196 KING PIPPIN,

were now conscious of the crime of which they had been guilty,
in absenting themselves from school ; yet they were afraid to
return to Mr. Teachwell, in dread of his just displeasure ;
not reflecting that every hour added to the cause of complaint,
and incurred severer punishment: they wandered about till
night surprised them in the midst of a wood, huddled together
as close as possible: they wished to sleep; the wind roared
Joud among the trees, and every sound alarmed them: how
heartily did they wish themselves at home in a warm bed,
protected from danger! “ How glad I am,” said one of them,
“ that there are no wild beasts here to eat us, as would be the
case ina distant clime; yet many dangers may assail.” At
length they arose, and prostrated themselves on their knees,
fervently praying Heaven for pardon and assistance ; and soon
after morning dawned, they were fortunately discovered by an
honest woodman, who conveyed them home to tell the disas-
trous fate that had attended one of the party. They each suffered
a long illness, but it made them better boys, and they became
firm friends to King Pippin, who was very kind to them while
they were in a sick chamber, reading to them, praying with
them, and sharing the fruit Lady Bountiful sent him, as she
often did, when his father came to see him, or any of the
servants were sent to the town. Such was the consequence
resulting to four boys, who forgot the duty they owed to
their Creator, their master, and all connected with them. As
our hero advanced in years, he increased in the esteem of all
worthy people. Mr. Worthy continued his notice of him, and
often invited his Majesty, as he would merrily call him, to pass
the holidays with hissons. At a properage he took him into his
counting-house ; and when Pippin had been properly instructed
in the necessary duties belonging to the situation, he sent him
to manage an extensive sugar plantation in the West Indies.