CHAP. VIII.

_Of something which happened to Little_ Two-Shoes_
in a Barn, more dreadful than the Ghost in the Church;
and how she returned Good for Evil to her Enemy Sir_ Timothy.


Some Days after this a more dreadful Accident befel Little _Madge_.
She happened to be coming late from teaching, when it rained,
thundered, and lightened, and therefore she took Shelter in a Farmer's
Barn at a Distance from the Village. Soon after, the Tempest drove in
four Thieves, who, not seeing such a little creep-mouse Girl as
_Two-Shoes_, lay down on the Hay next to her, and began to talk over
their Exploits, and to settle Plans for future Robberies. Little
_Margery_ on hearing them, covered herself with Straw. To be sure she
was sadly frighted, but her good Sense taught her, that the only
Security she had was in keeping herself concealed; therefore she laid
very still, and breathed very softly. About Four o'Clock these wicked
People came to a Resolution to break both Sir _William Dove's_ House,
and Sir _Timothy Gripe's_, and by Force of Arms to carry off all their
Money, Plate and Jewels; but as it was thought then too late, they
agreed to defer it till the next Night. After laying this Scheme they
all set out upon their Pranks, which greatly rejoiced _Margery_, as it
would any other little Girl in her Situation. Early in the Morning she
went to Sir _William_, and told him the whole of their Conversation.
Upon which, he asked her Name, gave her Something, and bid her call at
his House the Day following. She also went to Sir _Timothy_
notwithstanding standing he had used her so ill; for she knew it was
her Duty to _do Good for Evil_. As soon as he was informed who she
was, he took no Notice of her; upon which she desired to speak to Lady