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author: www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> 2026-05-21 16:15:04 -0700
committer: www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> 2026-05-21 16:15:04 -0700
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+    <title>
+      The toll-keepers and other stories for the young | Project Gutenberg
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+
+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78722 ***</div>
+
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="frontispiece" style="max-width: 29.6875em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/frontispiece.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[1]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<h1><span class="smaller">THE</span><br>
+TOLL-KEEPERS<br>
+<span class="smaller"><span class="smaller">AND OTHER</span><br>
+<i>STORIES FOR THE YOUNG</i></span></h1>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br>
+BENJAMIN CLARKE<br>
+<span class="smaller">AUTHOR OF “MY FIRST AND LAST VOYAGE,” ETC. ETC.</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter titlepage illowp100" style="max-width: 8.125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/line.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<p class="titlepage">EDINBURGH<br>
+W. P. NIMMO, HAY, &amp; MITCHELL</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<table>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdpg smaller">PAGE</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>THE TOLL-KEEPERS,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_TOLL-KEEPERS">5</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>CHIPS FROM A NAVAL OFFICER’S LOG,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHIPS_FROM_A_NAVAL_OFFICERS_LOG">11</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A SHORT ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_SHORT_ACCOUNT_OF_GIBRALTAR">15</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A GENEROUS ENEMY,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_GENEROUS_ENEMY">21</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>THIRSTY JACK,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THIRSTY_JACK">25</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A VISIT TO MALTA,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_VISIT_TO_MALTA">29</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>THE FAT CAPTAIN,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_FAT_CAPTAIN">33</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A CONVICT STORY,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_CONVICT_STORY">37</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>THE LITTER OF PUPS,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_LITTER_OF_PUPS">43</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>ABOUT FISHING,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#ABOUT_FISHING">49</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>AN ANIMAL THAT HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#AN_ANIMAL_THAT_HAS_SEEN_BETTER_DAYS">55</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>CHARLEY FORDER AND HIS SISTERS,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHARLEY_FORDER_AND_HIS_SISTERS">61</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>MY GRANDFATHER,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#MY_GRANDFATHER">69</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_CHILDRENS_HOSPITAL">76</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>MY FIRST BEAR,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#MY_FIRST_BEAR">84</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>THE PLOT DISCOVERED,</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_PLOT_DISCOVERED">90</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><i>The “Chips from a Naval Officer’s Log” are all
+strictly true, having been related to the Writer by officers
+who bore witness to the truth of their statements.</i></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 12.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer01.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header01.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_TOLL-KEEPERS">THE TOLL-KEEPERS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-b.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">Bushgrove farm-house was a right
+snug homestead, and the farm-yard,
+and the rick-yard, and the
+out-buildings said very plainly that Farmer
+Cousens was a well-to-do man. To spend
+one fine summer’s day at Bushgrove would
+furnish you children with enough to talk
+about for a month. There would be something
+to suit the tastes of all of you. Some
+of the boys would make for the stable at
+once, and very likely would get a chance of
+a ride in one of the carts to some part of the
+farm; others would venture up in the loft
+above, and perform some daring somersaults
+on the soft hay; some of the girls would get
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span>permission to feed the poultry, and be delighted
+when the different sorts came half
+running, half flying at the sight of the well-known
+bowl; others would only be too glad
+to help Mrs Cousens in the house, especially
+if they were entrusted with the important
+duty of going up to the apple room and
+selecting the nicest, rosiest apples for the
+pie. But none, either of the boys or girls,
+would be far away when the cows were
+milked just before tea, for a draught of new
+milk warm from the cow is a treat that
+Londoners do not easily forget.</p>
+
+<p>I will undertake, however, to say that
+not one of you when thinking over your
+day’s pleasure, but would decide that the
+most enjoyable part of your visit was your
+introduction to little Sophy and Nelly
+Cousens.</p>
+
+<p>Oh! their father would not think much of
+his farm or his ricks if he had not these little
+rogues about him, and their mother would
+consider Bushgrove a very dismal home
+without these little feet trotting about it:
+it was hard to say who was the farmer’s
+favourite. Sophy was the elder and the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span>prettier, so strangers said, but “Bless you,”
+he would say, “folks may talk, but they
+won’t persuade me which is the prettier, for
+I don’t want to know: ’tis just like this with
+cows—some like ’em all roan, others like ’em
+spotted, but Betty doesn’t care which way
+’tis as long as they are quiet and well-behaved
+when she milks ’em; so I say, as long
+as the dear children are good, what’s the use
+of comparing ’em feature by feature?” But
+friends could not help comparing their manner.
+Nelly, though only four,—more than a
+year younger than her sister—was by far the
+sturdier child, and far less shy and bashful.
+She would hold up her dear honest face
+for any one to kiss that spoke kindly to
+her, while Sophy needed to be persuaded
+that you loved her before she would raise
+her drooping eyes, much less her plump
+cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>Now Farmer Cousens used to grumble—all
+farmers have some cause, they say; and
+his was, that he could not take his corn, or
+his hay, or his vegetables to market without
+paying a heavy toll. But when most inclined
+to complain, he would think of the other
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span>toll gate nearer home, and then his face
+would lighten up with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>I wonder who kept that other gate, and
+what the toll was for passing through.</p>
+
+<p>It was very strictly kept by two little
+keepers, who were very partial indeed in
+deciding who were to pay, and who were
+to go free; and, strange to say, those they
+loved best had to pay the most. Why, they
+let their toll gate take care of itself till just
+as they knew their father would be coming
+home; then they would take up their places—Sophy
+on her feet, ready to catch him if
+he should try to run through; and Nelly
+sitting up on the bars, to get a ride when the
+gate was opened, as well as her toll. Sometimes
+her father pretended he could not open
+it with such a great heavy weight on it, but
+she was not to be done in that way. If anything
+delayed him longer than usual, Sophy
+would soon begin to get anxious and fear he
+would not come before it was time for her to
+go to bed, but little Nelly rested her heels on
+the bar, and planted her hands so firmly, as
+much as to say, “Here I sit till he does
+come.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span></p>
+
+<p>All right, Sophy; cheer up, little woman;
+I hear old Bob’s steady trot, your father is
+coming, and you won’t care about our society
+just now; so good-bye both of you, and save
+some kisses for us when we next go through—we
+shall want lots of change for our
+money.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 31.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer02.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header02.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHIPS_FROM_A_NAVAL_OFFICERS_LOG">CHIPS FROM
+A NAVAL OFFICER’S LOG.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">I hardly know whether I ought to
+call the short story I am going to
+tell you “a chip” from my log, or
+not; for this reason, that it did not occur in
+my own experience, but was related to me.
+However, like all my other chips, you may
+rely on its truth. I can vouch for the fact
+that I am going to mention, and you may
+rely on whatever you find in my log, for old
+sailors have seen too many wonderful things
+that have really happened to go out of their
+way to take in their listeners by trying to
+impose upon them.</p>
+
+<p>If you want wonderful things that never
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span>happened; if you want frightful scenes that
+never could have occurred; if you want
+battles written by people that scarcely know
+the stem from the stern of a ship; that know
+nothing of the Queen’s service, and precious
+little of the Queen’s English, then you must
+go to “Admiral Dick; or, the Death Calm;”
+or, “Stick-at-nothing Tom; or, the Gory
+Capstan,” or some such rubbish as you see
+advertised, and alas! see read. Now, I won’t
+say more about this now, except that the
+boys and girls who care for my chips, and
+take any interest in them, will find them
+truthful and harmless, neither of which
+qualities do those exciting and absurd tales
+possess.</p>
+
+<p>Well, when I was serving in the “Conqueror”
+frigate, there was a midshipman who
+was a Turk by birth. He was the only Turk
+I ever knew in Her Majesty’s service; but
+this youngster was not a bad sort of a fellow
+in his way. ’Twas from him I heard this
+short story, with which he was personally
+familiar. In a former ship in which he
+sailed, there was a passenger who had made
+some money as a milkman at Constantinople,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span>which he kept in a bag in his cabin, and was
+very fond of retiring there and counting it
+over. Now, the captain had a pet monkey
+that used to watch this man, and seeing him
+so often going to this bag, he thought there
+must be something in it worth examining;
+so one day he watched his opportunity, ran
+into the man’s cabin, seized the bag, and
+climbed with it up to the mainsail-yard.
