’Totheirservants（fortheysoonacquiredrichesenoughtokeepthreeorfour，Imeanhouseholdones，besidesthenumberthatwereemployedinthefarmingbusiness）theybehavedwithsuchkindnessandcivility，thathadtheyevengivenlesswagesthantheirneighbours，theywouldneverhavebeeninwantofany；everyonebeingdesirousofgettingintoafamilywheretheyweretreatedwithsuchkindnessandcondescension。
’Inthishappymannertheycontinuedtoliveformanyyears，bringingupalargefamilyofchildrentoimitatetheirvirtues；
butonegreatmortificationtheywereobligedtosubmitto，whichwasthatofputtingtheirchildrenveryearlytoboardingschool，acircumstancewhichthewantofeducationinMrs。andindeedI
mayaddMr。Flail，renderedabsolutelynecessary。
’ButIamafraid，Mrs。SallyandMrs。Nelly，youwillbetired，asIhavebuthalftoldmystory；butIwillendeavourtomakeshortworkofit，thoughindeeditdeservestobenoticed，foritwillteachoneagreatdeal，andconvinceonehowlittletheworld’srichesaretobedependedon。
’Ihavesaid，youknow，thatMr。Speedgowasamerchant，andaveryrichonetoo。Itisunknownwhatvastsumsofmoneyheusedtospend!when，wouldyouthinkit，eitherthroughspendingittoofast，orsomelosseshemetwithintrade，hebrokealltonothing，andhadnotafarthingtopayhiscreditors。Iforgothowmanythousandpoundsitwasheowed；butitwasavastgreatmany。Well!thisyoumaybesurewasagreatmortificationtothem；theybeggedformercyfromtheircreditors；butasintheirprosperitytheyhadnevershownmuchmercythemselvestothosetheythoughtbeneaththem，sonowtheymetwithverylittlefromothers：thepoorsayingtheydeserveditfortheirpride；therichcondemningthemfortheirpresumption，intryingtoviewiththoseofsuperiorbirth；andthosewhohadbeenlesssuccessfulinbusiness，blamingthemfortheirextravagance，which，theysaid，hadjustlybroughtonthemtheirmisfortunes。
’Inthisdistress，invainitwastheyappliedforassistancetothosetheyhadesteemedtheirfriends；forastheyneverhadbeencarefultoformtheirconnectionswithpeopleofrealmerit，onlyseekingtobeacquaintedwiththosewhowererichandprosperous，sonowtheycouldnolongerreturntheircivilities，theyfoundnonewerereadytoshowthemany，buteveryoneseemedanxioustokeepfromthemasmuchaspossible。Thusdistressed，andfindingnoonewillingtohelpthem，theyoungsquire，MasterJames，wasobligedtogotosea：whileMissBetsyandMissRachaelwereevenforcedtotrytogettheirlivingbyservice，awayoflifetheywerebothillqualifiedtoundertake，fortheyhadalwayssoaccustomedthemselvestobewaitedonandattended，thattheyscarcelyknewhowtohelpthemselves，muchlesshowtoworkforothers。Theconsequenceofwhichwas，theygavesolittlesatisfactiontotheiremployers，thattheystaidbutalittletimeinaplace，andfromsofrequentlychanging，nofamily，whowishedtobewellsettled，wouldadmitthem，astheythoughtitimpossibletheycouldbegoodservantswhomnoonethoughtworthyofkeeping。
’Itisimpossibletodescribethemanyandgreatmortificationsthosetwoyoungladiesmetwith。TheynowfrequentlyrecollectedthewordsofMollyMount，andearnestlywishedtheyhadattendedtothemwhilstitwasintheirpower，asbysodoingtheywouldhavesecuredtothemselvesfriends。Andtheyveryforciblyfound，that，althoughtheywerepoorandservants，yettheywereassensibleofkindtreatmentandcivility，asiftheyhadbeenricher。
’Aftertheyhadbeenforsomeyearschangingfromplacetoplace，alwaysobligedtoputupwithverylowwages，uponaccountoftheirbeingsoillqualifiedforservants，ithappenedthatMissBetsygotintoserviceatWatchet，aplaceaboutthreemilesdistantfromMr。Flail’sfarm。Hereshehadaviolentfitofillness，andnothavingbeenlongenoughinthefamilytoengagetheirgenerositytokeepher，shewasdismisseduponaccountofherillhealthrenderingherwhollyincapableofdoingherbusinessforwhichshewashired。Shethen，withtheverylittlemoneyshehad，procuredalodginginamiserablelittledirtycottage；butthroughweaknessbeingunabletowork，shesoonexhaustedherwholestock，andwasevenobligedtoquitthishabitation，badasitwas，andforsomedayssupportherselfwhollybybeggingfromdoortodoor，oftenmeetingwithveryunkindlanguageforsoidleanemployment；somepeopletellinghertogotoherparish，when，alas!herparishwasmanymilesdistant，andshe，poorcreature，hadnomeansofgettingthere。
’Atlastshewandered，inthisdistressfulsituation，tothehouseofMr。Flail，andwalkedintothefarmyardjustatthetimethecowswerebeingmilked。She，whoforalongtimehadtastednothingbutbitsofbrokenbread，andhadnodrinkbesideswatershehadscoopedupinherhands，lookedatthequantityoffreshmilkwithamostwishfuleye；and，goingtothewomenwhoweremilking，shebesoughttheminamovingmannertogiveheradraught，asshewasalmostreadytoperish。\"Forpity’ssake，\"
saidshe，\"havecompassionuponapoorwretch，dyingwithsickness，hunger，andthirst；itisalongtimesinceIhavetastedamouthfulofwholesomevictuals，mylipsarenowalmostparchedwiththirst，andIamsofaintforwant，thatIcanscarcelystand；mysufferingsareverygreatindeed，itwouldmeltaheartofstonetohearthestoryofmywoes。Oh!havepityuponafellow—creaturethen，andgivemeonedraughtofthatmilk，whichcanneverbemissedoutofsovastaquantityasyouhavethere，andmayyounever，never，knowwhatitistosufferasI
