after a few trials he got up and began grazing.

He then went on a little further, and saw a man wading about in a pool
of water without being able to get out, in spite of all his endeavors.
"What is the matter, good man?" said the little boy to him. "Can't you
find your way out of this pond?" "No, God bless you, my worthy master,
or miss," said the man, "for such I take you to be by your voice. I
have fallen into this pond, and know not how to get out again, as I am
quite blind, and I am almost afraid to move for fear of being
drowned." "Well," said the little boy, "though I shall be wetted to
the skin, if you will throw me your stick, I will try to help you out
of it."

The blind man then threw the stick on to that side on which he heard
the voice; the little boy caught it, and went into the water, feeling
very carefully before him, lest he should unguardedly go beyond his
depth. At length he reached the blind man, took him very carefully by
the hand, and led him out. The blind man then gave him a thousand
blessings, and told him he could grope his way home, and the little
boy ran on as hard as he could to prevent being benighted.

But he had not proceeded far when he saw a poor sailor, that had lost
both his legs in an engagement by sea, hopping along upon crutches.

"God bless you, my little master!" said the sailor. "I have fought
many a battle with the French to defend poor old England, but now I am
crippled, as you see, and have neither victuals nor money, although I
am almost famished." The little boy could not resist his inclination
to relieve him, so he gave him all his remaining victuals, and said:
"God help you, poor man! This is all I have, otherwise you should have
more."

He then ran along, and presently arrived at the town he was going to,
did his business, and returned towards his own home with all the
expedition he was able.

But he had not gone much more than half-way before the night shut in
extremely dark, without either moon or stars to light him. The poor
little boy did all he could to find his way, but unfortunately missed
it in turning down a lane which brought him into a wood, where he
wandered about a great while without being able to find any path to
lead him out.

Tired out at last and hungry, he felt himself so feeble that he could
go no further, but sat himself down upon the ground, crying most
bitterly. In this situation he remained for some time, till at last
the little dog, wh