arrows that made sad havoc among his
cherries, and was sitting in a summer-house to watch them.

"At this instant a servant came to acquaint him that a strange gentleman
desired to speak with him, and was waiting in the parlour. He therefore
put down the gun in the summer-house, and strictly ordered Harry by no
means to touch it; but he was no sooner gone, than this naughty son said
to himself, that he could see no harm in playing a little with the gun;
and therefore took it on his shoulder, and endeavoured to act the part
of a soldier.

"The muzzle of the gun happened to be pointed towards Mr. Davis's
garden; and, just as he was in the midst of his military exercises, a
stone thrown by William hit him directly in one of his eyes. The fright
and pain together made Harry drop the gun, which went off, and in a
moment both gardens resounded with the most dismal shrieks and
lamentations. Harry had received a blow in the eye with a stone, and the
whole charge had entered William's leg; the sad consequences of which
were, the one lost his eye, and the other a leg."

Richard could not help pitying poor William and Harry for their terrible
misfortune; and Mr. Stevenson was not angry with his son for his
tenderness. "It is true," said he "they were much to be pitied, and
their parents still more, for having such vicious and disobedient
children. Yet it is probable, if God had not early punished these boys,
they would have continued their mischievous practices as often as they
should find themselves alone; but by this misfortune they learned to
know that God publicly punishes all wickedness done in secret. This had
the desired effect, as both ever after left off all kinds of mischief,
and became prudent and sedate. Certain it is, that an all-wise Creator
never chastises us but with a view to add to our happiness."

Richard was very much struck with this story, and said, he hoped he
should never lose either a leg or an eye by such imprudent conduct. This
interesting conversation was interrupted by their arrival at their own
house; when Richard hastened to find his brothers and sisters, to tell
them the adventures of his walk, and the history of William and Harry.

[Illustration]

ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS; OR A RATIONAL

EDUCATION PREFERABLE

TO RICHES.

[Illustration]

A very early friendship commenced between Antony and Augustus, who were
nearly of an age; and, as they were neighbours, they were almost
inseparable