nowdo。\"Tothispiteousrequest，shereceivedforanswer，thecommononeof\"Goaboutyourbusiness，wehavenothingforyou，sodon’tcomehere。\"\"Weshouldhaveenoughtodoindeed，\"saidoneofthemilkers，\"ifweweretogiveeveryidlebeggarwhowouldlikeadraughtofthisdeliciousmilk；butno，indeed，weshallnotgiveyouadrop；sogoaboutyourbusiness，anddon’tcomeplaguingushere。\"Mrs。Flail，whohappenedtobeintheyard，withoneofherchildrenwhowasfeedingthechickens，overheardenoughofthistomakehercomeforward，andenquirewhatwasthematter。\"Nothing，ma\"am，\"repliedthemilk—maid，\"onlyIwassendingawaythisnastydirtycreature，whowassoboldastocomeaskingformilkindeed!Butbeggarsgrowsoimpudentnow—a—daysthereneverwasthelikeofit。\"\"Ohfie!\"returnedMrs。Flail，shockedatherinhumanwayofspeaking，\"fieuponyou，tospeakinsounkindamannerofapoorcreatureindistress。\"Thenturningtothebeggar，sheinquiredwhatshewanted，insomildatoneofvoice，thatitencouragedhertospeakandtellherdistress。
’Mrs。Flaillistenedwiththegreatestattention，andcouldnothelpbeingstruckwithherspeechandappearance；forthoughshewasclothedinrags（havingpartedwithallherbetterclothestopayforlodgingandfood）stilltherewasasomethinginherlanguageandmannerwhichdiscoveredthatshewasnocommonbeggar。Betsyhadstoodallthetimewithhereyesfixedupontheground，scarcelyonceliftingthemtolookatthefaceofMrs。
Flail；andshewassochangedherselfbyhertroublesandsickness，thatitwasimpossibleforanyonewhohadeverseenMissSpeedgo，torecollectherinherpresentmiserablestate。
Mrs。Flail，however，wantednofartherinducementtorelieveherthantohearshewasinwant。\"Everyfellow—creatureindistress，\"sheusedtosay，\"wasaproperobjectofherbounty；
andwhilstshewasblessedwithplentyshethoughtitherdutytorelieve，asfarassheprudentlycould，allwhomsheknewtobeinneed。\"Shethereforefetchedamug，and，fillingitwithmilkherself，gaveittothepoorwomantodrink。\"Here，\"saidshe，\"takethis，goodwoman，andIhopeitwillrefreshandbeofservicetoyou。\"Betsyheldoutherhandforit，and，liftinghereyesuptolookatMrs。Flail，whilstshethankedherforherkindness，wasgreatlyastonishedtodiscoverinherbenefactress，thefeaturesofheroldservant，MollyMount。\"Blessme!\"saidshe，withanairofconfusion，\"WhatdoIsee？Whoisit？WhereamI？Madam，pardonmyboldness，butprayforgiveme，ma\"am，butisnotyournameMount？\"\"Itwas，\"repliedMrs。Flail，\"butI
havebeenmarriedforthirteenyearstoaMr。Flail，andthatismynamenow。But，pray，wheredidyoueverseemebefore？orhowcameyoutoknowanythingofme？\"PoorBetsycouldreturnnoanswer，hershameatbeingseenbyherservantthatwas，inherpresentcondition，andtheconsciousnessofhavingsoill—treatedthatveryservant，towhosekindnessshewasnowindebted；alltogetherweretoomuchforherinherweakstate，andshefellsenselessatMrs。Flail’sfeet。
’ThisstilladdedtoMrs。Flail’ssurprise，andshehadhercarriedintothehouseandlaiduponabed，wheresheusedeverymeanstobringhertoherselfagain；which，afteraconsiderabletime，succeeded；andshethen（coveredwithshameandremorse）
toldherwhoshewas，andhowshecameintothatmiserablecondition。NowordscandescribetheastonishmentMrs。Flailwasin，athearingthemelancholystoryofhersufferings；norisitpossibletotellwithwhatgenerosityandkindnessshestrovetocomforther，tellinghertocomposeherself，forsheshouldnolongerbeinwantofanything。\"Ihave，thankHeaven，\"saidshe，\"amostworthygoodmanformyhusband，whowillrejoicewithmeinhavingitinhispowertorelieveasufferingfellow—creature。
Donot，therefore，anylongerdistressyourselfuponwhatpassedbetweenusformerly。Ihad，formypart，forgottenit，ifyouhadnotnowtolditme；but，howeverImightthentakethelibertytocensureyoufortoomuchhaughtiness。IamsureIhavenooccasiontodosonow。Thinknomore，therefore，Ibeseechyou，uponthosetimeswhicharenowpast；butbecomforted，andmakeyourselfashappyasinmyhumbleplainmanneroflivingyoucanpossiblydo。\"
’Shethenfurnishedherwithsomeofherownclothes，tillshecouldprocurehernewones，andsentimmediatelyforaphysicianfromthenexttown；byfollowingofwhoseprescription，togetherwithgoodnursing，andplentyofallnecessaries，shesoonrecoveredherhealth；butshewastoodeeplyaffectedwiththethoughtsofherformermisconductevertofeelhappyinhersituation，thoughMrs。Flailusedeverymethodinherpowertorenderherascomfortableaspossible。Nordidsheconfinehergoodnessonlytothisonedaughter，butsentalsoforhersisterandmother（herfatherbeingdead），andfittedupaneatlittlehouseforthemneartheirown。ButastheFlailscouldnotaffordwhollytomaintainthemfornothing，theyentrustedthepoultrytotheircare；whichenabledthemtodowithoneservantless；andbythatmeanstheycould，withoutanygreatexpense，affordtogivethemsufficienttomaketheirlivescomfortable，thatis，asfarastheirownreflectionswouldletthem；forthelastwordsMrs。
SpeedgosaidtoMolly，whenshepartedfromher，dweltcontinuallyuponhermind，andfilledherwithshameandremorse。
