with just having pointed out danger, and leaving it to their own
discretion to avoid it. That virtue which requires to be ever
guarded, is scarce worth the centinel.



CHAPTER 6

The happiness of a country fire-side


As we carried on the former dispute with some degree of warmth,
in order to accommodate matters, it was universally agreed, that
we should have a part of the venison for supper, and the girls
undertook the task with alacrity. 'I am sorry,' cried I, 'that we
have no neighbour or stranger to take a part in this good cheer:
feasts of this kind acquire a double relish from hospitality.'--
'Bless me,' cried my wife, 'here comes our good friend Mr
Burchell, that saved our Sophia, and that run you down fairly in
the argument'--'Confute me in argument, child!' cried I. 'You
mistake there, my dear. I believe there are but few that can do
that: I never dispute your abilities at making a goose-pye, and I
beg you'll leave argument to me.'--As I spoke, poor Mr Burchell
entered the house, and was welcomed by the family, who shook him
heartily by the hand, while little Dick officiously reached him a
chair.

I was pleased with the poor man's friendship for two reasons;
because I knew that he wanted mine, and I knew him to be friendly
as far as he was able. He was known in our neighbourhood by the