of a
load of hay holding the reins, and urging forward the horse, in the
ascent of a very steep hill. First he tried coaxing, and as that proved
of little avail, he next tried the effect of a few vigorous strokes with
a long switch which he carried in his hand. When the poor old horse had
dragged the heavy load about half way up the hill, he seemed incapable
of further exertion, and horse, cart, Terry and all began a rapid
backward descent down the hill.

Here the boy's patience gave way entirely. "Musha thin, bad luck to ye
for one harse," said he as he applied the switch with renewed energy.
Just then I arrived within speaking distance and said, "Do you think,
Terry you would be any better off if you had two of them." "Not if they
were both like this one," answered he. I advised Terry to come down from
his elevated position, and not add his weight to the load drawn by the
overburdened animal. He followed my advice, and when with some
difficulty we had checked the descending motion of the cart-wheels, we
took a fair start, and the summit of the hill was finally gained.

"Its often," said Terry, "that I've seen a horse draw a cart, but I
niver before saw a cart drawing a horse." There was one trait in the
character of the boy which pleased me much; he was very grateful for any
little act of kindness. He often got into difficulties with the family,
owing to his rashness and want of consideration, and I often succeeded
in smoothing down for him many rough places in his daily path; and when
he observed that I interested myself in his behalf, his gratitude knew
no bounds. I believe he would have made almost any sacrifice to please
me. He surprised me one day by saying suddenly, "Don't I wish you'd only
be tuck sick." "Why Terry," replied I, "I am surprised indeed that you
should wish evil to me." "Indade thin," answered he, "its not for evil
that I wish it, but for your good jist to let ye see how tinderly I
would take care uv ye." I thanked him for his kind intentions, saying
that I was very willing to take the will for the deed in this case, and
had no wish to test his kindness by a fit of sickness.

He came in one evening fatigued with a hard day's work, and retired
early to bed. His sleeping apartment adjoined the sitting-room. I had
several letters to write which occupied me till a late hour; the family
had all retired. I finished writing just as the clock struck twelve. At
that moment, I was almost startled by Terr