+The man soon missed his bag, and soon found
+out where it was gone, for the monkey began
+taking out the gold coins, and throwing
+them alternately on the deck and into the
+sea.</p>
+
+<p>Those that fell on the deck the poor man
+greedily picked up, but the half of them that
+went overboard, of course, were lost. He did
+not intend putting up with his loss so quietly,
+for he held the captain responsible, as it was
+his monkey that had robbed him.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be done until the vessel
+got into port, when the man had the captain
+brought before the Kadi, or magistrate, to
+recover the value of the coins lost.</p>
+
+<p>“You were a milkman?” said the Kadi.</p>
+
+<p>“I was, sir,” replied the man.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span></p>
+
+<p>“And, pray, will you tell me how much
+water you used to put with your milk?”</p>
+
+<p>The man was much confused, and replied,
+he would rather not tell; but as he saw the
+magistrate was determined to know, he at
+last confessed he used to mix one-half.</p>
+
+<p>“Very well, then,” said the Kadi, “it appears
+to me that only one-half of what you
+earned was honestly yours. You have got,
+therefore, all that was your due, and this
+monkey has only thrown <i>into</i> the water the
+amount of profit you dishonestly got <i>out of</i>
+the water.”</p>
+
+<p>Thus, judgment was given against the man,
+and every one but he felt how just it was.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 25.0em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer03.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header03.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_SHORT_ACCOUNT_OF_GIBRALTAR">A SHORT ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR.<br>
+<span class="smaller">FROM NOTES OF A PERSONAL VISIT.</span></h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-t.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">The rock, the town, the bay, and the
+strait of Gibraltar lie, as you know,
+at the southern extremity of Spain,
+but I dare say if you have been at all interested
+in the place, you have fallen into the
+same mistake that many have who are
+older than you. They have thought the
+town was near the mouth of the strait which
+its artillery is supposed to command.</p>
+
+<p>But this is not the case, the town is more
+than twenty miles from the Atlantic, and its
+guns, instead of pointing southward to the
+straits, which are here no less than fifteen
+miles across, point towards the bay on the
+west, where alone it is accessible, and to the
+Spanish mainland on the north.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span></p>
+
+<p>Looking at Gibraltar from the sea, it is
+indeed a grand sight. The rock is formed of
+marble and limestone, and rises to three
+points, the loftiest of which, Sugar Loaf
+Point, is 1439 feet from the sea. Europa
+Point is on the south, and here, on an oval
+platform, stands the governor’s cottage.</p>
+
+<p>One of the most dreadful tragedies I ever
+heard of in the way of duelling came off at
+Europa Point. One evening an American
+officer was going through the guard-room—where
+were a number of English officers—on
+the way to his ship, when as he passed he
+overheard the Englishmen mention, in no
+insulting manner, the word “Yankee.” He
+returned, boiling over with rage, and told
+them they should repent the insult, which
+they declared was never intended. However,
+the American returned next day with a challenge
+from as many officers of his ship as
+there were English officers of our army in
+the guard-room, to fight duels.</p>
+
+<p>The English took up the challenge, but
+stipulated that they would none of them fight
+with Americans of inferior rank. This threw
+out some of the Americans, so that then there
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span>were more English than necessary, and they
+arranged amongst themselves that no married
+men, but only single ones, should go forth to
+this mad encounter. The morning came, and
+at Europa Point there stood up in deadly
+combat four English against four American
+officers, of whom two were killed and three
+or four wounded. Now I cannot be quite
+exact as to the number; I know however I
+am rather under the mark than over—but
+the main incident I had from most reliable
+authority at Gibraltar.</p>
+
+<p>On landing, one is disappointed with the
+town itself, which is situated at the base of
+the rock. It is a miserable place, with small
+dirty-looking houses and straggling irregular
+streets. The inhabitants themselves—some
+20,000 of them—are not very attractive, such
+a mixture of English, Spanish, Moors, and
+Turks, with but little in the fair sex to warrant
+their being called so. But if you are
+not struck with the beauty of the people, you
+will be with the strength of the place. All
+the descriptions you may have read will not
+prepare you for the reality, so that I do not
+expect my account of it will bring you much
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span>nearer. I will merely say, therefore, that
+there are four or five tiers of galleries rising
+one above another on one side of the rock,
+in which are placed guns of immense power
+and weight. Smaller batteries are placed in
+every possible direction, and altogether there
+can be stowed away ammunition and provisions
+sufficient for a very long siege.
+Ordinarily, there are about seven thousand
+soldiers on the rock, of whom about three
+thousand belong to the artillery, but these
+are not enough to work all the guns, so that
+in case of war many more would be sent out.</p>
+
+<p>Ah! in case of war; that reminds us that it
+has often been the scene of warfare, and perhaps
+a short sketch of its past history would
+not be uninteresting to our young readers.</p>
+
+<p>When William III. assisted Charles III. of
+Spain against Philip V. it was agreed that
+Gibraltar was to be given to England, but as
+the agreement was not kept, and Gibraltar
+was not handed over to us, Sir G. Rooke took
+forcible possession of it in the year 1704.
+An attempt was made by the Spaniards to
+recover it, but it was formally ceded to us in
+July 1713.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span></p>
+
+<p>In the year 1779, during the war with
+America, Gibraltar was blockaded by the
+French and Spanish squadrons. The garrison,
+under Governor-General Elliott, made a brave
+resistance, but was subject to great privations
+by reason of the provisions running
+scarce through the long siege. At last a
+vessel hove in sight which proved to be the
+forerunner of Admiral Rodney’s squadron of
+twenty ships, who, having defeated the enemy,
+came to the relief of the garrison.</p>
+
+<p>Since then the Spaniards have often desired
+to be again in possession of Gibraltar, and
+have made some attempts, but always unsuccessful.
+They now see the value and importance
+of it, and so do we. It is the key to
+the Mediterranean, and though England has
+a good many keys on her bunch, she is not
+likely to give up this one.</p>
+
+<p>And now with an anecdote nearer our own
+time, I must close. You know that William
+IV. was in the navy when young, and once,
+when he was a midshipman, he served under
+Admiral Digby in the <i>Prince George</i>.</p>
+
+<p>When the Spanish Admiral Langara was
+a prisoner of the English, he visited Admiral
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span>Digby, and was introduced to His Royal
+Highness, who retired during the conference,
+but reappeared at its conclusion as the midshipman
+on duty, respectfully informing the
+Spanish Admiral that the boat was manned
+ready for him. “Well does Great Britain
+merit the empire of the sea,” exclaimed the
+Spaniard, “when the humblest stations in
+her navy are occupied by princes of the
+blood.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp85" style="max-width: 12.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer04.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header04.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_GENEROUS_ENEMY">A GENEROUS ENEMY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">In 1815 I was a “younker,” or midshipman,
+on board His Majesty’s
+ship “Swinger,” a twelve-gun brig.</p>
+
+<p>I remember one day, soon after we left
+Surinam, our captain hobbled upon deck—for
+he had a wooden leg—and as his custom
+was, he stood up near one of the guns, and
+looked over the ship’s side.</p>
+
+<p>“Beat to quarters,” shouted the captain;
+and sure enough ’twas no false alarm, for
+bearing right down upon us was a ship much
+larger than our own, which we soon made
+out to be an American. Nothing daunted
+by her size or her superior armament, and
+consequently larger ship’s company, we prepared
+for action, and soon gave the enemy a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span>taste of our metal. Nothing could have
+been better than the manner in which our
+guns were served, for although we had but
+sixty men and boys, and twelve guns, whilst
+the enemy had 145 men and boys, and fifteen
+guns, we kept up a galling fire for two hours
+and a-half, until the American, finding she
+had had as much as she cared for, and not
+wanting a closer acquaintance, made off and
+left us.</p>
+
+<p>We gave chase for the remainder of the
+day, but as she was a much faster ship than
+ours she made good her escape.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, we returned to Surinam; but on
+the way we painted our ports, so that we
+were not at first recognised.</p>
+
+<p>I had better explain that when we left we
+were painted entirely black, but on our return
+we were black and white, something
+like a chess-board.</p>
+
+<p>When we asked “what news,” we were
+told that a little black brig, that had recently
+left, had been licked by an American. We
+had a good laugh, of course, and we were
+able to give a much better account of the
+little black brig than that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, six years after, in 1821, a friend of
+mine was in the West Indies, and was
+thrown into contact with the captain of the
+American vessel that encountered the
+“Swinger.” He often spoke of the engagement,
+and declared “he would give anything
+to see her captain, for he was the smartest
+man he’d ever came across.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why,” said my friend, “the officer who
+commanded the ‘Swinger’ is now here, and
+is an old friend of mine. I shall be delighted
+to introduce you.”</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly it was arranged, and a friendly
+meeting took place between the two former
+enemies. The American rushed up to his
+old opponent, and shook him by the hand in
+such a hearty manner, that it was some
+minutes before he relinquished his grasp.
+“I’m delighted to see you, sir,” he said;
+“you’re the cleverest man I ever saw, by a
+long chalk. Why, I expected to chaw you
+up in about half-an-hour, and instead of that,
+in about two you gave me such a walloping
+that I ran into port and didn’t venture out
+again. We had nine killed and fifteen
+wounded; how many had you?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Only five killed and wounded.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well done! give us your hand again,
+captain!”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 31.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer05.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header05.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THIRSTY_JACK">THIRSTY JACK.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-t.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">This little story I am going to tell
+you is a very small chip, so small,
+indeed, that it might be almost
+called a shaving, but it comes into my mind
+just now, and is such a trifling occurrence,
+that unless I tell you now I may forget it at
+another time. It will just do to fill up a
+spare moment or two while your candle is
+being got ready for bed, or after you have
+finished your dinner, and have a minute to
+spare, or while you are waiting to be attended
+to in a shop.</p>
+
+<p>It is about Jack Fraser, one of our lieutenants
+in the ——. Well, on second thoughts,
+I won’t tell you the name of the ship, or
+some of my fair young friends may be
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span>ingenious enough to look through old Navy
+Lists, and by seeing when my ship was at
+the station I am going to mention, may discover
+that I must be getting very old, whereas
+I want you all to fancy I’m very young. At
+all events, though my timbers are creaking,
+and my skylights getting dim, and my figure-head
+rather grey, I am still fond of boys
+and girls, and like to have them about me.</p>
+
+<p>Well, about Jack Fraser. We were at
+Jamaica, which is, as you know, rather a
+warm climate. Fraser was what they call
+“a thirsty soul,” that is, one very fond of his
+glass; not his spyglass for looking abroad, or
+his looking-glass for looking at home, but his
+wine glass and grog-tumbler. He had always
+some excuse, though I can’t call it a reason.
+When here, he used to say it was so hot we
+could only keep cool by drinking; when
+farther north in colder climates, he declared
+the only way to keep warm was by drinking;
+and when on any home station on half-pay,
+he used to say that this was such a wretched
+climate that he could only keep off “the
+blues” by his glass regular. I always think
+when I hear any one finding excuses like this
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span>for drinking, that he is rather ashamed of it
+himself, and that he indulges far more than
+is generally supposed.</p>
+
+<p>Well, one afternoon he went ashore at
+Port Royal, and had not returned when we all
+turned in, and when all lights were turned
+out. By and by Jack came on board and
+began fumbling about for something to drink.
