disposition of the heart, than upon any external possessions; and
that virtue, and a desire to be useful to others, afford far
greater satisfaction and peace of mind than any riches and
grandeur can possibly supply without such necessary
qualifications. After they were all fallen asleep, we crept out;
and, leaving the candle unmolested, which was again placed on the
tinder-box by the bed-side, we hastened into the closet, where we
regaled heartily, and devoured that part of the plum-cake which
Tom had very generously left for his sister Polly, who we found
was expected home the next day.

We then retired to our safe retreat, and thought we might venture
to stay for one more night's provisions without running any danger
from our too frequent return to the same place. But in the
morning we found our scheme frustrated; for, on the woman's going
to the closet to get her breakfast, she observed the robbery which
we had committed, and exclaimed, 'Some teasing mice have found
their way into the closet: I will borrow neighbour Savewell's
trap to-night, and catch some of the little toads; that I will!'
After hearing this, it would have been madness to make any further
attempts: we therefore agreed to watch for an opportunity, and
escape on the very first that offered. Accordingly, about noon,
when Mrs. Flood was busily employed in making some pancakes, we
slipped by her unobserved, and crept out at the same hole by which
we first entered. But no sooner were we in the open road, than we
repented our haste, and wished that we had continued where we were
till the darkness of the night might better have concealed us from
the observation of anyone. We crept as close to the wall of the
house (as far as it reached, which was but a few paces) as we
possibly could, and then stepped into a little ditch, which we