11
designs, so as to give the least offence possible to the delicacy of suffering virtue, and conceal the hand that loosed the chains of bondage, and gave once more to the drooping captive the possession of liberty.
After proposing to himself many plans, he at length determined to walk the next day to a post town, about three miles off, and enelose notes to the amount of Mr Benley's debt, in a letter to that gentleman. This appeared to him the best method he could devise, as it would leave no traces that might lead to a discovery from whom the merited bounty came. Thus resolved, he yielded to the soft embraces of sleep; and, in the morning, rose to execute his benevolent purpose.
In his return, he saw a female and a little boy. The youth carried a basket, which seemed too heavy for his feeble strength to support. The female had in each hand a jug; and, having out-walked her companion, had seated herself on a stile to wait his coming up. Trueman aceosted the youth, and offered to assist him in carrying his load; a proposal which the youngster readily accepted, telling him, at the same time, that he had been to a neighbouring farmer for cheese and butter; and that his sister had got two jugs of milk for his brothers' breakfasts.--"And what is your name?" said Trueman.--"Benley, sir; and we live in yonder cottage," pointing to a small house.
"Charlotte," said the youth, "here is a gentleman has kindly carried my basket for me; and, as you complain the jugs are too heavy for you, I dare say he will help you too."
"That I will, and esteem myself obliged so to
