Our Home. 189

Greek and Latin. They evidently feared that I
should be conceited and dissatisfied with my
position. If they could but have read my heart,
they would have seen how far I perceived myself
to be below the high standard which the noble and
difficult office of teacher demands, They asked me
at last whether I could refer them to anyone ; and
after a little hesitation, I named Squire Prickard.
Was I a tenant of his? Not now, I said; but he
had known me as a boy.

“What did you say your name was?” asked the
gentleman of the horse, with sudden interest. “Why,
_ you are the boy who gave the information that
saved him from that outrage. I remember now; I
was one of the magistrates who committed the men
for trial.” I sat with a burning face, expecting
every moment to hear them ask about my father ;
but the gentleman went on—-“ The boy was ill, and
could not appear as witness—I had an impression
that he died, but it seems he did not—and his
brother or schoolmate appeared for him. I forget
the ins and outs ; but he showed good courage, I
remember, and excellent principle. I vote for giving
him a trial.”

“Stop, stop—not too fast!” cried the Squire.
“We must make enquiries and consider.

“He will do; I'll go bail for him—civil lad, too,”