersandmothers。
Buttheyarenotsufferedtobewiththeirparents，rejoinedthelady。
andthereforecannotbehurtbytheirexample。Thislittleboy，tobesure，wasunfortunateinhisfather，buthehashadanexcellenteducation。
Oh，EDICATION！tobesure，ma’am，Iknow。Idon’tsaybutwhatedicationisagreatthing。Butthen，ma’am，edicationcan’tchangetheNATURthat’sinone，theysay。andone’sthatbornnaturallybadandlow，theysay，alltheedicationintheworldwon’tdonogood。and，formypart，ma’am，Iknowyouknowsbest。butIshouldbeafraidtoletanyofthoseVillaintropicfolksgetintomyhouse。fornobodycantellthenaturofthemaforehand。Ideclareitfrightsme。
Pomfret，Ithoughtyouhadbettersense：howwouldthispoorboyearnhisbread？hewouldbeforcedtostarveorsteal，ifeverybodyhadsuchprejudices。
Pomfret，whoreallywasagoodwoman，wassoftenedatthisidea，andsaid，Godforbidheshouldstarveorsteal，andGodforbidIshouldsayanythingPREJUDICIARYoftheboy。fortheremaybenoharminhim。
Well，saidMrs。Churchill，changinghertone，but，Pomfret，ifwedon’tliketheboyattheendofthemonth，wehavedonewithhim。forI
haveonlypromisedMr。Spencertokeephimamonthupontrial：thereisnoharmdone。
Dear，no，ma’am，tobesure。andcookmustputupwithherdisappointment，that’sall。
Whatdisappointment？
Abouthernephew，ma’am。theboysheandIwasspeakingtoyoufor。
When？
Thedayyoucalledherupaboutthealmondpudding，ma’am。Ifyouremember，yousaidyoushouldhavenoobjectionstotrytheboy。anduponthatcookboughthimnewshirts。buttheyaretothegood，asItellher。
ButIdidnotpromisetotakehernephew。
O，noma’am，notatall。shedoesnotthinktoSAYTHAT，elseIshouldbeveryangry。butthepoorwomanneverletfallaword，anymorethanfretsthattheboyshouldmisssuchagoodplace。
Well，butsinceIdidsaythatIshouldhavenoobjectiontotryhim，I
shallkeepmyword。lethimcometo-morrow。Letthembothhaveafairtrial，andattheendofthemonthIcandecidewhichIlikebest，andwhichwehadbetterkeep。
Dismissedwiththeseorders，Mrs。Pomfrethastenedtoreportallthathadpassedtothecook，likeafavouriteminister，proudtodisplaytheextentofhersecretinfluence。InthemorningFelix，thecook’snephew，arrived。and，themomenthecameintothekitchen，everyeye，eventhescullion’s，wasfixeduponhimwithapprobation，andafterwardsglanceduponFranklinwithcontempt——contemptwhichFranklincouldnotendurewithoutsomeconfusion，thoughquiteunconsciousofhavingdeservedit。
nor，uponthemostimpartialandcoolself-examination，couldhecomprehendthejusticeofhisjudges。Heperceivedindeed——forthecomparisonswereminutelymadeinaudibleandscornfulwhispers——thatFelixwasamuchhandsomer，orasthekitchenmaidexpressedit，amuchmoregenteelergentlemanlylookinglikesortofpersonthanhewas。andhewasmadetounderstand，thathewantedafrilltohisshirt，acravat，apairofthinshoes，and，aboveall，shoestrings，besidesothernamelessadvantages，whichjustlymadehisrivaltheadmirationofthekitchen。However，uponcallingtomindallthathisfriendMr。Spencerhadeversaidtohim，hecouldnotrecollecthishavingwarnedhimthatshoestringswereindispensablerequisitestothecharacterofagoodservant。sothathecouldonlycomforthimselfwithresolving，ifpossible，tomakeamendsforthesedeficiencies，andtodissipatetheprejudiceswhichhesawwereformedagainsthim，bythestrictestadherencetoallthathistutorhadtaughthimtobehisduty。Hehopedtosecuretheapprobationofhismistressbyscrupulousobediencetoallhercommands，andfaithfulcareofallthatbelongedtoher。