+The steward had retired, so he knew he could
+not get supplied. My cabin opened in the
+mess-room, so I heard him talking to himself
+about his misfortune in being so thirsty and
+in not getting anything to drink. Presently
+I found out he had discovered some, which
+he soon drank off, for in a few seconds I
+heard such a spitting and spluttering that I
+laughed right out, for I at once guessed what
+had happened. He had got hold of the jug
+which contained a decoction for enticing
+mosquitoes and other insects to it, and which
+had done its work pretty well that day. It
+was this liquid Fraser had drunk, and it was
+these mosquitoes that he had spit out, except
+such as had been swallowed past recovery.</p>
+
+<p>I wish this had taught him a lesson; but
+this bad habit, even more than others, though
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span>it may receive many checks, is with the
+greatest difficulty given up.</p>
+
+<p>Take care, young friends, that you do not
+form them.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 31.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer06.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header06.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_VISIT_TO_MALTA">A VISIT TO MALTA.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-t.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">The view of Malta did not quite
+equal my expectations, though the
+I harbour certainly is very fine, and
+the number of gay and picturesque-looking
+boats makes it a lively scene. The fortifications
+are of great extent, but so different
+from Gibraltar, being all artificial. I need
+hardly say that Malta is an island in the
+Mediterranean, between Africa and Sicily,
+but perhaps it may be necessary to mention
+that it is about 20 miles long by 12 broad.</p>
+
+<p>By the way, Malta is not unlike some
+human beings—naturally barren and of no
+use, but by culture and application and diligence,
+and with help from others, how very
+fertile they become?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span></p>
+
+<p>This reflection occupies us whilst we row
+to land—there to see for ourselves the places
+of note. The streets are very curious, being
+large flights of steps leading up from the sea
+into the town. The church of St John and
+the governor’s house are well worth seeing;
+but one of the finest modern buildings is the
+Hospital, on the left hand side of the entrance
+to the town. The hotels and shops are very
+good, that is, you can get what you require,
+but then you have to pay rather dearly;
+perhaps the people think that persons going
+to the East must make all their purchases
+here, as it is the last European place at which
+the steamers stop, and that persons coming
+from the East are only too glad to prepare
+here for the colder climate they will encounter
+before they finish their journey, and
+so do not much mind what they pay for
+things. The population is somewhat over
+125,000, and as most of the inhabitants are
+Roman Catholics, there is a great deal of
+church-going. But the bell-ringing is enough
+to summon ten times the number of people
+to matins and vespers;—clang, clang, ding,
+dong,—the noise is incessant. I am talking,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span>of course, of the time when I was there, but
+I hear that much of the nuisance has been
+done away with. Then, besides the churches,
+there are many monasteries, one of which I
+visited, and of which I will tell you, as a very
+singular custom is in force there, that of
+baking the deceased friars.</p>
+
+<p>The monastery is one of the Capuchin
+order, and as soon as one of the monks dies,
+his body is exposed to a dry heat; whereby
+the softer parts become hardened; then he is
+propped up in a niche set apart for him, and
+his name and history are written above. The
+catacombs, where all these bodies are placed,
+consist of a long narrow room dimly lighted,
+and filled with a faint sickly odour; on
+either side is a row of corpses attired in the
+robes of their order, with ropes fastened
+round them as waistbands. Over each niche
+branches of the bay tree were wreathed, and
+among them the monks, with horrible ingenuity,
+had intertwined garlands and festoons
+of skulls, thigh bones, legs, and arms.
+The monk who accompanied me appeared
+intensely gratified and exultant over these
+disgusting things, and when he pointed out
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span>one old fellow who had been baked about a
+hundred years, he was in raptures.</p>
+
+<p>Rather an unpleasant order to belong to!
+Fancy seeing your niche in the wall that
+your body will fill up some day! almost as
+bad as the custom in Iceland of standing the
+minister’s coffin in the church near the
+pulpit, or as the man who bought a job lot
+of coffins, thinking they would be sure to
+come in useful some day.</p>
+
+<p>An officer of ours accompanied me, who
+two years ago knew one of the monks, and
+on his asking for him, he was taken to a
+newly-filled niche, and there shown his old
+friend in a state of mummyism, as he had
+been dead some months.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of being an order of <i>friars</i>, they
+should be called an order of <i>bakers</i>.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 12.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer07.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header07.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_FAT_CAPTAIN">THE FAT CAPTAIN.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-o.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">One of the queerest men I ever knew
+was Captain ——. Well, there,
+you won’t be any wiser if I tell
+you his name. He has been dead some time,
+but many of his friends are still living, so
+I will merely call him the fat captain.</p>
+
+<p>He was an immensely stout man, and if
+he wasn’t a port admiral, he was a portly
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>Once when his ship was in the Piræus, he
+gave an entertainment to some of the principal
+residents at Athens, among whom were
+many ladies. They spent a merry evening
+on board the ship, and when it was time for
+the party to break up, the captain called
+aside the first lieutenant, who was a very
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span>small man indeed, by the way, and told him
+that when the boats were putting off from
+the ship he would fall into the water,
+and asked the lieutenant if he would mind
+jumping in after him. The latter, quite
+appreciating the joke, readily consented, for
+both could swim; and they waited to carry
+out their intention.</p>
+
+<p>But the gunner had overheard the conversation,
+and knew what was going to take place.</p>
+
+<p>Now this man was a great favourite on
+board, especially with the captain, with whom
+he had sailed six years. He was the handiest
+man imaginable, and could do anything, even
+to repairing any watches that might be out
+of order. His readiness and willingness gave
+him a certain position which made him rather
+saucy.</p>
+
+<p>When he heard of the captain’s intended
+joke, he thought some fun might be made
+out of it, and so he went below and told all
+the men of it.</p>
+
+<p>At length the party was ready to go. It
+was a lovely night; the moon shone on the
+still blue water, and the ladies were looking
+forward to a pleasant row to land.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span></p>
+
+<p>Just as the boats had got clear of the ship
+there was a sudden splash as a body fell
+heavily into the water, and a cry was instantly
+raised, “The captain overboard.”</p>
+
+<p>Another splash! as over went the lieutenant,
+the ladies screaming, greatly terrified.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner was the lieutenant in the water,
+when splash! splash! splash! as from every
+port-hole on that side of the ship plunged
+sailor after sailor, who had been waiting, undressed,
+for the captain’s joke.</p>
+
+<p>Then followed quite a scrimmage as to
+who should save the captain, until the unfortunate
+man was being rather roughly handled
+in the very laudable and extraordinarily
+prompt efforts, as he thought, to save his
+life. When the ladies got over the fright of
+the supposed accident, and the proximity of
+so many naked tars, they entered into the
+fun and enjoyed it with the others.</p>
+
+<p>I don’t know if the captain ever knew of
+the part the gunner had taken in the affair,
+but he always continued to be a favourite
+with him, although the captain frequently
+declared he was the greatest blackguard in
+the ship.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span></p>
+
+<p>Some time after, when the captain’s vessel
+was ordered home, he sent for the gunner
+and told him he was going home, but wouldn’t
+disgrace himself by taking such a blackguard
+back to England. He said he was transferred
+to another ship, and handed him two letters.
+When he got out of the cabin the man found
+that one letter contained his discharge to the
+admiral’s ship, and the other a ten-pound
+note.</p>
+
+<p>They quite understood one another, and I
+dare say the gunner would rather have had
+his captain’s abuse than his praise. Queer
+fellow, wasn’t he?</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp33" style="max-width: 6.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer08.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header08.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_CONVICT_STORY">A CONVICT STORY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">It was soon after landing at Sydney
+from my second voyage that I fell
+in with an old friend, who was then
+a magistrate of the town.</p>
+
+<p>After comparing notes since we had last
+met, he asked me to go out and visit his family
+who lived in the bush, about seven miles
+from Sydney. The captain of the “Tartar,”
+the vessel I had come out in, was to go with
+me; and so we hired a gig, and drove out.</p>
+
+<p>It was a wild, dreary country, sure enough,
+that we went over, and a most dismal locality
+to reside in. Why, the nearest house was
+the police-station, and that was three miles
+off; but, as we shall see, the police are not at
+all bad neighbours in that part of the world.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span></p>
+
+<p>We got to our journey’s end, and the first
+sight we saw was four gibbets erected near
+the gate. We thought, perhaps, that they
+were the sign that a magistrate lived there,
+or that they were put up, just like the old
+stocks one sometimes sees on a village green,
+to be ready when wanted, and to be a terror
+to people always; but the account that my
+friend gave showed that they were erected
+for some real criminals.</p>
+
+<p>About six weeks before this, a gentleman
+and his son were spending Sunday here; and
+in the afternoon the young man, with my
+friend’s son, were strolling about the yard,
+when they fancied they heard a strange noise
+in an out-house.</p>
+
+<p>They listened for some time, till, feeling
+sure they heard footsteps, they went near,
+and opened the door, when immediately they
+found themselves attacked by four convicts.</p>
+
+<p>A desperate struggle took place, for the
+young men were strong, and were not to be
+easily beaten; but the odds were too great,
+and it might have gone very hard with
+them, had not the scuffle been heard in-doors.</p>
+
+<p>My friend said he was sitting with his
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span>daughter in the back parlour, when he heard
+a noise of heavy footfalls, with loud and
+laboured breathing. They went out into the
+yard, the father taking his gun with him; but,
+as it was getting dusk, they could see nothing.</p>
+
+<p>“Who’s there?” shouted he. No answer;
+but he could just make out the form of a
+man scrambling from the ditch, and retreating
+over the wall. He fired; and then three
+other men retreated in like manner. The
+young men quickly appeared and related
+how they had been attacked, and how narrowly
+they had escaped strangulation, for it
+was their hard breathing that had been heard
+in-doors.</p>
+
+<p>They soon informed the police, who quickly
+caught the four men, and they were hung
+near the scene of their crime.</p>
+
+<p>I had been left with the ladies for some
+time, wondering where my friend and the
+captain had gone; but when I came to inquire,
+I was rather annoyed to find that they
+had gone to Sydney in the gig, as the magistrate
+was sent for in a hurry, and had left
+word for me to remain there for the night.
