him, when the maid presenting a smaller supply than her kind master
deemed necessary, she was ordered to return and bring out the entire
dish. But aware of the danger of sudden repletion of heavy food to one
in his condition, Israel, previously recruited by the frugal meal at the
inn, partook but sparingly. The repast was spread on the grass, and
being over, the good knight again looking inquisitively at Israel,
ordered a comfortable bed to be laid in the barn, and here Israel spent
a capital night.

After breakfast, next morning, he was proceeding to go with the laborers
to their work, when his employer approaching him with a benevolent air,
bade him return to his couch, and there remain till he had slept his
fill, and was in a better state to resume his labors.

Upon coming forth again a little after noon, he found Sir John walking
alone in the grounds. Upon discovering him, Israel would have retreated,
fearing that he might intrude; but beckoning him to advance, the knight,
as Israel drew nigh, fixed on him such a penetrating glance, that our
poor hero quaked to the core. Neither was his dread of detection
relieved by the knight's now calling in a loud voice for one from the
house. Israel was just on the point of fleeing, when overhearing the
words of the master to the servant who now appeared, all dread departed:

"Bring hither some wine!"

It presently came; by order of the knight the salver was set down on a
green bank near by, and the servant retired.

"My poor fellow," said Sir John, now pouring out a glass of wine, and
handing it to Israel, "I perceive that you are an American; and, if I