a vile and
premeditated act of malice.

The better feelings of his heart strongly urged him to recede; but the
idea of being laughed at by his wicked companion overcame the scruples
of conscience, when he heard his rough voice grumble beneath the window.

"Is that you, Master George? Why do you not make more haste. It will be
morning before you are ready."

George cautiously unclosed the casement; but, as he descended the
ladder, his foot trembled so violently, that once or twice he had nearly
fallen to the ground, to the great diversion of Simpson, who laughed at
his visible agitation. Then withdrawing the ladder, for fear of
detection, he presented George with one of the above-mentioned tools,
and proceeded without further delay to the silent and peaceful dwelling
of Mrs. Shirley.

As they walked over the meadow, George had leisure to reflect on what he
was going to do; and he felt so heartily ashamed of himself, that he was
half tempted to return: and happy had it been for him, had he listened
to the voice that spoke within him.

Simpson marked his irresolution, and, being determined to make sure of
his victim, tauntingly said--

"I did not think, Master George, you had been such a _coward_, after
all the brag you made of your valour at school; but I suppose you and
the Quaker have shaken hands, since he so kindly procured you that smart
flogging. If I was you, I would wait on him, and humbly thank him for
his generosity."

This sarcasm did not fail in the desired effect. George felt all his
animosity rise in his heart against Josiah; and, quickening his pace,
they were soon within the quiet bounds of the Quaker's garden.

They had scarcely begun their cruel devastation, before the Newfoundland
dog set out barking in a furious manner.

"Let us return, Simpson," whispered George; his cheeks blanching with
terror as he remembered his rencounter with Rollo, on the preceding
morning. "I forgot the dog; he is roused, and we shall certainly be
caught."

[Illustration: _George and the Groom destroying the little Quaker's
garden at midnight._ _p. 29._]

"Not we!" calmly replied the groom. "Let him bark,--he cannot hurt us,
being chained in an outer yard, that comes against the road; and, as
'tis fair-night, they will only think he is barking at passengers, who
may be returning in liquor, at this late hour."

This was in fact the case; and the inmates of the house paid little
regard to the noise Rollo mad