heels, beating him with
their broad beaks and wings; whilst the prostrate George called out in a
tone of agony:--

"Josiah, my good fellow, call off your dog, or he will certainly kill
me!"

"I find other bodies are as little proof against pain as the poor
animals they just now so wantonly tormented," said Josiah, as he raised
the crest-fallen George from the ground.

"Remember, George, this lesson for the future; and, when inflicting pain
on these helpless creatures, who are too weak to resist our power, be
assured that God hears their cries, and will avenge their sufferings on
all those who inhumanly delight in their agony."

He paused, expecting George to make some answer; but the sullen boy hung
down his head in obstinate silence; whilst Josiah, still hoping to
convince him of the error of his ways, continued:--

"George, I once more entreat thee to take my advice: forsake these idle
pursuits, which must end in shame and misery; whilst every effort made
towards self-improvement will be crowned with the blessings and esteem
of a worthy parent, and the approval of thine own conscience.

"I here freely forgive the injury I just now received, and will be thy
friend if thou wilt firmly resolve to renounce such evil courses."

The noble boy held out his hand as he finished speaking; but George,
unable to conquer his false feeling of pride, rudely dashed back the
proffered gift, and slowly and sullenly returned to his father's
mansion.

When Mrs. Shirley was informed, by her grandson, of what had passed in
the meadow, she wrote a letter to Mr. Hope, couched in the mildest
terms, merely requesting him to keep his sons from trespassing in her
field for the future, as they insulted her grandson, and ill-used her
property.

Mr. Hope was so much displeased at this fresh outrage, that, ordering
the culprits into his presence, he not only told them sternly of their
fault, but desired his butler to give them the most severe chastisement
they had ever received before; the recollection of which, he hoped,
would induce them to keep at home for the future.

Now George laid their present correction entirely on Josiah Shirley;
and, as the injurer is always the most implacable, because generally in
the wrong, he determined to requite the stripes he had received on the
unoffending young Quaker.

Full of these unworthy resolutions, the moment he was released from
confinement, he went into the stables to consult with a young m