’\"Itoldher，\"saidshe，\"thatsheshouldneveragaincomeintomydoors，oreatanothermouthfulinmyhouse；andnowitisherbountyalonewhichkeepsusallfromperishing。Oh!howunworthyareweofsuchgoodness!True，indeed，waswhatshetoldyou，thatkindnessandvirtuewerefarmorevaluablethanriches。
Goodnessandkindnessnotimeorchangecantakefromus；butrichessoonflyasitwereaway，andthenwhatarewethebetterforhavingbeenoncepossessedofthem？\"’
HereMr。Johnstopped，andjumpinghastilyup，andturningroundtoMrs。Sally，Mrs。Nelly，andMr。Bob，exclaimed，rubbinghishands——’Thereladies，Ihavefinishedmystory；and，letmetellyou，solongpreachinghasmademythroatdry，soanothermugofale，ifyouplease，MasterBobby（tappinghimatthesametimeupontheshoulder），anothermugofale，myboy；forfaith，talkingattherateIhavedone，isenoughtowearaman’slungsout，and，intruth，Ihaveneedofsomethingtoheartenmeaftersuchfatigue。’
’Well，Iamsure，’repliedMrs。SallyandMrs。Nelly，inthesamebreath，’wearegreatlyobligedtoyouforyourhistory；andIamsureitdeservestobeframedandglazed，anditoughttobehungupinthehallofeveryfamily，thatallpeoplemayseethesadeffectsofpride，andhowlittlecausepeoplehave，becausetheyarerich，todespisethosewhoarepoor；sinceitfrequentlyhappens，thatthosewhothisyeararelikelittlekings，maythenextbebeggars；andthentheywillrepent，whenitistoolate，ofalltheirprideandunkindnesstheyshowedtothosebeneaththem。’
Heretheconversationwasputastoptobythebellringing，andJohnbeingorderedtodrivetothedoor。I，whoduringthewholeofthehistoryhadbeenfeastinguponamince—pie，nowthoughtitsafertoconcealmyselfinalittleholeinthewainscotofthecloset，where，findingmyselfverysafe，Ididnotawaketillmidnight。Afterthefamilywereallretiredtorest，Ipeepedoutofthehole，andtheresawjustsuchanotherfrightfultrapasthatwhichwasthepreludetopoorSoftdown’ssufferings。
Startledatthesight，Iretreatedbackasexpeditiouslyaspossible，noreverstoppedtillIfoundmywayintoabed—chamber，wherelaytwolittlegirlsfastasleep。
Ilookedaboutforsometime，peepingintoeveryholeandcornerbeforeIcouldfindanythingtoeat，therebeingnotsomuchasacandleintheroomwiththem。AtlastIcreptintoalittleleatherntrunk，whichstoodonatable，notshutdownquiteclose：
hereIinstantlysmeltsomethinggood：butwasobligedtognawthroughagreatdealoflinentogetatit；itwaswrappedupinalap—bag，amongstavastquantityofwork。However，Imademywaythroughhalfahundredfolds，andatlastwasamplyrepaid，byfindingoutanicepieceofplum—cake，andthepipsofanapple，whichIcouldeasilygetat，onehalfofithavingbeeneataway。
WhilstIwasthusengagedIheardacatmew，andnotknowinghownearshemightbe，Iendeavouredtojumpout；butinthehurryI
somehoworotherentangledmyselfinthemuslin，andpulledthat，trunkandall，downwithme；forthetrunkstoodhalfoffthetable，sothattheleasttouchintheworldoversetit，otherwisemyweightcouldneverhavetumbleditdown。
Thenoiseofthefall，however，wakedthechildren，andIheardonesaytotheother，——’Blessme!Mary，whatisthatnoise？——Whatcanitbe？Iamalmostfrightenedoutofmywits；do，pray，sister，hugmeclose!’’Pooh!’repliedtheother，’nevermindit!
Whatintheworldneedyoubefrightenedat？Whatdoyousupposewillhurtyou？Itsoundedasifsomethingfelldown；butasithasnotfallenuponus，andIdonothearanybodystirring，orspeakingasiftheywerehurt，whatneedwecareaboutit？Sopray，Nancy，letusgotosleepagain；forasyetIhavenothadhalfsufficient，Iamsure；Ihopemorningisnotcomingyet，forIamnotatallreadytogetup。’’Iamsure，’answeredtheother，’Iwishitwasmorning，anddaylightnow，forIshouldliketogetupvastly，Idonotliketolayhereinthedarkanylonger；Ihaveagreatmindtoringthebell，andthenmammaorsomebodywillcometouswithacandle。’’Andwhatintheworld，’
rejoinedMary，’willbetheuseofthat？Doyouwantacandletolightyoutolookforthewoundsthenoisehasgivenyou；orwhatcanyouwishtodisturbmymammafor？Come，letmecuddleyou，anddogotosleep，child，forIcannotthinkwhatoccasionthereisforustokeepawakebecauseweheardanoise；Ineverknewthatnoisehadteethorclawstohurtonewith；andIamsurethishasnothurtme；andso，whetheryouchoosetolieawakeornot，I
willgotosleep，andsogood—byetoyou，andpraydonotdisturbmeanymore，forIcannottalkanylonger。’’But，Mary，’againrepliedtheother，’praydonotgotosleepyet，Iwanttospeaktoyou。’’Well，whatdoyouwanttosay？’inquiredMary。’Why，prayhaveyounotveryoften，’saidNancy，’heardofthievesbreakingintopeople’shousesandrobbingthem；andIamsadlyafraidthatnoisewassomeroguescomingin；sopray，Mary，donotgotosleep，Iaminsuchafrightandtrembleyoucannotthink。
Speak，Mary，havenotyou，Isay，heardofthieves？’’Yes，’
repliedMary，inaverysleepyvoice，’agreatmanytimes。’
’Well，then，praysister，donotgotosleep，’saidNancy，inapeevishaccent，’suppose，IsaythatnoiseIheardshouldbethieves，whatshouldwedo？Whatwillbecomeofus？O!whatshallwedo？’——’Why，gotosleep，Itellyou，’saidMary，’asfastasyoucan；atleast，doprayletme，forIcannotsayIaminthesmallestfearabouthouse—breakersorhouse—makerseither；andofalltherobberiesIeverheardofinallmylife，Ineverheardofthievesstealinglittlegirls；sodo，there’sadeargirl，gotosleepagain，anddonotsofoolishlyfrightenyourselfoutofyourwitsfornothing。’’Well，’repliedNancy，’Iwillnotkeepyouawakeanylonger；butIamsureIshallnotbeabletogetanotherwinkofsleepallnight。’
