bring a small sum of money which the gentlemen at the Cat and
Bagpipes had cheerfully subscribed for Jenkins. Trueman did not
forget to desire his wife to make up also a quantity of clothing
for this poor family, to which he did not neglect to add a parcel of
good books, which, indeed, always made a part of his charities; as
he used to say, there was something cruel in the kindness which was
anxious to relieve the bodies of men, but was negligent of their
souls. He stood in person to the new-born child, and observed with
much pleasure, that Jenkins and his wife thought a christening, not
a season for merry-making, but a solemn act of religion. And they
dedicated their infant to his Maker with becoming seriousness.

Trueman left the cottage and got back to Mr. Fantom's, just as the
family were going to sit down to dinner, as he had promised.

When they sat down, Mr. Fantom was not a little out of humor to see
his table in some disorder. William was also rather more negligent
than usual. If the company called for bread, he gave them beer, and
he took away the clean plates, and gave them dirty ones. Mr. Fantom
soon discovered that his servant was very drunk; he flew into a
violent passion, and ordered him out of the room, charging that he
should not appear in his presence in that condition. William obeyed;
but having slept an hour or two, and got about half sober, he again
made his appearance. His master gave him a most severe reprimand,
and called him an idle, drunken, vicious fellow. "Sir," said
William, very pertly, "if I do get drunk now and then, I only do it
for the good of my country, and in obedience to your wishes." Mr.
Fantom, thoroughly provoked, now began to scold him in words not fit
to be repeated; and asked him what he meant. "Why, sir," said
William, "you are a philosopher you know; and I have often overheard
you say to your company, that private vices are public benefits; and
so I thought that getting drunk was as pleasant a way of doing good
to the public as any, especially when I could oblige my master at
the same time."

"Get out of my house," said Mr. Fantom, in a great rage. "I do not
desire to stay a moment longer," said William, "so pay me my wages."
"Not I, indeed," replied the master; "nor will I give you a
character; so never let me see your face again." William took his
master at his word, and not only got out of the house, but went out
of the country too as fast as possible. When they found