y. Though the physician was sure of never being paid for his
visit, yet such were his humanity and feelings, that he instantly went
to the labourer's house.

On his arrival there, he found no particular symptoms of illness, though
the boy was evidently in a very low and languishing state. The doctor
told him he would send him a cordial draught; but Harry begged he would
forbear sending him any thing, as he could do him no good. The doctor
was a little angry at this behaviour, and insisted on knowing what his
disorder was, threatening him, if he did not tell him immediately, he
would go and acquaint his father with his obstinacy.

Poor Harry begged the doctor would say nothing about it to his father,
which still more increased the doctor's wish to get at the bottom of
this mystery. At last poor Harry, finding the doctor resolute, desired
his brothers and sisters might leave the room, and he would acquaint him
with every particular.

As soon as the physician had sent the children out of the room, "Alas!
Sir," said little Harry, "in this season of scarcity, my poor dear
father cannot earn bread enough to feed us. What little quantity he can
get, he divides equally among us, reserving to himself the smallest
part. To see my dear brothers and sisters suffer hunger is more than I
can bear; and, as I am the eldest, and stronger than they, I have
therefore not eaten any myself, but have divided my share among them. It
is on this account that I pretended to be sick and unable to eat; I
beseech you, however, to keep this a secret from my father."

The physician, wiping away a tear which started involuntarily from his
eye, asked poor Harry if he were not then hungry. He acknowledged indeed
that he was hungry; but said that did not give him so much affliction as
to see the distresses of his family. "But my good lad," said the doctor,
"if you do not take some nourishment, you will die."--"I am indifferent
about that," replied Harry, "since my father will have then one mouth
less to feed, and I shall go to heaven, where I will pray to God to
assist my dear father, and my little sisters and brothers."

What heart but must melt with pity and admiration at the relation of
such facts? The generous physician, taking up Harry in his arms, and
clasping him to his bosom, "No, my dear little boy," said he, "thou
shalt not die. God and I will take care of thy little family; and return
thanks to God for having sent me hither. I must leave y