+I must say I did not like the idea at all.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span></p>
+
+<p>I knew something of these convicts, what
+desperate fellows they were, and thought it
+not unlikely that they might resent the
+punishment so lately inflicted on some of
+their order, particularly as the gibbets reminded
+them of the event, and were likely
+to keep alive any ill-feeling that might exist.
+Besides, I knew I was the only male in the
+house, and that great things would be expected
+of me in case of an alarm.</p>
+
+<p>When I got up to my room, my first care
+was to fasten the door; but, alas! there was
+no lock; and I could only discover a small
+button. I then searched the room for some
+weapon, and found a gun; but this, like the
+door, was without a lock. I got hold of a
+<i>whaddy</i>, a short, club-like stick, heavier at
+one end than the other; so, placing this
+with the gun near me, I jumped into bed.
+Then I was rather ashamed of myself for
+getting at all alarmed, and so I soon went
+asleep. I was awoke shortly after by the
+sound of heavy breathing, such as my friend
+had described; and at once all the circumstances
+of his account came into my mind.
+I sat up in bed, and heard the breathing—now
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span>dying away, now getting louder—and
+also footsteps in like manner. I got out of
+bed, seized my weapons, and was close to the
+door, feeling that a desperate encounter was
+at hand. I should not care to see a sketch
+of myself as I then appeared. My lower
+limbs were altogether unprotected, and
+were not very steady; but I hope you
+will charitably put down any shaking
+there may have been to cold rather than
+fear.</p>
+
+<p>The footsteps were again drawing near, the
+breathing was more plainly heard, and the
+door was gently shaken. I opened it, sprang
+out—shouted “Who’s there?”—got no answer—saw
+no one—listened—heard the footsteps
+retreating, and felt sure there were
+several. I then returned to my room, and
+soon heard the footsteps again approaching
+so this time prepared for the worst; and
+when I imagined they had got up to the
+door, I rushed out, and confronted two as
+strongly-built, savage-looking <i>bloodhounds</i> as
+I ever saw, which, after giving a good sniff
+at my legs—I, of course, expected a bite—turned
+round, and kept their watch as before.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span>My friend had got them since the night of
+the attack as a protection.</p>
+
+<p>Ah! it’s all very well to laugh now, but it
+was no laughing matter at the time, my
+young friends.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 12.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer09.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header09.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_LITTER_OF_PUPS">THE LITTER OF PUPS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-o.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">“Oh! my! what beauties!” exclaimed
+Jessie Barton, on coming down
+one morning and finding that their
+dear old “Floss” had become a joyful mother.
+The household was soon informed of the fact
+and hastened to welcome the little strangers.
+Tom, who was Jessie’s brother, and two years
+older, immediately had ideas of appropriation,
+and wanted to know which he might
+have. But his father said they would not
+decide yet, but had better select two that were
+to live, and destroy the rest. In vain Tom
+urged, in vain Jessie pleaded for the innocents;
+Mr Barton said it was kindness to
+the mother, who could not possibly do justice
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span>to the whole litter—seven in number; and
+to the pups themselves, who could not be all
+kept by them, but would be given away,
+and might fall into cruel hands.</p>
+
+<p>So five of the number were quickly immersed
+in a bucket, and were kept under
+water by a mop until, in a few seconds, their
+very young life was extinguished.</p>
+
+<p>The two that were spared, were by general
+consent the prettiest; and when in the course
+of nine days they looked out upon the world
+into which they had been born, it was then
+considered the time had come for their appropriation.
+This was a rather important
+matter to Tom and Jessie, to whom they
+were to belong. One pup was black and
+tan, with rather a sharp nose; and the other
+was brown with a shorter nose and more
+amiable look.</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that the one each had fixed
+on was just the one the other did not want,
+so that both were well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they could leave their mother
+the young people took the pups under their
+especial charge, whilst “Floss” exercised a
+parental watchfulness over them both.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span></p>
+
+<p>Jessie had, after great deliberation, and
+asking the advice of all her young friends,
+called her pet “Gyp,” and it must be acknowledged
+that she took great care of him, and
+appeared very fond of him. But Gyp was
+ungrateful from his earliest puppyhood; he
+never thought of his poor mother when any
+food was going, but gobbled up as much as
+he possibly could; and when he had done
+would even try to take a bone from his
+mother’s mouth, which was perhaps all she
+had had. He soon resented any interference
+with his freedom and liberty, and showed his
+mother he did not want her to be following
+him about, licking his back, or trying to keep
+him in any way clean. You will judge from
+this that “Gyp” was rather a strong-minded
+and self-willed dog. He was also of a reflective
+turn of mind, and as he had plenty of
+time hanging on his paws, he would sit and
+puzzle over things that did not concern him,
+and try to find out the reason for things
+which had puzzled older and wiser dogs than
+he.</p>
+
+<p>There was one thing that troubled him
+much; he saw “Pincher” Tom’s dog, go out
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span>with him continually, and always on half-holidays,
+and heard from him what fun they
+had had; whilst he seldom went out, and
+even then was dragged along by his mistress
+with a piece of red window-blind cord; so
+that if he wanted to investigate anything for
+himself, or if he met with other dogs whose
+acquaintance he might like to form, he found
+himself suddenly jerked along by the neck,
+in a most humiliating, and sometimes painful
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon, the two brothers met, and,
+of course, stopped and had a chat. “Pincher”
+was off to the country with Tom and a number
+of his school-fellows, but “Gyp” had been
+out with Jessie on an errand, and was going
+home. He complained to his brother of his
+confinement, when he suggested he should
+slip the cord, and make a bolt of it; but he
+was unable to do it; he was nearly choked,
+both by the cord and with indignation, and
+he returned home in a desperate frame of
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>The next day “Gyp” was gone, and was
+nowhere to be found, nor did he ever return
+to his native place, for soon after, the family
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span>changed houses. Of course, Jessie missed
+her pet for some time; but long after she had
+ceased to think much of him, he thought with
+sorrowful regret of the comfortable home and
+kind mistress he had lost.</p>
+
+<p>He soon got tired of his wandering, roving
+life, and found it very unsatisfying to his
+appetite. Then he followed some little boys
+for a day or two, who gave him some crusts,
+but who soon ceased to care for him, and
+gave him the slip. He then attached himself
+to a cat’s-meat woman, from whom he
+now and then got a stray piece; but some
+stronger dog witnessed his good fortune and
+usurped his place, when the woman, finding
+herself surrounded by quite a pack of hounds
+of various sorts, sternly drove them all off, and
+never gave them as much as a skewer to pick.</p>
+
+<p>One day in his hungry wanderings, “Gyp”
+found himself in the street in which he had
+formerly lived, and seeing a board up in the
+garden of his old home, he trotted up, hoping
+to find a notice of a reward offered for his
+restoration; but it was only to the effect that
+the house was to let, and the family had gone,
+he knew not whither.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span></p>
+
+<p>However, they had not moved very far off;
+and so tired was “Gyp” of his roving life,
+that he determined to hang about the neighbourhood
+with the hope of getting some one
+to recognise him. He came across the milkman,
+and wagged his weary tail against his
+can to attract his notice, but he only drove
+him away. He loitered outside the butcher’s,
+hoping to be remembered, but he was thought
+to have designs upon the meat on the boards,
+and was driven off with a whip. At last one
+day he met “Pincher,” and great was the
+delight of both, for Tom had gone to boarding-school,
+and his dog was very dull. Of course
+he took “Gyp” with him to the house, and
+soon brought Jessie to the door, who at once
+recognised her dear old “Gyp,” in spite of
+his hungry and dirty condition; and what
+was far more important to poor “Gyp,” received
+him with open arms.</p>
+
+<p>He has now grown up a faithful, steady
+dog, and has learned the lesson that he and
+others did not think necessary—that it is
+well when young to be subject to control and
+discipline, and that at that period we do not
+know what is best for ourselves.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header10.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="ABOUT_FISHING">ABOUT FISHING.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-h.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">How many recollections do these fishing-boats,
+now hauled up and lying
+idle on the beach, revive!</p>
+
+<p>They tell of long hours of toil, of longer
+hours still of weary watching and waiting;
+they tell of dangers braved, of storms endured,
+of exposure to cold winds and drenching
+spray. They suggest all the dangers of the
+deep to which some of their number have
+succumbed, leaving widows and orphans to
+mourn for—</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“Those who shall never come back to the town.”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>But just now we do not want so much to
+dwell on the hardships and dangers of the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span>fisherman’s lot, as the produce of his toil and
+the result of his fishing.</p>
+
+<p>Those of you who have been to seaport
+towns have sometimes watched the fleet of
+fishing-boats going out to sea.</p>
+
+<p>If there is a smart breeze blowing, and the
+sun is shining, it is as pretty a sight as you
+are likely to see; the strong heavy boats
+running before the wind, and the sun lighting
+up their dull brown sails. They will
+remain out perhaps for a day or two if the
+fish are scarce, but if plentiful, they will
+bring in their hauls, and dispose of them at
+fair prices.</p>
+
+<p>Now, perhaps some of you who are fond of
+fish are disposed to ask why fish is so dear,
+as you so seldom get any on that account.
