osophy?"

"We'll argue that point to-morrow, sir--at present I want to obtain my
supper;" and Jack rang the bell furiously.

The butler made his appearance at this last summons, and he was followed
by Mesty, who looked like a demon with anger.

"Mercy on me, whom have we here?"

"My servant, father," exclaimed Jack, starting up; "one that I can trust
to, and who will obey me. Mesty, I wish some supper and wine to be
brought immediately--see that scoundrel gets it ready in a moment. If
he does not, throw him out of the door, and lock him out. You
understand me."

"Yes, massa," grinned Mesty; "now you hab supper very quick, or Mesty
know the reason why. Follow me, sar," cried Mesty, in an imperative
tone to the butler; "quick, sar, or by de holy poker, I show you what
Mesty can do;" and Mesty grinned in his wrath.

"Bring supper and wine immediately," said Mr Easy, giving an order such
as the butler had never heard since he had been in the house.

The butler quitted the room, followed by the Ashantee.

"My dear boy--my Jack--I can make every allowance for hunger, it is
often the cause of theft and crime in the present unnatural state of
society--but really you are too violent. The principles--"

"Your principles are all confounded nonsense, father," cried Jack in a
rage.

"What, Jack! my son--what do I hear? This from you--nonsense! Why,
Jack, what has Captain Wilson been doing with you?"

"Bringing me to my senses, sir."

"Oh, dear, oh, dear! my dear Jack, you will certainly make me lose
mine."

"Gone already," thought Jack.

"That you, my child, so carefully brought up in the great and glorious
school of philosophy, should behave this way--should be so violent--
forget your sublime philosophy, and all--just like Esau, selling your
birthright for a mess of pottage. Oh, Jack, you'll kill me! and yet I
love you, Jack--whom else have I to love in this world? Never mind,
we'll argue the point, my boy--I'll convince you--in a week all will be
right again."

"It shall, sir, if I can manage it," replied Jack.

"That's right, I love to hear you say so--that's consoling, very
consoling--but I think now I was wrong to let you go to sea, Jack."

"Indeed you were not, father."

"Well, I'm glad to hear you say so; I thought they had ruined you,
destroyed all your philosophy--but it will be all right again--you shall
come to our societies, Jack--I am president--you shall hear me speak,
Jack--you shall