im a prisoner and then murdered him. The
punishment was greater than the offence, and dictated by malice and
revenge; it was a diabolical act, and will soil the page of our nation's
history." So thought Edward, as he paced before the cottage, until he
was summoned in by Pablo to their evening meal.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

"Edward," said Edith, "scold Pablo; he has been ill-treating my poor
cat; he is a cruel boy." Pablo laughed. "See, Edward, he's laughing:
put him in the pit-fall again, and let him stay there till he says he is
sorry."

"I very sorry now Missy Edith, but cat bite me," said Pablo.

"Well, if pussy did, it didn't hurt you much; and what did I tell you
this morning out of the Bible?--that you must forgive them who behave
ill to you."

"Yes, Missy Edith, you tell me all that, and so I do; I forgive pussy
'cause she bite me, but I kick her for it."

"That's not forgiveness, is it, Edward? You should have forgiven it at
once, and not kicked it at all."

"Miss Edith, when pussy bite me, pussy hurt me, make me angry, and I
give her a kick; then I think what you tell me, and I do as you tell me.
I forgive pussy with all my heart."

"I think you must forgive Pablo, Edith," said Edward, "if it is only to
set him a good example."

"Well, I will this time; but if he kicks pussy again, he must be put in
the pit-fall--mind that, Pablo."

"Yes, Missy Edith, I go into pit-fall, and then you cry, and ask Master
Edward to take me out. When you have me put in pit-fall then you not
good Christian, 'cause you not forgive; when you cry and take me out,
then you good Christian once more."

By this conversation it will appear to the reader that they had been
trying to impress Pablo with the principles of the Christian religion--
and such was the case; Edith having been one of the most active in the
endeavour, although very young for a missionary. However, Alice and
Humphrey had been more successful, and Pablo was now beginning to
comprehend what they had attempted to instil, and was really progressing
every day.

Edward remained at the cottage, expecting to hear some message from the
Intendant. He was right in his conjecture, for, on the third day,
Oswald Partridge came ever to say that the Intendant would be happy to
see him, if he could make it convenient to go over; which Edward
assented to do on the following day. Oswald had ridden over on a pony:
Edward arranged to take Billy and return with him.