count of these two great sources of
wealth; you shall see them another time in my study: and take heart, my
young friend; you have your foot on the ladder, and will climb some day
to the top, if you gain all the knowledge your honoured kinsman is ready
to give you, and are guided by his advice."

"And by your own good sense, Jack," added Cousin Nat. "Don't wish to be
master before you have learned to be man, and don't trust every one you
may meet, however civil they may be and pleasant in their manners; and
above all things, my boy, do not forget that there is a God in heaven
who watches over you, and sees and knows every thing you do. Do not
fear to displease man, but dread greatly displeasing God. Remember that
He is your friend, and that you can go to Him on all occasions. If you
go boldly and frankly, as He has told you to do, trusting in His Son who
died for you, He will never turn aside from your petitions."

Mr Strelley enforced what Cousin Nat had said with further arguments,
and then having given Jack various directions for his conduct on the
road, and for the commissions he was to perform for him, shook him
cordially by the hand, and wished him every prosperity on the journey
which was to commence the following morning.

CHAPTER SIX.

PEARSON'S VISIT TO SQUIRE HARWOOD--PLAN TO ENTRAP JACK.

On the day Jack had paid his visit to Harwood Grange, while the Squire
was walking up and down the terrace, enjoying the cool of the evening,
he saw a horseman riding along the avenue towards him. He was a
strongly-built, active-looking man, with somewhat coarse features and a
bold expression of countenance. He dismounted as he approached Mr
Harwood, and presented a letter which he drew from his bosom.

"That will tell you who I am," said the horseman, as the Squire opened
the epistle and glanced at its contents.

"Ah, yes!" he said, looking up at the stranger, "we have met before. I
remember you now. Come along here, down this walk; we shall be out of
ear-shot. Well, what success have you had?"

"Not so much as I should have expected," answered the stranger.
"There's no spirit in the young men now-a-days; they all seem to be
finding employment either at home, or at sea, or in the plantations, and
there are few worth having, or who can be trusted at all events, who
seem disposed to draw a sword for King James."

"I am afraid you are right," answered the Squire. "Most of those I have
spoken to seem pe