THE RETURN HOME.


A few days after this conversation, a large fox came, in the evening,
into Mr. Harvey's barn yard; but as a dog belonging to one of the
farmers was near, he was driven off before he could catch any of the
chickens. The boys heard the noise, and ran down. They saw the fox
running very fast away, while the dog, which could not follow through
the hole under the fence, had gone round the barn, to get into the
field. Samuel and his cousins chased the fox as far as they could see
it, and then returned to the barn yard to hunt for more. But none could
be found, and they walked up to the house.

[Illustration: THE FOX.]

At last the month of August rolled around, and the holidays drew toward
a close. I have told you only about a few things that Samuel saw in his
walks around the country with his cousins; but you perceive that he
enjoyed himself very much. He also learned a great deal. I hope,
children, that you have also learned something by reading this book.
Samuel tried to remember all that his uncle and cousins told him, and
often thought of it when he was by himself. It would be well if you
would do the same. Have you a little brother, or sister? See if you can
tell it what Mr. Harvey told Samuel about bats, locusts, rivers, the
rain, and sloths. You may also tell the story of Alice Gray, and old
Jack the Soldier.

You remember that Samuel was to go home at the end of August. Thomas and
John looked very sorrowful as the time drew near; for they loved their
cousin very much, and wished that he could stay with them altogether. On