Atthesametimeheflatteredhimselfheshouldwinthegoodwillofhisfellowservantsbyshowingaconstantdesiretoobligethem。Hepursuedthisplanofconductsteadilyfornearlythreeweeks，andfoundthathesucceededbeyondhisexpectationsinpleasinghismistress。butunfortunatelyhefounditmoredifficulttopleasehisfellowservants，andhesometimesoffendedwhenheleastexpectedit。HehadmadegreatprogressintheaffectionsofCorkscrew，thebutler，byworkingindeedveryhardforhim，anddoingeverydayatleasthalfhisbusiness。Butoneunfortunatenightthebutlerwasgoneout。thebellrang：hewentupstairs。andhismistressaskingwhereCorkscrewwas，heansweredthathewasgoneout。Whereto！saidhismistress。Idon’tknow，
answeredFranklin。And，ashehadtoldexactlythetruth，andmeanttodonoharm，hewassurprised，atthebutler’sreturn，whenherepeatedtohimwhathadpassed，atreceivingasuddenboxontheear，andtheappellationofamischievous，impertinent，mean-spiritedbrat。
Mischievous，impertinent，mean！repeatedFranklintohimself。but，lookinginthebutler’sface，whichwasadeeperscarletthanusual，hejudgedthathewasfarfromsober，anddidnotdoubtbutthatthenextmorning，whenhecametotheuseofhisreason，hewouldbesensibleofhisinjustice，andapologizeforhisboxoftheear。Butnoapologycomingallday，Franklinatlastventuredtorequestanexplanation，orrather，toaskwhathehadbestdoonthenextoccasion。
Why，saidCorkscrew，whenmistressaskedforme，howcameyoutosayI
wasgoneout？
Because，youknow，Isawyougoout。
AndwhensheaskedyouwhereIwasgone，howcameyoutosaythatyoudidnotknow？
Because，indeed，Ididnot。
Youareastupidblockhead！couldyounotsayIwasgonetothewasherwoman’s？
ButWEREyou？saidFranklin。
WasI？criedCorkscrew，andlookedasifhewouldhavestruckhimagain。howdareyougivemethelie，Mr。Hypocrite？Youwouldbereadyenough，I’llbebound，tomakeexcusesforyourself。Whyarenotmistress’clogscleaned？Goalongandblacken’em，thisminute，andsendFelixtome。
FromthistimeforwardFelixalonewasprivilegedtoenterthebutler’spantry。FelixbecamethefavouriteofCorkscrew。and，thoughFranklinbynomeanssoughttopryintothemysteriesoftheirprivateconferences，noreverenteredwithoutknockingatthedoor，yetitwashisfateoncetobesentofamessageatanunluckytime。and，asthedoorwashalfopen，hecouldnotavoidseeingFelixdrinkingabumperofredliquor，whichhecouldnothelpsuspectingtobewine。and，asthedecanter，whichusuallywentupstairsafterdinner，wasatthistimeinthebutler’sgrasp，withoutanystopperinit，hewasinvoluntarilyforcedtosuspecttheyweredrinkinghismistress’wine。
NorwerethebumpersofporttheonlyunlawfulrewardswhichFelixreceived：hisaunt，thecook，hadoccasionforhisassistance，andshehadmanydeliciousdouceursinhergift。Manyahandfulofcurrants，manyahalf-custard，manyatriangularremnantofpie，besidesthechoiceofhisownmealatbreakfast，dinnerandsupper，felltotheshareofthefavouriteFelix。whilstFranklinwasneglected，thoughhetooktheutmostpainstopleasethecookinallhonourableservice，and，whenshewashot，angry，orhurried，hewasalwaysathandtohelpher。andinthehourofadversity，whentheclockstruckfive，andnodinnerwasdished，andnokitchenmaidwithtwentypairofhandswastobehad，Franklinwouldanswertohercall，withflowerstogarnishherdishes，andpresenceofmindtoknow，inthemidstofthecommotion，whereeverythingthatwaswantingwastobefound。sothat，quickaslightning，alldifficultiesvanishedbeforehim。Yetwhenthedangerwasover，andthehourofadversityhadpast，theungratefulcookwouldforgetherbenefactor，and，whenitcametohissuppertime，wouldthrowhim，withacarelessnessthattouchedhimsensibly，anythingwhichtheotherservantsweretoonicetoeat。AllthisFranklinborewithfortitude。nordidheenvyFelixthedaintieswhichheate，sometimesclosebesidehim：For，