Heretheconversationended，andIcouldnothelpthinkinghowfoolishitwasforpeopletopermitthemselvestobeterrifiedfornothing。Hereisalittlegirl，now，thoughtI，inanicecleanroom，andcoveredupwarminbed，withprettygreencurtainsdrawnroundher，tokeepthewindfromherhead，andthelightinthemorningfromhereyes；andyetsheisdistressingherself，andmakingherselfreallyuncomfortable，andunhappy，onlybecauseI，apoor，little，harmlessmouse，withscarcelystrengthsufficienttognawanutshell，happenedtojumpfromthetable，andthrowdown，perhaps，herownbox。——Oh!whatapityitisthatpeopleshouldsodestroytheirowncomfort!Howsweetlymightthischildhavepassedthenight，ifshehadbut，likehersister，wiselyreflectedthatanoisecouldnotpossiblyhurtthem；andthat，hadanyofthefamilyoccasionedit，byfallingdown，orrunningagainstanythinginthedarkwhichhurtthem，mostlikelytheywouldhaveheardsomemorestirringabout。
Anduponthissubjecttheauthorcannothelp，inhumanform（aswellasinthatofamouse），observinghowextremelyridiculousitisforpeopletosufferthemselvestobeterrifieduponeverytriflingoccasionthathappens；asiftheyhadnomoreresolutionthanamouseitself，whichisliabletobedestroyedeverymealitmakes。And，surely，nothingcanbemoreabsurdthanforchildrentobeafraidofthievesandhouse—breakers；since，aslittleMarysaid，theyneverwanttoseekafterchildren。Moneyisalltheywant；andaschildrenhaveveryseldommuchofthatintheirpossession，theymayassurethemselvestheyareperfectlysafe，andhavethereforenooccasiontoalarmthemselvesiftheyhearanoise，withoutbeingabletomakeoutwhatitis；unless，indeed，likethechildIhavejustbeenwritingabout，theywouldbesosillyastobefrightenedatalittlemouse；formostcommonlythenoiseswehear，ifwelayawakeinthenight，arecausedbymicerunningaboutandplayingbehindthewainscot：andwhatreasonablepersonwouldsufferthemselvestobealarmedbysuchlittlecreaturesasthose？ButitistimeIshouldreturntothehistoryofmylittlemake—believecompanion，whowenton，saying——
TheconversationIhavebeenrelatingIoverheardasIlayconcealedinashoethatstoodclosebythebedside，andintowhichIranthemomentIjumpedoffthetable，andwhereIkeptsnugtillthenextmorning；when，justastheclockwasstrikingeight，thesameMrs。Nelly，whomIsawthedaybeforeinthekitchen，enteredtheapartment，andaccostedtheyoungladies，saying，’Goodmorningtoyou，ladies，doyouknowthatitistimetogetup？’’Then，pray，Nelly，lacemystays，willyou？’saidMissNancy。’Butlaceminefirst，andgivememyothershoes；forthoseIworeyesterdaymustbebrushed，becauseIsteppedinthedirt，andsowhenyougodownyoumustremember，andtakeandbrushthem，andthenletmehavethemagain，’saidMary；’butcomeanddressmenow。’
Well，thoughtI，thisisarudewayofspeaking，indeed，somethinglikeMissNancyArtless，atthehousewheremypoordearSoftdownwassocruellymassacred；IamsureIhopeIshallnotmeetwiththelikefatehere，andIwishIwassafeoutofthisshoe；for，perhaps，presentlyitwillbewantedtobeputonMary’sfoot；andIamsureImustnotexpecttomeetanymercyfromachildwhoshowssobadadispositionastospeaktoaservantinsouncivilamanner，fornogood—naturedpersonwoulddothat。
WiththesekindofreflectionsIwasamusingmyselfforsomelittletime，when，allonasudden，theywereputanendto，bymyfindingtheshoeinwhichIwasconcealed，hastilytakenup；andbeforeIhadtimetorecollectwhatIhadbestdo，IwasalmostkilledbysomeviolentblowsIreceived，whichwellnighbrokeeveryboneinmyskin。Icreptquiteuptothetoeoftheshoe，sothatIwasnotatallseen，andthemaid，whenshetookuptheshoes，heldoneinonehand，andtheotherintheother，bytheirheels，andthenslappedthemhardtogether，tobeatoutofsomeofthedustwhichwasinthem。Thissherepeatedthreeorfourtimes，tillIwasquitestunned；andhoworwhichwayItumbledorgotout，Iknownot；butwhenIcametomyself。Iwascloseupbehindthefootofatable，inalargeapartment，wherewereseveralchildren，andagentlemanandalady，allconversingtogetherwiththegreatestgoodhumourandharmony。
ThefirstwordsIhearddistinctlyenoughtoremember，werethoseofalittleboy，aboutfiveyearsold，who，witheagernessexclaimed——’Iforgetyou!nothatInevershall。IfIwastogoahundredthousandmilesoff，IamsureIshallneverforgetyou。
What!doyouthinkIshouldever，aslongasIlive，ifitisamillionofyears，forgetmyowndearpapaandmamma？No；thatI
shouldnot，Iamvery，verysureInevershould。’’Well，butTom，’interruptedthegentleman，’ifinamillionofyearsyoushouldnotforgetus，Idaresay，inlessthantwomonthsyouwillforgetouradvice，andbeforeyouhavebeenatschoolhalfthattime，youwillgettosquabblingwithandtrickingtheotherboys，justastheydowithoneanother；andinsteadofplayingatalltimeswiththestrictestopennessandhonour，youwill，Isadlyfear，learntocheat，anddeceive，andpaynoattentiontowhatyourmotherandIhavebeentellingyou。’’No’，thatIamsureI
