an, whom
his father employed as an under groom; and of whom his thoughtless sons
had made a confidant and companion.

As he entered the stables, he was thus accosted by Daniel Simpson:--

"So, Master George, I hear you have been flogged. Nat Smith told me the
Squire was in a terrible passion, and ordered him not to spare the whip:
how came it all about?"

"Would you believe it, Dan, that spiteful young Quaker informed my
father of our frolic," said George, reddening with passion.

"Well, do not look so crest-fallen; I think it will be very strange if
we cannot match the tell-tale, Master George."

"Simpson, if you will but lend me your assistance to chastise him as he
deserves," said George, "I will give you that new half-sovereign Papa
presented me last week."

"Show me the money first," returned Dan, "and then I will tell you what
is to be done in the case."

"Well, there it is," said George, putting the money into Simpson's hand.
"If you can find out a sure method to punish young Shirley, and revenge
my present disgrace, you shall have no reason to call me a bad
paymaster."

He looked anxiously up in the groom's sordid countenance, as he finished
speaking; but the stable-helper remained provokingly silent, twirling
his hat in his hand, till George, losing all patience, pulled him
hastily by the sleeve.

"Had I been as long in giving you my money, as you are in bestowing your
advice, I should have been something in pocket."

"Nay, Master George, if you give yourself any airs," replied Dan, with a
sneer, "I will keep the cash, and tell your Papa of your frolics; and I
suppose you would not vastly relish that."

The burning blush of shame, for a few moments, suffused the countenance
of the misguided youth; he bit his lips, and remained for some time
silent, till, fearing that Simpson would realize his threat, he used the
most abject submission, to hinder him from betraying his wicked schemes
to his father; nor would the artful servant pacify his apprehensions,
till he had succeeded in frightening him out of every sixpence of
pocket-money he was worth.

"Well, Master George," said the groom, "I have hit upon a notable piece
of mischief; but I cannot put it into execution without your
assistance."

"You shall certainly have that, Simpson; but tell me first what your
plan is?"

"Young Prim is very fond of his garden," replied the groom; "and lays
out all his money in fine shrubs to ornament his favourite