o use a vulgar phrase, his wind was almost knocked
out, before Pipes had leisure to interpose in his he behalf, and
persuade his offenders to desist, by representing that the wife had
gone to alarm the neighbourhood, and in all probability they would
be intercepted in their return. They accordingly listened to his
remonstrances, and marched homewards in triumph, leaving the gardener
in the embraces of his mother earth, from which he had not power to move
when he was found by his disconsolate helpmate and some friends whom
she had assembled for his assistance. Among these was a blacksmith and
farrier, who took cognizance of his carcase, every limb of which having
examined, he declared there was no bone broken, and taking out his
fleam, blooded him plentifully as he lay. He was then conveyed to his
bed, from which he was not able to stir during a whole month. His family
coming upon the parish, a formal complaint was made to the master of
the school, and Peregrine represented as the ringleader of those who
committed this barbarous assault. An inquiry was immediately set on
foot; and the articles of impeachment being fully proved, our hero was
sentenced to be severely chastised in the face of the whole school. This
was a disgrace, the thoughts of which his proud heart could not brook.
He resolved to make his elopement rather than undergo the punishment
to which he was doomed; and having signified his sentiments to his
confederates, they promised one and all to stand by him, and either
screen him from chastisement or share his fate.

Confiding in this friendly protestation, he appeared unconcerned on the
day that was appointed for his punishment; and when he was called to
his destiny, advanced the scene, attended by the greatest part of the
scholars, who intimated their determination to the master, and proposed
that Peregrine should be forgiven. The superior behaved with that
dignity of demeanour which became his place, represented the folly
and presumption of their demand, reprehended them for their audacious
proceeding, and ordered every boy to his respective station. They obeyed
his command, and our unfortunate hero was publicly horsed, in terrorem
of all whom it might concern.

This disgrace had a very sensible effect upon the mind of Peregrine,
who, having by this time, passed the fourteenth year of his age,
began to adopt the pride and sentiments of a man. Thus dishonourably
stigmatized, he was ashamed to appear in pu