sha’n’t!’repliedtheboy。’What!doyouthinkIshallbesowickedastoturnathief，andcheatpeople？’’Idaresay，mydear，’resumedthefather，’youwillnotdowhatwecallthieving；
butasIknowtherearemanynaughtyboysinallschools，Iamafraidtheywillteachyoutocommitdishonourableactions，andtotellyouthereisnoharminthem，andthattheyaresignsofclevernessandspirit，andqualificationsverynecessaryforeveryboytopossess。’’Aye，that’ssureenough，’saidtheboy，whoappearedabouttenyearsold，’fortheyalmostalldeclare，thatifaboyisnotsharpandcunning，hemightalmostaswellbeoutoftheworldasinit。But，asyousay，papa，Ihatesuchbehaviour，Iamsurethereisoneofourboys，whoissowonderfullycleverandacute，astheycallhim，thatIdetesteverhavinganythingtodowithhim；forunlessonewatcheshimasacatwouldwatchamouse，heissuretocheatorplayonesometrickorother。’’Whatsortoftricksdoyoumean？’inquiredthelittleboy。’Why，Iwilltellyou，’repliedtheother。’Youknownothingofthegameswehaveatschool，soifIwastotellyouhowheplaysatthem，youwouldnotunderstandwhatImeant。Butyouknowwhatwalkingaboutblindfoldis，don’tyou？Well!oneday，aboutadozenboysagreedtohaveablindrace，andtheboywhogotnearestthegoal，whichwasastickdriveninthegroundwithashillinguponthetopofit，wastowintheshilling，providedhediditfairlywithoutseeing。’’Isuppose，’
interruptedTom，’youmeantheboywhogottothestickfirst。’
’No，Idonot，’repliedhisbrother，’ImeanwhatIsay，theboywhogotnearestit，nomatterwhetherhecamefirstorlast；thefunwastoseethemtrytokeepinastraightpath，withtheireyestiedup，whilsttheywanderquiteinthewrong，andnottotrywhocouldrunfastest。Well!whenthey，wereallblinded，andtwistedroundthreeorfourtimesbeforetheyweresufferedtosetoff，theydirectedtheirstepsthewaytheythoughtwoulddirectlyconductthemtothegoal；andsomeofthemhadalmostreachedit，whenSharply（theboyImentioned）whohadplacedashillinguponthestick，fortheydrewlotswhoshoulddothat，andhewhofurnishedthemoneywastostandbyit，toobservewhowonitbycomingnearest；well，Sharply，Isay，justastheycameclosetoit，movedawaysoftlytoanotherplace，abovethreeyardsdistantfromanyofthem（forIshouldhavetoldyou，thatifnoneofthemgotwithinthreeyards，theshillingwastoremainhis，andtheywereeachtogivehimapenny。）Sothenheuntiedtheireyes，andinsisteduponittheyhadallofthemlost。Buttwoorthreeofushappenedtobeby，andsowesaidhehadcheatedthem，andoughtnottokeepthemoney，asithadfairlybeenwonbySmyth。
Buthewouldnotgiveitup，soitmadeaquarrelbetweenhimandSmyth，andatlasttheyfought，andMr。Chironconfinedthembothintheschoolalltherestoftheafternoon，andwhenheheardwhatthequarrelwasabout，hetooktheshillingfromSharply，andcalledhimamean—spiritedcheat；buthewouldnotletSmythhaveit，becausehesaidhedeservedtoloseitforfightingaboutsuchatrifle，andsoitwasputintotheforfeit—money。’
’ButpraydonotyouthinkSharplybehavedextremelywrong？’
’Shamefullyso，indeed，’saidthegentleman。’Inevercouldhaveanyopinionofaboy’whocouldactsodishonourably，’saidthelady，’lethisclevernessbewhatitwould。’’Pray，Frank，tellmesomemore，’saidthelittleboy。’More!’repliedFrank，’I
couldtellyouanhundredsuchkindofthings。Onetime，asPeterLightwaswalkinguptheyard，withsomedamsonsinhishat，Sharplyranby，andashepassed，knockedhishatoutofhishand，forthesakeofscramblingforasmanyashecouldgethimself。
Andsometimes，afterthepie—womanhasbeenthere，hegetssuchheapsoftartsyoucannotthink，byhisdifferenttricks：perhapshewillbuyacurranttarthimself；thenhewouldgoabout，callingout，\"Who’llchangeacheesecakeforacurranttart？\"andnow—and—thenhewilladd，\"andhalfabunintothebargain!\"Thentwoorthreeoftheboyscallout，\"Iwill，Iwill!\"andwhentheygotoholdouttheircheesecakestohim，hesnatchesthemoutoftheirhandsbeforetheyareaware，andrunsawayinaninstant；
andwhilsttheystandforamomentinastonishment，hegetssomuchaheadofthemthatheeatsthemupbeforetheycanagainovertakehim。Atothertimes，whenheseesaboybeginningtoeathiscake，hewillcomeandtalkcarelesslytohimforafewmoments，andthenallofasuddencallout，\"Look!look!
look!—there!\"pointinghisfingerasiftoshowhimsomethingwonderful；andwhentheother，withoutsuspectinganymischief，turnshisheadtoseewhathassosurprisedhim，awayhesnatchesthecake，andrunsoffwithit，crammingitintohismouthinamoment。
’AndwhenheplaysatHandy—dandy，Jack—a—dandy，whichwillyouhave，upperhandorlower？ifyouhappentoguessright，heslipswhateveryouareplayingwithintohisotherhand；andthatyouknowisnotplayingfair；andsomanyoftheboystellhim；buthedoesnotmindanyofus。Andasheiscleverathislearning，andalwaysdoeshisexercisequiteright，Mr。Chiron（whoindeeddoesnotknowofhistricks）isveryfondofhim，andisforeversayingwhatacleverfellowheis，andproposinghimasanexampletotherestoftheboys；andIdobelievemanyofthemimitatehisdeceitful，cheatingtricks，onlyforthesakeofbeingthoughtlikehim。’
