Harry Sandford, wonderfully perfect son of a
"plain, honest farmer," are placed under the
tuition of a minister-philosopher, named
Barlow. This philosopher is evidently Mr. Day's
fictitious portrayal of himself. The story
given below is one of a number by means of
which the "encyclopedic" Barlow educates Tommy
and Harry. Another story from this group,
"Androcles and the Lion," may be found in the
fables (No. 214). _Sandford and Merton_ is
still, according to Sir Leslie Stephen, "among
the best children's books in the language, in
spite of its quaint didacticism, because it
succeeds in forcibly expressing his [Day's]
high sense of manliness, independence, and
sterling qualities of character."

THE GOOD-NATURED LITTLE BOY

THOMAS DAY

A little Boy went out, one morning, to walk to a village about five
miles from the place where he lived, and carried with him, in a basket,
the provision that was to serve him the whole day. As he was walking
along, a poor little half-starved dog came up to him, wagging his tail,
and seeming to entreat him to take compassion on him. The little Boy at
first took no notice of him, but at length, remarking how lean and
famished the creature seemed to be, he said, "This animal is certainly
in very great necessity: if I give him part of my provision, I shall be
obliged to go home hungry myself; however, as he seems to want it more
than I do, he shall partake with me." Saying this, he gave the dog part
of what he had in the basket, who ate as if he had not tasted victuals
for a fortnight.

The little Boy then went on a little farther, his dog still following
him, and fawning upon him with the greatest gratitude and affection;
when he saw a poor old horse lying upon the ground, and groaning as if
he was very ill, he went up to him, and saw that he was almost starved,
and so weak that he was unable to rise. "I am very much afraid," said
the little Boy, "if I stay to assist this horse, that it will be dark
before I can return; and I have heard that there are several thieves in
the neighborhood; however, I will try; it is doing a good action to
attempt to relieve him; and God Almighty will take care of me." He then
went and gathered some grass, which he brought to the horse's mouth, who
immediately began to eat with as much relish as if his chief disease was
hunger.