saidhetohimself，Ihaveaclearconscience，andthatismorethanFelixcanhave。Iknowhowhewinscook’sfavourtoowell，andIfancyI
knowhowIhaveoffendedher。forsincethedayIsawthebasket，shehasdonenothingbuthuffme。
Thehistoryofthebasketwasthis。Mrs。Pomfret，thehousekeeper，hadseveraltimes，directlyandindirectly，giventheworldbelowtounderstandthatsheandhermistressthoughttherewasaprodigiousquantityofmeateatenoflate。Now，whenshespoke，itwasusuallyatdinnertime。shealwayslooked，orFranklinimaginedthatshelooked，suspiciouslyathim。Otherpeoplelookedmoremaliciously。but，ashefelthimselfperfectlyinnocent，hewentoneatinghisdinnerinsilence。
Butatlengthitwastimetoexplain。OneSundaythereappearedahandsomesirloinofbeef，whichbeforenoononMondayhadshrunkalmosttothebarebone，andpresentedsuchadeplorablespectacletotheopeningeyesofMrs。Pomfretthatherlongsmotheredindignationburstforth，andsheboldlydeclaredshewasnowcertaintherehadbeenfoulplay，andshewouldhavethebeeffound，orshewouldknowwhy。Shespoke，butnobeefappeared，tillFranklin，withalookofsuddenrecollection，cried，DidnotIseesomethinglikeapieceofbeefinabasketinthedairy？——Ithink——
Thecook，asifsomebodyhadsmoteheradeadlyblow，grewpale。but，suddenlyrecoveringtheuseofherspeech，turneduponFranklin，and，withavoiceofthunder，gavehimtheliedirect。andforthwith，takingMrs。Pomfretbytheruffle，ledthewaytothedairy，declaringshecoulddefytheworld——thatsoshecould，andwould。There，ma’am，saidshekickinganemptybasketwhichlayonthefloor——there’smaliceforyou。
Askhimwhyhedon’tshowyouthebeefinthebasket。
IthoughtIsaw——poorFranklinbegan。
Youthoughtyousaw！criedthecook，comingcloseuptohimwithkimboedarms，andlookinglikeadragon。andpray，sir，whatbusinesshassuchaoneasyoutothinkyousee？Andpray，ma’am，willyoubepleasedtospeak——perhaps，ma’am，he’llcondescendtoobeyyou——ma’am，willyoubepleasedtoforbidhimmydairy？forherehecomespryingandspyingabout。andhow，ma’am，amItoanswerformybutterandcream，oranythingatall？I’msureit’swhatIcan’tpretendto，unlessyoudomethejusticetoforbidhimmyplaces。
Mrs。Pomfret，whoseeyeswereblindedbyherprejudicesagainstthefolksoftheVillaintropicSociety，andalsobyhersecretjealousyofaboywhomshedeemedtobeagrowingfavouriteofhermistress’，tookpartwiththecook，andended，asshebegan，withafirmpersuasionthatFranklinwastheguiltyperson。Lethimalone，lethimalone！saidshe。hehasasmanyturnsandwindingsasahare。butweshallcatchhimyet，I’llbebound，insomeofhisdoublings。Iknewthenatureofhimwellenough，fromthefirsttimeIeversetmyeyesuponhim。butmistressshallhaveherownway，andseetheendofit。
Thesewords，andthebittersenseofinjustice，drewtearsatlengthfastdowntheproudcheekofFranklin，whichmightpossiblyhavetouchedMrs。
Pomfret，ifFelix，withasneer，hadnotcalledthemCROCODILETEARS。