’Aye!itisasadthing，’interruptedthegentleman，’thatpeoplewhoareblessedwithsenseandabilitiestobehavewell，shouldsomisusethemastosetabad，insteadofagoodexampletoothers，andbythatmeansdrawmanyintosin，whootherwise，perhaps，mightneverhaveactedwrong。WasthisSharply，youhavebeenspeakingof，adunceandblockheadathisbook，hewouldnevergainthecommendationsthatMr。Chironnowbestowsuponhim；and，consequently，noboywouldwishtobethoughtlikehim；hisbadexample，therefore，wouldnotbeofhalftheimportanceitnowis。
’Onlythink，then，mydearchildren，howextremelywickeditis，forthosewhoareblessedwithunderstandingscapableofactingastheyshoulddo，andmakingpeopleadmirethem，atthesametimetobeguiltyofsuchrealandgreatsin。For，howeverchildrenatplaymayliketotrickanddeceiveeachother，andcallitonlyplayorfun，still，letmetellyou，theyaremuchmistakeniftheyflatterthemselvesthereisnoharminit。Itisaverywrongwayofbehaviour；itismean，itisdishonorable，anditiswicked；andtheboyorgirlwhowouldeverpermitthemselvestoactinsounjustifiableamanner，howevertheymayexcelintheirlearning，orexterioraccomplishments，canneverbedeservingofesteem，confidence，orregard。WhatesteemorrespectcouldI
everentertainofaperson’ssenseorlearning，whomadenobetteruseofitthantopractisewickednesswithmoredexterityandgracethanheotherwisewouldbeenabledtodo？Or，whatconfidencecouldIeverplaceinthepersonwho，Iknew，onlywantedaconvenientopportunitytodefraud，trick，anddeceiveme？
Or，whatregardandlovecouldIpossiblyentertainforsuchaone，who，unlessIkeptaconstantwatchover，asImustoverawildbeast，would，likeawildbeast，besuretodomesomeinjury？Woulditbepossible，Isay，tolovesuchacharacter，whatevershiningabilitiesordepthoflearninghemightpossess？
Askyourownhearts，mydears，whetheryouthinkyoucould？’
Tothistheyallansweredatonce，’No，thatIcouldnot，’and’I
amsureIcouldnot。’’Well，then，’resumedthefather，’onlythinkhowodiousthatconductmustbe，whichrobsusoftheesteem，confidence，andloveofourfellow—creatures；andthattoo，notwithstandingwemayatthesametimebeveryclever，andhaveagreatdealofsenseandlearning。But，formypart，I
confessIknownottheleastadvantageofourunderstandingorourlearning，unlesswemakeaproperuseofthem。Knowingagreatdeal，andhavingreadagreatmanybooks，willbeofnoservicetous，unlesswearecarefultomakeaproperuseofthatknowledge，andtoimprovebywhatweread，otherwisethetimewesobestowisbutlost，andwemightaswellspendthewholeofourlivesinidleness。
’Alwaysremember，therefore，myloves，thatthewholeendofourtakingthetroubletoinstructyou，orputtingourselvestotheexpenseofsendingyoutoschool，oryourattendingtowhatistaughtyou，is，thatyoumaygrowbettermenandwomenthanyouotherwisewouldbe；andunless，therefore，youdoimprove，wemightaswellspareourselvesthepainsandexpense，andyouneednottakethetroubleoflearning；since，ifyouwillactwickedly，allourlabourisbutthrownawaytonomannerofpurpose。
’Mr。andMrs。Sharply，howIpitythem!Whatsorrowmusttheyendure，tobeholdtheirsonactinginthemanneryouhavedescribed；fornothingcangivesomuchconcerntoafondparent’sheart，astoseetheirchildren，forwhomtheyhavetakensomuchpains，turnoutnaughty；andtodeceiveandcheat!Whatcanbeworsethanthat？Ihope，mydearchildren，youwillnever，anyofyou，giveusthatdreadfulmisery!Ihope，mydearTom，Ihopeyouwillneverlearnanyofthosedetestablewaysyourbrotherhasbeentellingyouof。Andifitwasnotthatyouwilloftenbeobligedtoseesuchthingswhenyoumixwithotherchildren，I
shouldbesorryyoushouldevenhearofsuchbadactions，asI
couldwishyoutopassthroughlifewithoutsomuchasknowingsuchwickednesseverexisted；hutthatisimpossible。Therearesomanynaughtypeopleintheworld，thatyouwilloftenbeobligedtoseeandhearofcrimeswhichIhopeyouwillshuddertothinkofcommittingyourselves；andbeingwarnedofthembeforehand，Ihopeitwillputyoumoreuponyourguard，nottobetempted，uponanyconsideration，togivetheleastencouragementtothem，muchlesstopractisethemyourselves。
’Perhaps，Tom，ifyourbrotherhadnot，bytellingusofSharply’stricks，givenmeanopportunityofwarningyouhowextremelywrongandwickedtheyare，youmightwhenyouwereatschool，havethoughtthemveryclever，andmarksofgenius；andtherefore，likeothersoftheboys，havetriedtoimitatethem，andbythatmeanshavebecomeaswicked，mean，anddishonourableyourself。Andonlythinkhowitwouldhavegrievedyourmammaandme，tofindthenextholidays，ourdearlittleTom，insteadofbeingthathonest，open，generous—heartedboyhenowis，changedintoadeceiver，acheat，aliar，onewhomwecouldplacenotrustorconfidencein；
for，dependuponit，thepersonwhowill，whenatplay，behaveunfair，wouldnotscrupletodosoinevenotheractionofhislife。Andtheboywhowilldeceiveforthesakeofamarble，orthegirlwhowouldactungenerously，forthesakeofadoll’scaporapin，will，whengrownup，bereadytocheatandover—reachintheirtrades，oranyaffairstheymayhavetotransact。Andyoumayassureyourselvesthatnumbersofpeoplewhoareeveryyearhanged，beganatfirsttobewickedbypractisingthoselittledishonourablemeanactions，whichsomanychildrenaretooapttodoatplay，withoutthinkingoftheirevilconsequences。