+Well, the principal fault lies with the retailer
+or shopkeeper: the fisherman only
+receives from 3d. to 4d. a lb. for his prime
+fish, but those who buy it, or the consumers,
+pay from 1s. to 1s. 6d. a lb. When at a
+watering-place last year, we paid 2s. a lb. for
+soles that were caught off the coast.</p>
+
+<p>Of course some allowance is to be made
+for the perishable nature of the commodity,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span>but when that has been done, it does seem
+that we have to pay far too dearly for that
+which is so plentiful.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, the facilities of conveyance are so
+much greater than they were formerly. Then
+the trade was carried on from Yarmouth to
+London by light four-horse vans, and in that
+way some 2000 tons were conveyed every
+year; but now that quantity is sent to London
+by rail every fortnight.</p>
+
+<p>In the fishing-grounds on the south and
+south-east coasts, steamers go out to the
+fleets and bring up the fish very quickly to
+Billingsgate every day.</p>
+
+<p>The largest traffic is with fish that are
+taken in shoals. Off Scarborough from seven
+to eight hundred tons of herrings have been
+taken and sent away at one time; and on the
+Suffolk coast £14,000 worth of fish were taken
+in a single day.</p>
+
+<p>Then mackerel has its seasons, when the
+hauls are enormous; this fish is much liked
+for its solidity, and also for its delicacy.
+You boys and girls can get a good mouthful
+without fear of bones if you are ordinarily
+careful; and you may imagine they are relished
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span>when you are told that the consumption
+in London alone, every year, is 25,000,000.
+There is quite a numeration sum for many of
+you, and very few will at all realise what an
+enormous quantity those figures convey?</p>
+
+<p>But perhaps of all fish, pilchards are taken
+in the largest quantities. They are caught
+chiefly off the coast of Devon and Cornwall,
+and when <i>marinated</i> or potted are much
+liked. Many a nice jar of potted pilchards
+do the mothers in the west of England prepare
+and send to different parts; and if some
+of you who never tasted them, once had a jar
+sent you, you would think them a fine “institution.”</p>
+
+<p>The shoals are often of enormous extent;
+one was computed to extend over a hundred
+miles, and no doubt many millions were captured.
+Besides the home consumption, they
+are packed in oil and shipped to Italy and
+different parts in the Mediterranean.</p>
+
+<p>Now we wonder if the thought has entered
+the minds of any of you, that with so many
+taken they will become by and by very
+scarce; and this refers not only to pilchards,
+but to fish generally.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span></p>
+
+<p>If so, you are by no means singular, for
+lately a Royal Commission has considered
+the subject, and we believe that the supply
+of fish is inexhaustible. It has been ascertained
+that far more fish are destroyed by
+creatures of their own race than by man,
+that by far greater slaughter goes on under
+the water than above it.</p>
+
+<p>We have counted as many as fifteen or
+twenty small fish inside a cod, and often as
+many herrings have been discovered to have
+been swallowed by one of the same species.
+A calculation then has been made: allowing
+a cod two herrings a day for seven months of
+the year, it was found that if “the cod and
+ling caught on the Scotch coast in 1861 had
+been left in the water, they would have
+devoured as many herrings as were caught
+by all the fishermen of Scotland, and 6000
+more, in the same year.”</p>
+
+<p>So that you see, instead of making fish
+scarce by catching them, there are actually
+more because of all the fishing that goes on.
+There is no fear, therefore, that we shall ever
+exhaust the stock; and besides, the rate of
+increase is so enormous. Little have you
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span>thought, perhaps, when you were eating the
+roe of a herring, that you were crunching up
+thousands and thousands of eggs. A single
+herring has been found to contain 36,000; a
+mackerel half-a-million; a sole a million; a
+flounder a million and a quarter; whilst a cod
+has been known to possess 3,400,000 eggs.</p>
+
+<p>Truly these may be said to be some of the
+wonders of the sea, and glad shall we be if
+this hurried paper leads any of our readers to
+study the wisdom and goodness of God in the
+great deep.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer10.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header11.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="AN_ANIMAL_THAT_HAS_SEEN_BETTER_DAYS">AN ANIMAL
+THAT HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">I wish some one would write a book
+about the ass, and show us how he
+became so degenerated, and when
+he first got into disfavour.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody knows he was an animal of
+great importance once, and in the East, at
+the present day, he is ridden by nobles, and
+is well cared for. Ah! you say, he is a very
+different animal from our poor ass. Of
+course he is; there, he is really an elegant
+animal, full of spirit and of good action; his
+coat is smooth, and his pace is rapid. But this
+only proves our point. It is not because he
+is first dull and stupid that he is ill cared
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span>for; but because he is badly treated, that he
+is the poor, slow, heavy brute we find him.</p>
+
+<p>Even now, we do see some first-rate animals
+in the shafts of costermongers’ carts, and
+sometimes of gigs and other vehicles; in
+these cases, their owners take an interest in
+them, feed them well, groom them carefully,
+and oftener use the corn measure than the
+cudgel.</p>
+
+<p>At recent donkey exhibitions there have
+been some fine specimens, showing what the
+race is capable of; but, alas! these are only
+exceptions, and only make their less fortunate
+fellows appear more stupid than ever.
+We see what can be done with kindness with
+our existing stock; but if some good specimens
+were brought from the East, might we
+not have a much better race of donkeys? At
+one time in this country no doubt we had;
+but then the ass was an object of religious
+interest; people remembered how honoured
+his race had been; he was the only animal
+on which our Saviour rode, the only one that
+ever relieved Him of any bodily fatigue and
+weariness; and so he became celebrated in
+the early church.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span></p>
+
+<p>The Feast of the Ass was held on the 14th
+January, in commemoration of the flight into
+Egypt. The Holy Family was represented,
+the ass was led round the town, and then
+taken into the church, where at the end of
+the service the priest brayed three times, and
+the whole congregation “hee-hawed.” A
+hymn was sung, and in the chorus the braying
+was imitated:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“From the country of the East,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Came this strong and handsome beast;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">This noble ass, beyond compare,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Heavy loads and packs to bear.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Now, seignior ass, a noble bray,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Thy beauteous mouth, at large display;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Abundant food our hay-lofts yield,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">And oats abundant load the field.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent2">Hee-haw! hee-haw! hee-haw!”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>There! was not he a lucky ass?</p>
+
+<p>Some of you boys are quite irreverent
+enough to think they were all a set of asses
+together.</p>
+
+<p>Well, it was certainly a queer proceeding,
+and one that should never have taken place
+inside a church.</p>
+
+<p>Why, the priest must have been the original
+“Vicar of Bray.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span></p>
+
+<p>They carried their reverence so far as to
+declare—and the superstition has been
+handed down to our time—that the cross
+that we see on the back of every ass, near
+the shoulders, is there because of our
+Saviour’s riding on one into Jerusalem.
+The fact is, however, that the stripe on the
+ass shows that it belongs to the same class
+as the zebra, which has several of them.</p>
+
+<p>This much to show that the ass was
+treated well at one time; and I remember a
+friend drawing attention to a verse in the
+Bible, which proved how different was his
+nature then from now.</p>
+
+<p>In Proverbs xxvi. 3, it says, “A whip for
+the horse, a bridle for the ass,” as if in those
+days it was the horse who wanted urging,
+and the ass that required to be held in. How
+different now! not only does the ass feel the
+whip, but the cudgel, rope-end, or anything
+that comes to <i>hand</i>, and often the <i>foot</i> too.</p>
+
+<p>His body is a mark for stones to be aimed
+at, if he is grazing by the roadside, or if he
+meets any one on the road he is considered
+fair game to whack, in passing. With some
+men and boys, it is impossible to have a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span>stick without bringing it down upon every
+donkey they meet with. Some look upon
+them as animated drums, made on purpose
+to be beaten; they do not think there is any
+feeling below that rough hide.</p>
+
+<p>Why, in one stage, an ass’s skin retains
+the impression of a black lead pencil; and
+be sure that in its roughest and toughest
+state it is painfully affected by a cudgel.</p>
+
+<p>The fact is, the poor donkey is not well
+able to defend himself, as if it were never
+contemplated he would be so ill-used. It
+was natural for him to expect the stings of
+insects and the pricks of brambles, and so he
+is covered with a thick coating of hair; it
+was likely he would come across nettles and
+such things in his quest for food, and so his
+mouth has been made nettle-proof; but it
+was never to be expected that a patient,
+useful, willing, hard-working brute, should
+be an Ishmael among animals, with every
+man’s hand against him, and so he is not
+furnished with any formidable qualities. He
+does not even run away very rapidly from his
+enemies; and as to his kicking, he does not
+often do that, and, when he does, it is not a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span>very sudden affair; but he has always credit
+given him for being about to kick, and so he
+gets walloped in anticipation.</p>
+
+<p>Men have found out that he is rather sensitive
+about his ears, and so the only object
+of his having them, that they can see, is to
+furnish them with opportunities to annoy
+him.</p>
+
+<p>I had one once—there, now, the mere
+mention of the circumstance makes some of
+you smile, as if it were a more ridiculous
+animal than a goat or pig.</p>
+
+<p>The poor donkey is looked upon as a joke;
+but he would not mind if jokes were the
+only things cracked upon him—it is the
+whip and stick that he minds most.</p>
+
+<p>Some have asked, “Why a donkey prefers
+thistles to grass?”—“Because he’s <i>an ass</i>.”
+But these playful attacks he doesn’t mind at
+all; he would only like to put in a word,
+that he could do with more of them and
+fewer kicks and blows; but that he would
+even prefer corn to thistles.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header12.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHARLEY_FORDER_AND_HIS_SISTERS">CHARLEY FORDER
+AND HIS SISTERS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-n.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">Now, there are some of you boys that
+don’t care very much about your
+sisters. You may not like to own
+it, and would not, perhaps, confess it if you
+were asked, yet it is so; for I know you,
+though I have not seen you. You don’t care
+to kiss them night and morning; but if they
+are loth to go without this affectionate salute,
+then you merely put up your cheek to be
+operated on, and look quite like a martyr
+while it is being done. You are too grand
+to play with them, although they are quite
+willing to let you have your own way; they
+would always be the horses, and let you
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span>drive, or let you have first “turn” at any
+game you like to suggest. But no; girls are
+such “muffs” at any sensible games; all
+very well for tea-parties and skipping-ropes.
