spot of
ground. The other day, as I was passing the pales, I stopped to watch
him at work; the young prig thought, forsooth, that I was admiring his
garden, and actually gathered me a fine nosegay, and showed me all his
American plants."

This amiable anecdote of the young Quaker was received by George with
peals of insulting laughter; whilst his worthless companion continued--

"Now, Master George, it would go nearer to his heart, and vex him more
than any mischief we could devise, to steal out, after the family are in
bed, and break all his fine trees."

George was at first transported at the idea of so full a revenge; then
pausing, whilst a secret dread as to the danger of the enterprise stole
over his mind, in a hurried voice he said--

"But, Simpson! it will be dark."

"So much the better," replied the wicked groom. "Are you afraid any
thing will eat you? Besides, it will be moonlight after twelve o'clock."

"Twelve o'clock!" repeated George, turning pale with apprehension: "I
dare not leave the house after midnight!"

"Then let it alone," replied Dan. "But, Simpson," said George, in a
fawning tone, "cannot you go without me?"

"Master George, if you take me for a fool," replied Dan, "you are
mistaken: it is you want to be revenged on young Shirley, not I: the
poor lad never offended me."

"Then give me back my money," said George.

"Indeed but I shall not," replied Dan, chinking it as he spoke. "But if
you are so cowardly as to be afraid of a little frolic, I wish you may
be insulted every day of your life."

"Say no more, Simpson; I will go," said George; "but if we should be
detected!--I have heard Papa say, that breaking young trees was
transportation."

"Ay, if they catch us," returned the worthless groom. "Leave me alone
for taking care of my neck: why, George, if you tremble at a trifle like
_this_, you will never make a fine gentleman."

This last speech overcame young Hope's remaining scruples; the idea of
not being thought a fine fellow extinguished the remaining spark of
virtue in his bosom: and with affected gaiety he said--

"Simpson, you are a clever fellow, but how shall we be able to steal
unobserved out of the house?"

"Oh! that is the easiest part of the business," said Dan, "particularly
as you have an apartment to yourself. After the family are in bed, I
will raise a ladder against your window; and, when I throw a pebble
against the sash, you must dress yourself, and come dow