a week hence, and see what can be done for you." He then rode away.

The eldest boy went first to the broker, and bought a bed and a few other things; while the other went in search of a nurse. At last, he met with a woman who agreed to come; she was very careful and attentive, and the poor man recovered more and more every day. The two sons, who were grown very good, resolved to learn to work, and longed for the gentleman's return. He arrived at the cottage on the day he was expected, and rejoiced in the happy effects of his charity. The poor man returned him a thousand thanks; and the two lads expressed the most earnest desire to be put into some way of earning their bread, and supporting their father." Well,” said the gentleman, "I will send a little cart for you all, in two or three days and see what I can do. But, remember, I take pity on you, for 'father's sake,

your

because he has been industrious. I do not mean to support you two in idleness, nor shall I provide for your father any longer than till he is able to work, and you to assist him." The boys promised to do whatever the gentleman thought proper; he gave them a fresh supply of money for their immediate subsistence, and then returned home.

At the time appointed, the cart arrived, which each individual of the family mounted with a joyful heart. When they arrived at the gentleman's estate, he put the old man in possession of a little cottage; and, the next day, employed both the sons in weeding a part of his garden. Even this light work fatigued them

sadly at first; but, in a week's time, they were able to bear it better, and felt a pleasure they had never experienced before, when they received the wages of their industry, which they carried immediately to their father, who ate of the provisions which were purchased with them, with the greatest satisfaction. His mind was now at ease about his boys; and he soon got well enough to work with them, though not to labor to so excessive a degree as he used to do; but that, he said, there was no need of, for now he had three pair of hands instead of one. The gentleman, who had very spacious grounds, set the old man to work in them, and by degrees he taught his sons the different branches of husbandry; so that when their poor father was altogether past labor, they maintained him to the day of his death.

16*

SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

JAMES and Edward were two little boys, who lived in the country. One Saturday afternoon, they went into the fields with their sisters, and rambled about till they were tired. They then sat down upon a bank, to rest themselves, for the weather was quite warm, and the sun shone with dazzling splendor.

While they were resting here, they saw a poor family pass by, whose appearance presented a strange contrast with their own. For the poor people were ragged and destitute, and were covered with dust. They seemed to have been travelling a long way, and were weary with their long journey. As soon as the young persons saw this forlorn group, a general expression of pity ensued.

"Let us raise a subscription for them," said Edward, "as we did for the poor Cape de Verd Islanders. Come, here is a twenty cent piece to begin with, and my cap shall be the contribution box!"

As he said these words, Edward cheerfully handed round his cap to his little companions, each of whom mustered all his holiday allowance, and readily parted with it. In a few minutes, Edward had made a collection of seventyfive cents, and with this sum he