s in the fall. The
same fate attended another, and another dog, which were let loose
successively; the one was killed upon the spot, while the other, who had
a leg broken in the fall, crawled howling and limping away. The bull, in
the meanwhile, behaved with all the calmness and intrepidity of an
experienced warrior; without violence, without passion, he waited every
attack of his enemies, and then severely punished them for their
rashness.

While this was transacting, to the diversion not only of the rude and
illiterate populace, but to that of the little gentry with Master
Merton, a poor, half-naked Black came up, and humbly implored their
charity. He had served, he told them, on board an English vessel, and
even showed them the scars of several wounds he had received; but now
he was discharged, and without friends, and without assistance, he could
scarcely find food to support his wretched life, or clothes to cover him
from the wintry wind.

Some of the young gentry, who, from a bad education, had been little
taught to feel or pity the distress of others, were base enough to
attempt to jest upon his dusky colour and foreign accent; but Master
Merton, who, though lately much corrupted and changed from what he had
been with Mr Barlow, preserved a great degree of generosity, put his
hand into his pocket in order to relieve him, but unfortunately found
nothing to give. The foolish profusion which he had lately learned from
the young gentlemen at his father's house, had made him waste in cards,
in playthings, in trifles, all his stock of money, and now he found
himself unable to relieve that distress which he pitied.

Thus repulsed on every side, and unassisted, the unfortunate Black
approached the place where Harry stood, holding out the tattered remains
of his hat, and imploring charity. Harry had not much to give, but he
took sixpence out of his pocket, which was all his riches, and gave it
with the kindest look of compassion, saying, "Here, poor man, this is
all I have; if I had more, it should be at your service." He had no time
to add more, for at that instant three fierce dogs rushed upon the bull
at once, and by their joint attacks rendered him almost mad. The calm
deliberate courage which he had hitherto shown was now changed into rage
and desperation: he roared with pain and fury; flashes of fire seemed to
come from his angry eyes, and his mouth was covered with foam and
blood. He hurried round the stake with