Felix，too！thoughthe。thisistoomuch。Infact，Felixhadtillnowprofessedhimselfhisfirmally，andhadonhispartreceivedfromFranklinunequivocalproofsoffriendship。foritmustbetoldthateveryothermorning，whenitwasFelix’sturntogetbreakfast，Felixneverwasupindecenttime，andmustinevitablyhavecometopublicdisgraceifFranklinhadnotgotallthebreakfastthingsreadyforhim，thebreadandbutterspread，andthetoasttoasted。andhadnot，moreover，regularly，whentheclockstruckeight，andMrs。Pomfret’sfootwasheardoverhead，runtocallthesleepingFelix，andhelpedhimconstantlythroughthehurryofgettingdressedoneinstantbeforethehousekeepercamedownstairs。Allthiscouldnotbutbepresenttohismemory。but，seemingtoreproachhim，Franklinwipedawayhiscrocodiletears，andpreservedamagnanimoussilence。
Thehourofretributionwas，however，notsofaroffasFeliximagined。
Cunningpeoplemaygooncleverlyintheirdevicesforsometime。butalthoughtheymayescapeonce，twice，perhapsninety-ninetimes，whatdoesthatsignify？——forthehundredthtimetheycometoshame，andlosealltheircharacter。Grownboldbyfrequentsuccess，Felixbecamemorecarelessinhisoperations。andithappenedthatonedayhemethismistressfullinthepassage，ashewasgoingononeofthecook’ssecreterrands。
Whereareyougoing，Felix？saidhismistress。
Tothewasherwoman’s，ma’am，answeredhe，withhisusualeffrontery。
Verywell，saidshe。Callatthebookseller’sin——stay，Imustwritedownthedirection。Pomfret，saidshe，openingthehousekeeper’sroomdoor，haveyouabitofpaper？Pomfretcamewiththewriting-paper，andlookedveryangrytoseethatFelixwasgoingoutwithoutherknowledge。so，whileMrs。Churchillwaswritingthedirection，shestoodtalkingtohimaboutit。whilsthe，inthegreatestterrorimaginable，lookedupinherfaceasshespoke。butwasallthetimeintentonparryingontheothersidetheattacksofalittleFrenchdogofhismistress’，which，unluckilyforhim，hadfollowedherintothepassage。
ManchonwasextremelyfondofFelix，who，bywayofpleasinghismistress，hadpaidmostassiduouscourttoherdog。yetnowhiscaresseswererathertroublesome。Manchonleapedup，andwasnottoberebuffed。
Poorfellow——poorfellow——down！down！poorfellow！criedFelix，andputhimaway。ButManchonleapedupagain，andbegansmellingnearthefatalpocketinamostalarmingmanner。Youwillseebythisdirectionwhereyouaretogo，saidhismistress。Manchon，comehere——andyouwillbesogoodastobringme——down！down！Manchon，bequiet！ButManchonknewbetter——hehadnowgothisheadintoFelix’spocket，andwouldnotbequiettillhehaddrawnfromthence，rustlingoutofitsbrownpaper，halfacoldturkey，whichhadbeenmissingsincemorning。
Mycoldturkey，asI’malive！exclaimedthehousekeeper，dartinguponitwithhorrorandamazement。
Whatisallthis？saidMrs。Churchill，inacomposedvoice。
Idon’tknow，ma’am，answeredFelix，soconfusedthatheknewnotwhattosay。but——
Butwhat？criedMrs。Pomfret，indignationflashingfromhereyes。Butwhat？repeatedhismistress，waitingforhisreplywithacalmairofattention，whichstillmoredisconcertedFelix。for，thoughwithanangrypersonhemighthavesomechanceofescape，heknewthathecouldnotinventanyexcuseinsuchcircumstances，whichcouldstandtheexaminationofapersoninhersobersenses。Hewasstruckdumb。
Speak，saidMrs。Churchill，inastilllowertone。Iamreadytohearallyouhavetosay。Inmyhouseeverybodyshallhavejustice。speak——
butwhat？
BUT，stammeredFelix。and，afterinvainattemptingtoequivocate，confessedthathewasgoingtotaketheturkeytohiscousin’s。buthethrewalltheblameuponhisaunt，thecook，who，hesaid，hadorderedhimuponthisexpedition。
