The young gentlemen persisting in their intention to see the
bull-baiting, Harry followed at some distance, deciding not to quit his
friend till he had once more seen him in a place of safety. As it
happened, the bull, after disposing of his early tormentors, broke loose
when three fierce dogs were set upon it at once. In the stampede little
Tommy fell right in the path of the infuriated animal, and would have
lost his life had not Harry, with a courage and presence of mind above
his years, suddenly seized a prong which one of the fugitives had
dropped, and, at the very moment when the bull was stopping to gore his
defenceless friend, advanced and wounded it in the flank. The bull
turned, and with redoubled rage made at his new assailant, and it is
probable that, notwithstanding his intrepidity, Harry would have paid
with his own life the price of his assistance to his friend had not a
poor negro, whom he had helped earlier in the day, come opportunely to
his aid, and by his promptitude and address secured the animal.

The gratitude of Mr. Merton for his son's escape was unbounded, and even
Mrs. Merton was ashamed of her disparaging remarks about Harry. As for
Tommy, he went to his friend's home to seek reconciliation, reflecting
with shame and contempt upon the ridiculous prejudices he had once
entertained.

He had now learned to consider all men as his brethren, not forgetting
the poor negro; and that, as he said, it is much better to be useful
than rich or fine.

* * * * *