+They can’t give backs for leap-frog, they
+have no idea of throwing a ball, and they
+could no more spin a top than make one.</p>
+
+<p>You don’t care to take baby out in your
+arms, though your sister, perhaps, has had
+her all the afternoon, and is really very
+tired; for though they call her “Toddles,”
+she has no idea of walking at present.</p>
+
+<p>You don’t like even to go out to walk with
+your sisters, ever since the day when you
+were prevented going out walking with Tom
+Hawkins and Harry Wilkins, having promised
+your mother you would take the girls.
+I knew how ashamed you felt when you met
+your school-fellows, and they shouted out,
+“There’s a big girl! Take care of the baby,
+Dick!”</p>
+
+<p>Now, young gentleman, I advise you to
+get out of these ways as soon as possible.
+You are now at a very disagreeable age, and
+when you are a little older you will wonder
+you could ever have been so “uppish.” I
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span>don’t doubt you will get over all this nonsense
+when you go out in life, and have to
+leave home; then you will miss the many
+little acts that your eldest sister, just about
+your own age, used to perform.</p>
+
+<p>Dressing hurriedly of a dark winter’s
+morning, there goes a button! Never mind,
+let’s pin the shirt. Not long after, stooping
+down, or lifting a heavy parcel, or something
+else, gives you a hint about your substitute
+for a button, by a sudden prick, that makes
+you think of dear old Susy and her nimble
+fingers.</p>
+
+<p>Going errands in the snow and wet, you
+feel your toes uncommonly cold; you put
+them up close to the fire in the shop while
+you are waiting to be served, or you do the
+“double shuffle” with your feet over a railing
+or on the pavement; but something better
+might be done if only Susy had your stockings,
+and darned these great holes through
+which your toes project.</p>
+
+<p>Sooner or later, boys, you would think you
+had been very foolish in not having valued
+your sisters more. Well, never mind; they
+will soon forget any little want of attention,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span>and we will cease to remind you what awkward
+customers you once were—that is, if
+you try and make up for it.</p>
+
+<p>Ah! Charley Forder cared for his sister, I
+can tell you. “But who was Charley Forder!”
+Well, listen.</p>
+
+<p>He was the eldest child of his parents,
+who lived at Lingford, a small town on the
+sea-coast.</p>
+
+<p>His father was a sailor in the navy, and
+was now away on a four-years’ voyage to the
+Pacific. Mrs Forder had enough to do to
+look after her family, and help support them,
+by taking in plain needle-work; but Margaret,
+who was now ten years old, and a big girl
+for her age, was able to help her mother in
+minding her younger sisters. Charley, who
+was sixteen, had been a sailor boy for some
+two years; but his father, wishing him to
+be nearer home than he was likely to be,
+had entered him in the merchant service;
+and he was apprenticed to a firm whose
+vessels called in at Lingford.</p>
+
+<p>His mother was very sorry to part with
+Charley, as he was a real comfort to her.
+He was always willing to rock the cradle, or
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span>look after little “Puss,” as he called his
+second sister; and then, when all the work
+was done, he would go out for a run with
+them on the down, or else stroll down to the
+beach, and watch what was going on. He
+and Margaret used to talk like grown-up
+people in their plans for helping their mother,
+for they knew that there was only what she
+earned and father’s half-pay to maintain
+them all.</p>
+
+<p>“I tell you what ’tis, Madge, I shall leave
+here, and be doing something for myself, and
+for you all,” said Charley, one day, on the
+beach.</p>
+
+<p>“And so shall I, Charley; why, I’m bigger
+than Susan Carter, and she’s in a place, and
+gets a shilling a week, and does not cost her
+mother anything, ’cos her missus gives her
+her old clothes.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, that won’t do; you must stay at
+home and look after the little ones, so that
+mother will have more time for her work,
+and I’ll be off; that will be one less to keep.”</p>
+
+<p>And the matter was talked over, and a
+letter written to the father; and when his
+consent was gained, after several months’
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span>interval, Charley joined a schooner that was
+engaged in the fruit trade, and went between
+Valencia and London. The vessel was just
+going out for a cargo, and it was expected
+she would call in at Lingford. It would be
+a good opportunity for Mrs Forder to get up
+some clean linen for Charley, and also something
+out of the way of junks of salt pork
+and biscuit for him to eat. The children
+had the bundle of clothes and the tin of good
+things in readiness on the beach, and waited
+for the “Stirling Castle” as she came round
+the point. It was a windy day, so Margaret
+thoughtfully set baby on a rock, with her
+back to the sea, not minding how she herself
+was blown about; and little “Puss” was too
+intent on seeing Charley to think of herself
+at all.</p>
+
+<p>At last a vessel hove in sight, and neared
+the land, a boat put off for the shore, with
+Charley in her, bearing a letter to one of the
+partners, which he was to deliver, to wait an
+answer, and then return at once.</p>
+
+<p>The lad had just time to run in to his
+mother and thank her for her kindness, after
+embracing his sisters on the beach. Poor
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span>boy! he was obliged to tear himself away.
+He tried to be merry, and told Madge she
+had given him a <i>smack</i> when she kissed him,
+but perhaps he should have a <i>schooner</i> some
+day; but it was with a heavy heart he left
+them.</p>
+
+<p>That evening the fresh meat was taken
+with salt tears trickling down his face, yet he
+felt happy when he rose from his knees and
+turned into his hammock.</p>
+
+<p>Good-bye, Charley—God bless you!</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp64" style="max-width: 18.75em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer11.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header13.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="MY_GRANDFATHER">MY GRANDFATHER.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-a.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">Among the pleasantest recollections
+of my youth are the memories of
+my dear grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>I have a very distinct remembrance of the
+satisfaction I felt when I presented myself
+at church for the first time in jacket and
+trousers; and a much clearer one of having
+discovered in the depths of the pocket of the
+latter garment a fourpenny bit, than of anything
+the minister said that day.</p>
+
+<p>I recall my feelings on breaking up at the
+end of my first half, away from heme at
+boarding-school. That was very jolly; and if
+I stopped to relate them, I could jot down
+several occasions, the remembrance of which
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span>I have never lost; but, as I said, the pleasantest
+recollections of my youth are concerning
+my grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>He lived at no great distance from us, and
+so we often saw him; in fact, he made it his
+duty, and I am sure it was his pleasure, to
+come and see us once every fortnight. If he
+had lived at a distance, and had only come
+to us once a year, say at Christmas time, we
+should, of course, have been very glad to see
+him; but then we should not have learned
+to respect or love him as we did.</p>
+
+<p>It is no very difficult thing to make one’s-self
+popular with youngsters, if one brings
+them presents; and especially at Christmas,
+when most people’s hearts are more than
+usual kindly disposed; so that if a person
+could not make himself agreeable then, he
+must be a bear. Had grandfather only paid
+us these annual visits he might, by an effort,
+have impressed us very favourably even had
+he not been particularly fond of children;
+but these frequent visits, when we saw him
+under varied circumstances, sometimes under
+trial, sometimes in bodily pain, sometimes
+anxious about some of his children or grandchildren,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span>gave us so many opportunities of
+observing that he was always the same to us
+youngsters. The rattle of his stick on the
+railings would bring us down to the door at
+once, however interestedly we were engaged;
+and though we were always delighted to see
+him, I must say that our hearts beat with a
+throb of curious joy when we noticed, as we
+were sure to do in a moment, that his pockets
+looked at all bulky. The contents were
+never disclosed until after dinner; the delay
+kept up our interest, and I think also it was
+a little generalship on his part, as it gave him
+an opportunity of having forty winks whilst
+we were engaged with our presents, either
+eating them, if they were for consumption, or
+amusing ourselves with them, if they were
+for recreation. After the real nap would
+come an assumed one. We could always
+tell where the one ended and the other began
+by the smile that played round his mouth as
+he opened one eye, and then shut it up quickly,
+if we were looking. Then he was supposed
+to be a sleeping giant, or a grizzly bear, and
+we tried to get near him and touch him, and
+fly off before he could reach us. How angry
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span>he would pretend to get at our impudence;
+how severely he appeared to feel our tiny
+slaps; what dreadful threats he uttered, the
+severest of which, “seeing our noses above
+our chins,” was always received by us with
+defiant laughter.</p>
+
+<p>I need not say we ran some terrible risks
+until success making us very bold, we put
+ourselves entirely within reach of the enemy,
+were fairly caught, and were mercilessly
+tickled.</p>
+
+<p>Then would come a more vigorous romp
+sometimes in the hall, at his suggestion, lest
+we should disarrange the parlour too much.
+He was always more than a match for us,
+both with his arms and legs; but in our
+desperate struggles, when I would try to trip
+him up, and my sister to pull him down, he
+would pretend to be almost conquered. This
+gave great zest to the fun, and made it much
+more enjoyable than if he had, as he might
+have done, turned us over on our backs like
+sailors do the turtle on the sands; and at
+tea time, when we related the encounters, he
+took good care to break in with some such
+remark as—“Ah! I must look out when
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span>you get a little bigger,” or else rubbed his
+shoulder, as if by our gigantic efforts we had
+nearly pulled his arm out of the socket.
