xperience of
statesmen, and the power of kings to accomplish. I can not free
whole countries, nor reform the evils of society at large, but I
_can_ free an aggrieved wretch in a workhouse; I _can_ relieve the
distresses of one of my journeymen; and I _can_ labor to reform
myself and my own family."

Some weeks after this a letter was brought to Mr. Fantom from his
late servant, William, who had been turned away for drunkenness, as
related above, and who had also robbed his master of some wine and
some spoons. Mr. Fantom, glancing his eye over the letter, said, "It
is dated from Chelmsford jail; that rascal has got into prison. I am
glad of it with all my heart; it is the fittest place for such
scoundrels. I hope he will be sent to Botany Bay, if not hanged."
"O, ho! my good friend," said Trueman; "then I find that in
abolishing all prisons you would just let one stand for the
accommodation of those who would happen to rob _you_. General
benevolence, I see, is compatible with particular resentments,
though individual kindness is not consistent with universal
philanthropy." Mr. Fantom drily observed that he was not fond of
jokes, and proceeded to read the letter. It expressed an earnest
wish that his late master would condescend to pay him one visit in
his dark and doleful abode, as he wished to say a few words to him
before the dreadful sentence of the law, which had already been
pronounced, should be executed.

"Let us go and see the poor fellow," said Trueman; "it is but a
morning's ride. If he is really so near his end it would be cruel to
refuse him." "Not I, truly," said Fantom; "he deserves nothing at my
hands but the halter he is likely to meet with. Such port is not to
be had for money! and the spoons--part of my new dozen!" "As to the
wine," said Trueman, "I am afraid you must give that up, but the
only way to get any tidings of the spoons is to go and hear what he
has to say; I have no doubt but he will make such a confession as
may be very useful to others, which, you know, is one grand
advantage of punishments; and, besides, we may afford him some
little comfort." "As to comfort, he deserves none from me," said
Fantom; "and as to his confessions, they can be of no use to me, but
as they give me a chance of getting my spoons; so I do not much care
if I do take a ride with you."

When they came to the prison, Mr. Trueman's tender heart sunk within
him. He deplored the corrupt nature of man, which makes suc