’Ithink，mydear，’saidhe，turningtohiswife，’Ihaveheardyoumentionapersonwhoyouwereacquaintedwithwhenagirl，whoatlastwashangedforstealing，Ithink，wasnotshe？’’No，’
repliedthelady，’shewasnothanged，shewastransportedforone—and—twentyyears。’’Pray，madam，howtransported？whatisthat？’inquiredoneofthechildren。’People，mydear，’resumedthelady，’aretransportedwhentheyhavecommittedcrimes，which，accordingtothelawsofourland，arenotthoughtquitewickedenoughtobehangedfor；butstilltoobadtosufferthemtocontinueamongstotherpeople。So，insteadofhangingthem，thejudgeordersthattheyshallbesentonboardaship，builtonpurposetoholdnaughtypeople，andcarriedawayfromalltheirfriends，agreatmanymilesdistant，commonlytoAmerica，wheretheyaresoldasslaves，toworkveryhardforasmanyyearsastheyaretransportedfor。Andthepersonyourpapamentionedwassoldfortwenty—oneyears；butshediedbeforethattimewasout，asmostofthemdo：theyaregenerallyusedverycruelly，andworkveryhard；andbesides，theheatoftheclimateseldomagreeswithanybodywhohasbeenusedtoliveinEngland，andsotheygenerallydiebeforetheirtimeisexpired，andneverhaveanopportunityofseeingtheirfriendsanymore，aftertheyareoncesentaway。Howshouldanyofyou，mydears，liketobesentawayfromyourpapaandme，andyourbrothersandsisters，andunclesandaunts，andallyourfriends，andnever）neverseeusanymore；
andonlykeepcompanywithnaughty，cross，wickedpeople，andlabourveryhard，andsufferagreatdealofsickness，andsuchanumberofdifferenthardships，youcannotimagine？Onlythinkhowshockingitmustbe!Howshouldyoulikeit？’’Oh’，notatall，notatall，’wasechoedfromeveryoneintheroom。
’Butsuch，’rejoinedtheirmother，’isthepunishmentnaughtypeoplehave；andsuchwasthepunishmentthepersonyourpapaspokeofhad；who，whenshewasyoung，nomoreexpectedtocometosuchanendthananyofyoudo。Iwasverywellacquaintedwithher，andoftenusedtoplaywithher，andshe（liketheboyFrankhasbeentalkingof）usedtothinkitamarkofclevernesstobeabletodeceive；andforthesakeofwinningthegameshewasengagedin，wouldnotscruplecommittinganylittleunfairaction，whichwouldgivehertheadvantage。
’Irememberonetime，atsuchatriflinggameaspushpin，shegavemeaverybadopinionofher；forIobserved，insteadofpushingthepinassheoughttodo，shewouldtrytoliftitupwithherfingeralittle，tomakeitcrossovertheother。
’Andwhenwewereallatcards，shewouldpeep，tofindoutthepicturedones，thatshemighthavetheminherownhand。
’Andwhenweplayedatanygamewhichhadforfeits，shewouldtry，bydifferentlittleartifices，tostealbackherownbeforethetimeofcryingthemcame；or，ifshewasthepersonwhowastocrythem，asyoucallit，shewouldendeavourtoseewhosecamenext，thatshemightorderthepenaltyaccordingly。
’Orifwewereplayingathideandseek，shewouldputwhatwehadtohideeitherinherownpocket，orthrowitintothefire，sothatitwouldbeimpossibletofindit；andthen，aftermakinghercompanionshuntforitforanhour，tilltheirpatiencewasquitetired，andtheygaveout；shewouldburstoutinaloudlaugh!andsaysheonlydiditforfun。But，formypart，Inevercouldseeanyjokeinsuchkindofthings：themeanness，thebaseness，thedishonour，whichattendeditalways，inmyopinion，tookoffalldegreeofcleverness，orpleasurefromsuchactions。
’TherewasanotherofherslytrickswhichIforgottomention，andthatwas，ifattea，oranyothertime，shegotfirsttotheplateofcakeorbread，shewouldplacethepieceshelikedbestwhereshethoughtitwouldcometoherturntohaveit：orifatbreakfastshesawhersisters’basinhavetheundercrustinit，andtheyhappenednottobeby，ortoseeher，shewouldtakeitout，andputherown，whichshehappenednottolikesowell，inthestead。
’Onlythink，mydears，whatfrightful，sly，naughtytrickstobeguiltyof!Andfrompractisingthese，whichshesaidtherewasnoharmin，andsheonlydidtheminplay，andforabitoffun，atlastshecame，bydegrees，tobeguiltyofgreater。Shetwoorthreedifferenttimes，whenshewasnotseen，stolethingsoutofshops；andoneday，whenshewasuponavisit，andthoughtshecoulddoitcleverly，withoutbeingdiscovered，putacoupleoftablespoonsintoherpocket。Thefootmanwhowaswaitinghappenedtoseeher；butfearingtogiveoffence，hetooknonoticeofittillaftershewasgonehome，whenhetoldhismaster，who，justlyprovokedatbeingsoill—treated，byapersontowhomhehadshowneverycivility，wentafterher，calledinherowntwomaids，andhisfootman，aswitnesses，andtheninsisteduponexaminingherpockets，whereheindeedfoundhisowntwospoons。Hethensentforproperofficerstosecureher，hadhertakenintocustody，andforthatoffenceitwasthatshewastransported。
’Thus，mydearchildren，youseetheshockingconsequenceofeversufferingsuchvilehabitstogrowuponus；andIhopetheexampleofthisunhappywoman（whichIassureyouisatruestory）willbesufficienttowarnyouforever，forasingletime，beingguiltyofsodetestableacrime，lestyoushould，likeher，bydegreescometoexperienceherfatalpunishment。’
Justastheladysaidthesewordsabellrang，andallgettinguptogether，theywentoutoftheroom，theyoungonecallingout，’Todinner!todinner!todinner!hereweallgotodinner!’
