ing
eye at it, and complained to his papa that he was very dry. On Mr.
Stevenson's saying that he was dry also, but they must bear it with
patience till they got home, Richard pointed to the pear-tree, and
begged his papa would let him go and get one; for, as the hedge was not
very thick, he said he could easily get through, without being seen by
any one.

Richard's father reminded him, that the garden and fruit were private
property, and to take any thing from thence, without permission, was
nothing less than being guilty of a robbery. He allowed that there might
be a possibility of getting into the garden without being seen by the
owner of it; but such a wicked action could not be concealed from Him
who sees every action of our lives, and who penetrates even to the very
secrets of our hearts; and that is God.

His son shook his head, and said, he was sensible of his error, and
would no more think of committing what might be called a robbery. He
recollected that parson Jackson had told him the same thing before, but
he had then forgotten it.

At this instant a man started up from behind the hedge, which had before
concealed him from their sight. This was an old man, the owner of the
garden, who had heard every thing that had passed between Mr. Stevenson
and his son. "Be thankful to God, my child," said the old man, "that
your father prevented you from getting into my garden with a view to
deprive me of that which does not belong to you. You little thought,
that at the foot of each tree is placed a trap to catch thieves, which
you could not have escaped, and which might have lamed you for the rest
of your life. I am, however, happy to find that you so readily listen to
the first admonition of your father, and show such a fear of offending
God. As you have behaved in so just and sensible a manner, you shall
now, without any danger or trouble, partake of the fruit of my garden."
He then went to the finest pear-tree, gave it a shake, and brought down
near a hatful of fruit, which he immediately gave to Richard.

This civil old man could not be prevailed on to accept of any thing in
return, though Mr. Stevenson pulled out his purse for that purpose. "I
am sufficiently satisfied, Sir," said he, "in thus obliging your son,
and were I to accept of any thing, that satisfaction would be lost." Mr.
Stevenson thanked him very kindly, and having shaken hands over the
hedge, they parted; Richard at the same time taking leave of