+Though defeated, we were never humiliated;
+and his sweet, amiable disposition was seen
+in all his conduct. He always tried to make
+the most of every one; he would always encourage,
+or draw out whatever was in them,
+unless he met with any one very forward or
+conceited.</p>
+
+<p>Then, after tea, before we went to bed, we
+gathered round him. I used to sit on his
+knee until my mother declared I was too big
+to be nursed; but my sister had that privilege
+long after she had outgrown the size at
+which I had to give it up. There were some
+old stories and jokes that we insisted on having
+every time he came; and so well did we
+know them that, when, for fun, he would
+vary them, or omit portions, we at once detected
+him, and would have the “full, true,
+and particular account.”</p>
+
+<p>Always before he left us he would gradually
+get us sober; not suddenly repressing
+our laughter, or jerking his face into a solemn
+expression, but generally leading round the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span>last story or subject in the direction of
+religion. I can never forget the Bible stories
+as he told them; he made the characters so
+real and lifelike by telling us of them in a
+plain, simple way, and by looking at them
+from a child’s stand-point. We never tired
+of hearing of the Good Shepherd; he made
+Jesus appear to us as especially the Saviour
+of little children; and as he unfolded to us
+the tender, pitying, gentle love of Christ, we
+nestled close into him, and fancied we were
+indeed His lambs, and that His very arms
+were folding us to His bosom.</p>
+
+<p>Since then, Ethel has been welcomed into
+the heavenly fold by Jesus himself; and I—well,
+trust I am not wandering away from
+Him; at all events, I know I am nearer than
+I should have been had I not been blessed
+with such a grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>I often think of him, but especially when
+Christmas comes round. It was on Christmas
+Day that he last visited us. We were
+sitting round the fire, before the lights were
+lit for tea, and as usual, Ethel and I were close
+to him. He was holding each of us by the
+hand, and, raising us, we stood at his side. He
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span>was speaking about the Babe of Bethlehem;
+he said he felt, soon, very soon, he too, like
+the shepherds, should see Him, though not
+as they saw Him. Presently I felt a tear
+fall on my hand, and then another; at length
+the tears fell fast, and the words stopped.
+Looking up in his face, Ethel said, “Are you
+ill, grandpa?” “No, my child,” he replied,
+“I was thinking how long I should have to
+wait in heaven until the Shepherd fetched
+my darlings and His.”</p>
+
+<p>He died before the New Year, and he had
+not long to wait for little Ethel.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp33" style="max-width: 6.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer12.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header14.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_CHILDRENS_HOSPITAL">THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-m.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">Many places there surely are in
+London that it would do one good
+to visit—many places to which you
+have never been, and many more to which
+we have never been together. I don’t mean
+peepshows, or waxworks, or places of amusement
+at all; but places that are set apart for
+some wise, and good, and holy objects, places
+where something, at all events, is done to
+lessen the misery and wretchedness that
+everywhere surround us. One such place is the
+Hospital for Sick Children, in Great Ormond
+Street, and if you have never been there—I
+trust you never have been as an inmate—you
+will be interested in tracing my steps.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span></p>
+
+<p>My visit was a very recent one, and I may
+say I had you, my young readers, in my mind
+as I went.</p>
+
+<p>Waiting a short time in a large reception-room,
+I had time to observe that the house
+formerly was a mansion, and I found out
+that a hundred years ago men of literature
+and science assembled here. Here Addison
+and Pope and Swift met and talked, sometimes
+gravely and sometimes gaily; but now
+the present little inhabitants forbid one’s
+gaiety, at all events. Then children’s feet
+ran up and down those broad oak stairs; but
+now the children that pass up are borne,
+helpless and afflicted. Then the rich paintings
+on the walls, the gilding on the ceiling,
+the cornices and figures, were objects of no
+wonder to those who saw them so frequently;
+but now they are looked upon with childish
+admiration, and even delight.</p>
+
+<p>Ah! but the children are not left to be
+pleased with things they cannot handle; for,
+look! did you ever see so many toys in one
+room, that was not a shop? This used to be
+the drawing-room; but it is now hung round
+with pictures of child life, and is filled with
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span>little beds, in each of which is a poor suffering
+little girl.</p>
+
+<p>Here they lie so patiently, so uncomplainingly—not
+because a stranger is visiting
+them, but this is the character the nurses
+give them. Who shall say how much is
+owing to the gratitude they bear for the comforts
+they have, which they never had at
+home, and for the kindness with which they
+are supplied? I did not hear one cry, or
+moan, or complaint, except from a little
+fellow suffering from fits, which seemed to
+have confused his mind as to the ownership
+of a two-horse omnibus with which another
+boy was playing. The fact was, his own had
+been placed on one side by the nurse as a
+little act of discipline.</p>
+
+<p>Over each bed there is a little platform, on
+which are placed the child’s toys. Some
+were sitting up playing with theirs. One
+little girl had fallen asleep, placing the
+greatest confidence in a number of wild
+animals that lay upon the pillow beside her;
+another, a tiny little thing of three years of
+age, who was suffering from skin disease, sat
+up in her bed looking very sad, which even
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span>the presence of three rag dolls at her feet
+could not remove. Ah! perhaps had it been
+some of you, there would have been something
+worse than a sad look—even cries or tears.</p>
+
+<p>Others were sleeping sweetly, forgetful of
+their pain and suffering, dreaming, perhaps,
+of the time when they ran and frisked about,
+which some of them would never do again.
+For instance, here is a child, only six years
+old, that has lost her leg—cut off up to the
+thigh, for hip disease. Poor child, she does
+not even know that it is gone; but sad as
+this may appear, it really shows how skillfully
+the doctor did his part, and how tenderly
+the nurse did hers, and also how mercifully
+her heavenly Father provided the chloroform
+that prevented her feeling any pain.</p>
+
+<p>I said they all had their toys—that is,
+each child its own. There are some large
+toys, such as a beautiful doll in a glass case
+and a musical-box which shows a number of
+funny old figures playing various instruments,
+that belong to the room. The
+Queen sent this last one; but the smaller
+toys, that she herself bought when in Germany,
+and sent here, were given to the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span>children to play with, and to take away
+when they left. Most of those who had
+them had gone away; still I saw two of Her
+Majesty’s toys, and was glad to find they
+were just ordinary ones, that would amuse
+any child. There was a man on a stand
+driving three sheep to market, with a dog
+behind him. The white leather invited me
+to press the bottom, but the squeak was
+gone; but had it been there I could not
+have told you whether it was intended to be
+the man, or the dog, or the sheep, making
+the noise. I was more successful with a
+bird in a cage, for here the cage decidedly
+squeaked, and saved the bird the trouble.</p>
+
+<p>At Christmas time there was a large
+Christmas tree provided, when several former
+patients were invited, and the presents from
+the Queen and from others were distributed.</p>
+
+<p>I noticed also that Prince Alfred had sent
+a large lion with a woolly mane—not so
+ample as it might have been, but perhaps it
+had been deprived of its wool by little people
+who wanted a memento of this royal present.</p>
+
+<p>I hear that lately the youngest prince was
+much pleased at having to select a number
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span>of toys for the children; whilst two of the
+Princesses have on more than one occasion
+sent little garments for the children made by
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>But we must go upstairs to the boys’
+ward, where the same order and cleanliness
+and comfort are seen. The first thing that
+strikes me is a rocking horse, in a worse
+state than any inmate, for he has lost his
+head. Ah! I am glad to see that, for it
+tells me that the dear boys have had many a
+ride on him.</p>
+
+<p>But here are many poor little fellows who
+will not be able to ride for a long while—some
+never again. Here is one that has had
+his leg cut off above the knee, only a fortnight
+ago, and yet he is cheerful and happy,
+and, I am glad to say, is getting on favourably.
+I asked him if he was in pain, and he
+said, “Not now; but I often feel great pain
+in my toes at night.” Strange as it may
+seem, this is borne out by others, for I have
+heard of many cases of persons complaining
+of pains in their feet, or of suffering from
+corns years after their feet, and corns too,
+have been removed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span></p>
+
+<p>Another boy cannot move his chin from
+his chest, through contraction of the muscles,
+caused by being burnt. Poor boy, he looks
+very sad and wretched, but he, too, has his
+toys, and he, too, murmurs not.</p>
+
+<p>I hope all these—both boys and girls—will
+soon get into the convalescent ward,
+where there is plenty to interest them.</p>
+
+<p>There are plenty of toys and plenty of
+books; and then two doves in a cage, and
+gold fish swimming in an aquarium, and last
+of all a shaggy dog—all alive. This last
+inmate was asleep, and so I asked the nurse
+if he was convalescent too, and she told me
+that he liked being in that ward. I dare say
+he does; he prefers the company of children
+who can move about and play with him
+rather than of those who are in bed.</p>
+
+<p>I have been over the house. I am nearly
+at the end of my paper. But you would like
+to hear a word about the institution, and how
+it is supported. About twenty years ago the
+first little girl was admitted, and since then
+they have been able to increase their number
+of beds as their means have allowed them.
+Now there are many more; but how few
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span>when there are so many poor children who
+should be here. If my young readers would
+reflect that more than 21,000 children under
+ten years of age die in London every year,
+they would wish to do something for the
+hospital. Can you do anything? Why, yes.
+I saw a beautiful scrap-book that had been
+made and sent by a lady; some of you boys
+and girls could make some plainer ones. In
+India, when some Hindoo girls heard about
+the Hospital, they sent over several dolls
+dressed in Hindoo costume.</p>
+
+<p>Your contributions might not be large,
+but you would help to cheer the afflicted and
+the suffering, and you would draw down a
+blessing into your own hearts while you thus
+ministered unto your Saviour, by ministering
+to his little ones.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 12.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer13.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header15.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="MY_FIRST_BEAR">MY FIRST BEAR.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">[<i>Extracted from a Letter from a Gentleman in the Civil
+Service of India to a friend in England.</i>]</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">In my last letter I told you I had gone
+to the hills for a holiday for the
+benefit of my health; and you will
+now be glad to hear that I am all the better
+for the change. After the heat of Calcutta,
+the freshness of the atmosphere here is most
+exhilarating, and out-of-door exercise, instead
+of being irksome or fatiguing, is positively
+most refreshing. I often wish you and
+Bessie and Fred were here, for I know you
+would enjoy it immensely. We are very
+quiet up here; there are some nice families
+resident here; then there are some of our
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span>men and a few army officers; and though we
+are not gay as society is in our cities, we are
+not without opportunities of recreation and
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>“But I must tell you of a most amusing
+adventure that befel me here shortly after
+my arrival, which I do all the more readily,
+as it was considered quite an event for this
+place.</p>
+
+<p>“Wanting to see if there was any shooting
+in the neighbourhood, I got four natives to
+accompany me to a rocky and mountainous
+district some few miles from here. I selected
+this spot, as I had heard that some time
+before a bear had been seen in the woods.