AndIwillseekforonetoo，saidItomyself，（creepingoutassoonasIfoundIwasalone）forIfeelveryfaintandhungry。I
lookedandlookedaboutalongwhile，forIcouldmovebutslow，onaccountofthebruisesIhadreceivedintheshoe。Atlastunderthetable，roundwhichthefamilyhadbeensitting，Ifoundapincushion，which，beingstuffedwithbran，affordedmeenoughtosatisfymyhunger，butwasexcessivelydryandunsavoury；yet，badasitwas，Iwasobligedtobecontentatthattimewithit；
andhadnearlydoneeatingwhenthedooropened，andinrantwoorthreeofthechildren。Frightenedoutofmysensesalmost，Ihadjusttimetoescapedownalittleholeinthefloor，madebyoneoftheknotsinthewoodslippingout，andthereIheardoneofthegirlsexclaim——
’Odear!whonowhascutmypincushion？itwasyoudidit，Tom。’
’No，indeedIdidnot，’repliedhe。’Thenitwasyou，Mary。’
’No，Iknownothingofit，’answeredshe。’Thenitwasyou，Hetty。’’ThatIamsureitwasnot，’saidshe；’Iamsure，Iamcertainitwasnotme；Iampositiveitwasnot。’’Ah，’repliedtheother，’Idaresayitwas。’’Yes，Ithinkitismostlikely，’
saidMary。’AndsodoItoo，’saidTom。’Andpraywhydoyouallthinkso？’inquiredHetty，inanangrytone。’Because，’saidtheownerofthepincushion，’youaretheonlyonewhoevertellsfibs；youtoldastory，youknow，aboutthefruit；youtoldastorytooaboutthecurrantjelly；andaboutputtingyourfingersinthebutter，atbreakfast；andthereforethereisaverygreatreasonwhyweshouldsuspectyoumorethananybodyelse。’’ButI
amsure，’saidshe，burstingintotears，’IamverysureIhavenotmeddledwithit。’’Idonotatallknowthat，’repliedtheother，’andIdothinkitwasyou；forIamcertainifanyoneelsehaddoneittheywouldnotdenyit；anditcouldnotcomeintothisconditionbyitself，somebodymusthavedoneit；andI
daresayitwasyou；sosaynomoreaboutit。’
Herethedisputewasinterruptedbysomebodycallingthemoutoftheroom；andIcouldnothelpmakingsomereflectionsonwhathadpassed。Howdreadfulacrime，thoughtI，islyingandfalsity；towhatsadmortificationsdoesitsubjectthepersonwhoiseverwickedenoughtocommitit；andhowdoesitexposethemtothecontemptofeveryone，andmakethemtobesuspectedoffaultstheyareevenperfectlyfreefrom。LittleHettynowisinnocent，withrespecttothepincushionwithwhichhersisterchargesher，asanyoftheothers；yet，becauseshehasbeforeforfeitedherhonour，shecangainnocredit：noonebelieveswhatshesays，sheisthoughttobeguiltyofthedoublefaultofspoilingthepincushion，andwhatisstillworse，oflyingtoconcealit；
whilsttheotherchildrenareatoncebelieved，andtheirwordsdependedupon。
Surely，surely，thoughtI，ifpeoplewouldbutreflectuponthecontempt，theshame，andthedifficultieswhichliesexposethemto，theywouldneverbeguiltyofsoterribleavice，whichsubjectsthemtothescornofalltheyconversewith，andrendersthematalltimessuspected，eventhoughtheyshould，asinthecaseofHetty，reallyspeakthetruth。Suchweremyreflectionsuponfalsehood，norcouldIhelpaltogetherblamingtheownerofthepincushionforherhastyjudgmentrelatingtoit。Somebody，shewascertain，musthavedoneit；itwasimpossibleitcouldcomesobyitself。That，tobesure，wasverytrue；butthensheneverrecollectedthatitwaspossiblealittlemousemightputitinthatcondition。Ah!thoughtItomyself，whatpityisit，thathumancreatures，whoareblestwithunderstandingandfacultiessosuperiortoanyspecies，shouldnotmakebetteruseofthem；andlearn，fromdailyexperience，togrowwiserandbetterforthefuture。Thisoneinstanceofthepincushion，mayteach（andsurelypeopleengagedinlifemusthourlyfindmore）howdangerousitistodrawhastyconclusions，andtocondemnpeopleuponsuspicion，asalsothemany，great，andbadconsequencesoflying。
ScarcelyhadIfinishedthesesoliloquieswhenagreatknockatthehousedoormademegivesuchastartthatIfelloffthejoistonwhichIwasstanding，andthenranstraightforwardstillI
cameoutatalittleholeIfoundinthebricksabovetheparlourwindow：fromthatIdescendedintotheroad，andwentonunmolestedtillIreachedamalt—house，aboutwhosevariousapartments，neverstayinglonginthesame，Icontinuedtolive；
tillonenight，allonasudden，Iwasalarmedbyfire，whichobligedmetoretreatwiththegreatestexpedition。
Ipassednumberlessratsandmiceinmyway，who，likemyself，weredrivenforthbytheflames；but，alas!amongthemIfoundnotmybrother。Despairing，therefore，ofeverseeinghimagain，I
determined，ifpossible，tofindmywaybacktoyou，whobeforehadshownmesuchkindness。NumberlesswerethefatiguesanddifficultiesIhadtoencounterinmyjourneyhere；onewhileindangerfromhungrycats，atanotheralmostperishedwithcoldandwantoffood。
Butitisneedlesstoenumerateeveryparticular；IshouldbuttireyourpatiencewasItoattemptit；soIwillhastentoaconclusionofmyhistory，onlytellingyouhowyoucametofindmeinthatmelancholyconditionfromwhichyourmercyhasnowraisedme。
Icameintoyourhouseoneeveningconcealedinthemiddleofafloor—cloth，whichthemaidhadrolledupandsetattheoutsideofthebackdoor，whilstshesweptthepassage，andneglectedtotakeitinagaintilltheevening，InthatIhidmyself，anduponherlayingitdown，ranwithallspeeddownthecellar—stairs，whereIcontinuedtillthefamilywereallgonetobed。ThenI
returnedback，andcameintoyourcloset，wherethescentofsomefigstemptedmetogetintothejarinwhichyoufoundme。I
concealedmyselfamongthem，andafterfeastingmostdeliciously，fellasleep，fromwhichIwasawakenedbyhearingavoicesay，\"Whohasleftthecoveroffthefig—jar？\"andatthesametimeI
wasinvolvedindarknessbyhavingitputon。InvainI
endeavouredtoremoveit，thefigsweresolow，thatwhenIstoodonthemIcouldbutjusttouchitwithmylips，andthejarbeingstoneIcouldnotpossiblyfastenmynailstohangbytheside。
InthisdismalsituationthereforeIwasconstrainedtostay，myapprehensionseachdayincreasingasmyfooddiminished，tillatlast，afterfeedingverysparinglyforsomedays，itwasquiteexhausted；andIhadenduredtheinexpressibletorturesofhungerforthreedaysandthreenights，whenyouhappilyreleasedme，andbyyourcompassionrestoredmeoncemoretolifeandliberty。
Condescend，therefore，topreservethatlifeyouhavesolengthened，andtakemeunderyourprotection。
’Thatmostgladly，’interruptedI，’Iwilldo：youwillliveinthislargegreen—floweredtincanister，andruninandoutwhenyouplease，andIwillkeepyouconstantlysuppliedwithfood。
ButImustnowshutyouin，forthecathasthismomententeredtheroom。’
AndnowIcannottakeleaveofallmylittlereaders，withoutoncemorebeggingthem，fortheirownsakes，toendeavourtofollowallthegoodadvicethemousehasbeengivingthem；andlikewisewarningthemtoshunallthosevicesandfollies，thepracticeofwhichrenderschildrensocontemptibleandwicked。