rs to discharge the sacred duties of gratitude for my own
redemption, by putting it in my power to serve the best and dearest of
men.'

"Ten days were Francisco and his son entertained in the house of Hamet,
during which time he put in practice everything within his power to
please and interest them, but when he found they were desirous of
returning home, he told them he would no longer detain them from their
country, but that they should embark the next day in a ship that was
setting sail for Venice. Accordingly, on the morrow he dismissed them,
with many embraces and much reluctance, and ordered a chosen party of
his own guards to conduct them on board their vessel. When they arrived
there, their joy and admiration were considerably increased on finding
that, by the generosity of Hamet, not only the ship which had been
taken, but the whole crew were redeemed and restored to freedom.
Francisco and his son embarked, and, after a favourable voyage, arrived
without accident in their own country, where they lived many years
respected and esteemed, continually mindful of the vicissitudes of human
affairs, and attentive to discharge their duties to their
fellow-creatures."

When this story was concluded, Mr Barlow and his pupils went out to walk
upon the high road, but they had not gone far before they discovered
three men, who seemed each to lead a large and shaggy beast by a string,
followed by a crowd of boys and women, whom the novelty of the sight had
drawn together. When they approached more near, Mr Barlow discovered
that the beasts were three tame bears, led by as many Savoyards, who get
their living by exhibiting them. Upon the head of each of these
formidable animals was seated a monkey, who grinned and chattered, and
by his strange grimaces excited the mirth of the whole assembly. Tommy,
who had never before seen one of these creatures, was very much
surprised and entertained, but still more so when he saw the animal rise
upon his hind legs at the word of command, and dance about in a strange,
uncouth manner, to the sound of music.

After having satisfied themselves with this spectacle they proceeded on
their way, and Tommy asked Mr Barlow whether a bear was an animal easily
tamed, and that did mischief in those places where he was wild.

"The bear," replied Mr Barlow, "is not an animal quite so formidable or
destructive as a lion or a tiger; he is, however, sufficiently
dangerous, and will frequently devour w