+I furnished my guides with guns and ammunition;
+and with a good stock of provender
+we started. The way was enlivened by the
+recital, by the natives, of the daring exploits
+they would perform, and of the unflinching
+courage which each of them possessed. They
+spoke of bears and even lions with the
+greatest contempt, and assured me that their
+experiences in shooting these wild beasts was
+most extensive.</p>
+
+<p>“To tell you the truth, though I had
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span>heard about the bear, I was not very sanguine
+about meeting one, but I fortunately
+provided myself and companions with shot
+suited to his capacity. I might just as well
+have supplied my companions with peas—but
+there, I am anticipating. To come to
+the point, then, at once. We really did
+come across the bear, or, rather, he came
+across us; for whilst we were on some high
+rocks, one of the natives espied Master Bruin
+in the woods, trotting towards us. They all
+shouted at the top of their voices, in the hope
+of driving him off, but seeing that he was not
+to be so easily diverted, they then begged me
+to fire, as they very considerately said they
+should like me to have the honour of killing
+him.</p>
+
+<p>“I knew if I did not, they would not, and
+that perhaps Bruin might kill some of us; so
+waiting till he came clear of the trees, so that
+I could get a good shot at him, I fired one
+barrel, and struck him somewhere in the head
+without killing him. It arrested his progress,
+however, and he stood still.</p>
+
+<p>“He was now not more than a few yards
+from me; between us there was a deep
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span>ravine, which the bear could have easily
+cleared at a bound, but he thought better of
+it; and whilst he was reflecting on what
+course to take, I discharged my second barrel
+into his shoulder. This was enough for him;
+he turned round and retired into the woods.</p>
+
+<p>“Where were my companions all this
+time?” you ask. They were behaving themselves
+in the most gallant manner. At the
+near approach of the bear they showed signs
+of fear; and when he came to the edge of
+the cliff, and seemed as if he would be on us
+with a bound, they all fell back in the
+greatest fright. One let his gun fall from his
+hand, and it fell down the ravine; two of
+them <i>fairly</i>, or, as I should say, <i>unfairly</i>,
+turned tail and ran off; and the fourth, running
+backwards, fell over a bush and performed
+an involuntary summersault. When
+they satisfied themselves that the bear had
+made off, and was not likely to be seen again,
+they plucked up courage to return, not at all
+ashamed of their cowardice. In fact, two of
+them had the effrontery to say that they were
+running off to get a shot at him from a point
+higher up on the rocks.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span></p>
+
+<p>“However, even then they were too much
+afraid to show me the way up through the
+valley into the wood, as the ravine was rather
+wider than I cared to jump; and as it was
+getting late, and I was somewhat tired (not
+being quite so much up to work on my legs
+as I used to be in the Highlands), and I had
+to walk home, I was obliged to leave the
+issue of my shots doubtful.</p>
+
+<p>“Next morning, however, there was some
+excitement near the Residency, occasioned
+by the bringing in of the carcass of a bear,
+which a party of natives declared they had
+that morning killed. They hoped to get a
+reward from the Resident for the destruction
+of an animal which might have done so much
+mischief but for their timely slaughter of
+him; but when I made my appearance, one
+of the valiant huntsmen, who was one of my
+brave comrades on the day previously, was
+slow to prefer his claim any longer.</p>
+
+<p>“The fact was, he had thought I might
+have killed or severely wounded the bear,
+and so had gone into the woods to reconnoitre;
+and finding the dead body, had
+brought it in with his companions rejoicing.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span>On examining the body I found it almost
+cold; so that Bruin must have retired to die
+after my second shot.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 31.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer14.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/header16.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_PLOT_DISCOVERED">THE PLOT DISCOVERED.<br>
+<span class="smaller">AS TRUE AS IT IS WONDERFUL.</span></h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-n.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="">
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">Now boys and girls, I am no spiritualist;
+I do not believe in table-turning,
+except when some one lays
+a very clever snare and falls into it, then the
+tables are turned on him; nor do I believe
+in table-rapping, except in the method your
+fathers may adopt, when you are making so
+much noise that they can’t hear themselves
+speak; then they may sometimes rap the
+table with advantage. Nor do I take much
+notice of dreams generally: of course, if folks
+will make hearty suppers of indigestible food,
+they must expect to fall off the church tower,
+or be pursued by a mad bull (especially if
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span>beef-steaks figured at supper), or come into
+contact with robbers, once or twice in the
+night. But if we are careful of ourselves,
+and if we are in good health we shall not be
+troubled with dreams much! the mind will
+be active when the body is still, but when
+we awake to the duties of the day, it finds
+scope enough there, and soon forgets its exercise
+in the night.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless there are occasions when
+dreams are important, when they so vividly
+impress the mind as to lead to definite action
+from which important results follow.</p>
+
+<p>I believe, occasionally, but very rarely perhaps,
+that some persons are “warned of God
+in a dream,” and I will give you an instance
+which has never yet been made public so far
+as I know, but for the truth of which I can
+vouch.</p>
+
+<p>I have often heard the story from the
+mother of the master of the first boarding-school
+I was at.</p>
+
+<p>She was too good a woman to deceive us,
+and besides, the circumstances happened to
+her own uncle, and were in this wise.</p>
+
+<p>He was a minister in Cornwall, surrounded
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span>by wicked neighbours, who hated him because
+he so constantly reproved them by his
+voice and example. And so they determined
+to get rid of him. It was the time of the
+French war, and they had him arrested for
+supplying the enemy with gunpowder.</p>
+
+<p>He was in gaol at Launceston, and on the
+night before the assizes, a gentleman at
+Stonehouse, in Devonshire, who knew
+nothing of these circumstances, dreamed that
+he must go to Launceston: he awoke his
+wife and told her, but she sensibly advised
+him to go to sleep again. He did so, but
+soon awoke, having again dreamed that he
+must go there. And on his informing his
+wife, she suggested his going to sleep again,
+saying that if there were anything in the
+dream, it would be repeated the third time.</p>
+
+<p>He went to sleep again; and again did he
+awake with the impulse, stronger than ever,
+that he must go to Launceston.</p>
+
+<p>While he was dressing, the thought occurred
+to him that he would not be able to
+catch his horse, which was in a field near
+the house. In broad daylight it was a matter
+of difficulty, and the animal was only
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span>captured by the sight of the corn measure,
+and the promise of some oats at the bottom,
+and not then until he had indulged in a canter
+or two round the field. You may imagine
+that the gentleman was much surprised to
+find his horse standing at the gate, waiting
+for him, as it were, and allowing himself to
+be saddled and bridled at once. On his
+master rode through Devonport, wondering
+to himself how at that time of night he
+should cross the Tamar that separates Devon
+from Cornwall. The ferry had stopped for
+hours; but as he was riding down to the
+water’s edge, he was shouted to by a man,
+“Come on, sir.” The voice came from the
+ferryman, who was waiting with his boat, and
+who asked the gentleman where his companions
+were. He replied he had none.
+“Oh, then,” said the man, “it must have been
+some drunken men who shouted to us—several
+of them—to bring over the ferry.
+But it appears we have not come on a wild-goose
+chase after all; so step in, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>Once on the other side, there was no further
+difficulty in the way, so that the gentleman
+trotted on to Launceston full of the importance
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span>of his errand, but quite in the dark as to its
+purport. Nearing the town, he overtook
+numbers of people, and hearing they were
+on their way to the assizes, he decided on
+going there too.</p>
+
+<p>Squeezing his way into court, he remained
+there for some little time an obscure and unobserved
+individual; but he was soon destined
+to play a very important part in a trial that
+had just begun. He was startled at hearing
+his own name called out loudly by the crier
+of the court, from which he knew he was required
+as a witness. He pushed forward into
+the witness-box, when a number of men
+standing near appeared much confused, and
+hurriedly left the court. On being sworn he
+was asked his name, residence, and business,
+and then the counsel said,—</p>
+
+<p>“I believe on the —— (mentioning the date)
+you had a large order for gunpowder. Will you
+please to inform the court of the transaction.”</p>
+
+<p>“I never had such an order, nor do I at
+all know to what these proceedings relate,”
+said the gentleman in an astonished manner.</p>
+
+<p>“What!” said the judge, “do you mean to
+say you know nothing of the prisoner at the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span>bar, nor of the crime with which he is
+charged.”</p>
+
+<p>“Absolutely nothing, my lord,” was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Then, why are you here?”</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman then, in as few words as
+possible, related the circumstances with which
+you are already familiar, when it became
+apparent to all, that the prisoner had been
+the victim of a base and murderous plot.</p>
+
+<p>Inquiries were made for those who had
+instigated the trial, but they were nowhere
+to be found. Doubtless they had arranged
+for some one to palm himself off as a gentleman
+of whom the powder was bought, but
+the arrival at the right moment of the real
+individual, frustrated all their deeply laid
+plans, and saved the life of an innocent and
+godly man.</p>
+
+<p>There, now, boys and girls, there is my
+tale; it is strictly true, as I remember it told
+to me by the niece of the accused, except
+that, for the filling up of the story, I have
+not given the exact words used at the trial,
+as they have not been preserved, but a conversation
+similar to the one that took place,
+when the truth was elicited.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span></p>
+
+<p>You may make what you like of it, but I
+shall always hold that the dream was no
+delusion, that the arrival in the court was
+not an accident, but that it was the last link
+in the chain of God’s providence with which
+He encompassed His faithful servant.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 15.625em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/footer15.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+<p class="titlepage">PRINTED BY<br>
+MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH</p>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78722 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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author	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2026-05-21 16:15:04 -0700
committer	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2026-05-21 16:15:04 -0700
commit	93f4d21961044cd3dd34e516e54ec32a71f03d95 (patch)
tree	d1c898f90c213e6899f55f150b4b4fe91bb3e190 /78722-h