onsort at his side, and his
trusty dog at his feet--an eccentric animal of the genuine regimental
breed, who, born amongst red-coats, had not yet become reconciled to
those of any other hue, barking and tearing at them when they drew near
the door, but testifying his fond reminiscence of the former by
hospitable waggings of the tail whenever a uniform made its appearance--at
present a very unfrequent occurrence.

"I am afraid I have not done right in putting him to the law," said my
father, resting his chin upon his gold-headed bamboo cane.

"Why, what makes you think so?" said my mother.

"I have been taking my usual evening walk up the road, with the animal
here," said my father; "and, as I walked along, I overtook the boy's
master, Mr. S--- {126}. We shook hands, and after walking a little way
farther, we turned back together, talking about this and that; the state
of the country, the weather, and the dog, which he greatly admired; for
he is a good-natured man, and has a good word for everybody, though the
dog all but bit him when he attempted to coax his head; after the dog, we
began talking about the boy; it was myself who introduced that subject: I
thought it was a good opportunity to learn how he was getting on, so I
asked what he thought of my son; he hesitated at first, seeming scarcely
to know what to say; at length he came out with 'Oh, a very extraordinary
youth, a most remarkable youth, indeed, captain!' 'Indeed,' said I, 'I
am glad to hear it, but I hope you find him steady?' 'Steady, steady,'
said he, 'why, yes, he's steady, I cannot say that he is not steady.'
'Come, come,' said I, beginning to be rather uneasy, 'I see plainly that
you are not altogether satisfied with him; I was afraid you would not be,
for, though he is my own son, I am anything but blind to his
imperfections: but do tell me what particular fault you have to find with
him; and I will do my best to make him alter his conduct.' 'No fault to
find with him, captain, I assure you, no fault whatever; the youth is a
remarkable youth, an extraordinary youth, only'--As I told you before,
Mr. S--- is the best-natured man in the world, and it was only with the
greatest difficulty that I could get him to say a single word to the
disadvantage of the boy, for whom he seems to entertain a very great
regard. At last I forced the truth from him, and grieved I was to hear
it; though I must confess I was somewhat prepared for it. It appears
that