Thecookwasnowsummoned。butshetotallydeniedallknowledgeoftheaffair，withthesameviolencewithwhichshehadlatelyconfoundedFranklinaboutthebeefinthebasket。notentirely，however，withthesamesuccess。forFelix，perceivingbyhismistress’eyethatshewasonthepointofdesiringhimtoleavethehouseimmediately。andnotbeingverywillingtoleaveaplaceinwhichhehadlivedsowellwiththebutler，didnothesitatetoconfronthisauntwithassuranceequaltoherown。Heknewhowtobringhischargehometoher。Heproducedanoteinherownhandwriting，thepurportofwhichwastorequesthercousin’sacceptanceofsomeDELICATECOLDTURKEY，andtobegshewouldsendher，bythereturnofthebearer，alittleofhercherry-brandy。
Mrs。Churchillcoollywroteuponthebackofthenotehercook’sdischarge，andinformedFelixshehadnofurtheroccasionforhisservices，but，uponhispleadingwithmanytears，whichFranklindidnotcallCROCODILETEARS，thathewassoyoung，thathewasunderthedominionofhisaunt，hetouchedMrs。Pomfret’scompassion，andsheobtainedforhimpermissiontostaytilltheendofthemonth，togivehimyetachanceofredeeminghischaracter。
Mrs。Pomfretnowseeinghowfarshehadbeenimposedupon，resolved，forthefuture，tobemoreuponherguardwithFelix，andfeltthatshehadtreatedFranklinwithgreatinjustice，whensheaccusedhimofmalpracticesaboutthesirloinofbeef。
Goodpeople，whentheyaremadesensiblethattheyhavetreatedanyonewithinjustice，areimpatienttohaveanopportunitytorectifytheirmistake。andMrs。PomfretwasnowpreparedtoseeeverythingwhichFranklindidinthemostfavourablepointofview。especiallyasthenextdayshediscoveredthatitwashewhoeverymorningboiledthewaterforhertea，andbutteredhertoast——servicesforwhichshehadalwaysthoughtshewasindebtedtoFelix。Besides，shehadratedFelix’sabilitiesveryhighly，becausehemadeupherweeklyaccountsforher。
butunluckilyonce，whenFranklinwasoutoftheway，andshebroughtabillinahurrytoherfavouritetocastup，shediscoveredthathedidnotknowhowtocastuppounds，shillingsandpence，andhewasobligedtoconfessthatshemustwaittillFranklincamehome。
But，passingoveranumberofsmallincidentswhichgraduallyunfoldedthecharacterofthetwoboys，wemustproceedtoamoreseriousaffair。
Corkscrewfrequently，afterhehadfinishedtakingawaysupper，andafterthehousekeeperwasgonetobed，salliedforthtoaneighbouringalehousetodrinkwithhisfriends。ThealehousewaskeptbythatcousinofFelix’s，whowassofondofDELICATEcoldturkey，andwhohadsuchchoicecherry-brandy。Corkscrewkeptthekeyofthehousedoor，sothathecouldreturnhomewheneverhethoughtproper。and，ifheshouldbyaccidentbecalledforbyhismistressaftersupper，Felixknewwheretofindhim，anddidnotscrupletomakeanyofthoseexcuseswhichpoorFranklinhadtoomuchintegritytouse。
Alltheseprecautionstaken，thebutlerwasatlibertytoindulgehisfavouritepassion，whichsoincreasedwithindulgence，thathiswageswerebynomeanssufficienttosupporthiminthiswayoflife。Everydayhefeltlessresolutiontobreakthroughhisbadhabits。foreverydaydrinkingbecamemorenecessarytohim。Hishealthwasruined。Withared，pimpled，bloatedface，emaciatedlegs，andaswelled，diseasedbody，heappearedthevictimofintoxication。Inthemorning，whenhegotup，hishandstrembled，hisspiritsflagged，hecoulddonothinguntilhehadtakenadram——anoperationwhichhewasobligedtorepeatseveraltimesinthecourseoftheday，asallthosewretchedpeopleMUST
whoonceacquirethishabit。