any of them were in want of such a little fellow; and this morning my
neighbour, Mr. Laurie, has called to ask me if I think you may be trusted
with the care of a flock of sheep, up behind the hills, on the other side
of the river. I told him you might certainly be trusted, as I was sure you
were an honest boy; and that if you undertook the charge, after he had
explained to your what your duty was to consist in, I had no doubt you
would do all in your power to perform it. But, at the same time, I told
him you must determine for yourself; as I would on no account press you to
leave me sooner than was quite agreeable to your own feelings. Now,"
continued he, seeing John beginning to speak, "hear what I have to propose
to you. It is, that if you go to live with Mr. Laurie, I will make an
agreement with him, provided you are a careful and industrious boy in his
service through the day, that he shall allow you, after you have penned
your sheep, to come to me for an hour in the evening; and in that hour, if
we both, my dear boy, make a good use of our time, I in teaching, and you
in learning, I have little doubt but that in a very short time you will be
able to read perfectly, both this book and many other useful and
entertaining stories. Take time to reflect on what I have been saying to
you," continued Mr. Martin, "and be sure that you are resolved in your own
mind to be an honest and industrious servant to Mr. Laurie, so far as your
strength and years will allow, before you engage with him; and if, after
thinking over the subject, you believe that you can promise me to be very
attentive, and strive to learn what I shall be most willing to teach you,
then, my dear John, I shall consider the plan as nearly settled, and shall
only wait till I have seen Mr. Laurie to make it completely so."

Mr. Martin then pointed to the green plat before the window, where his
little daughter was standing looking at some beautiful crocuses, which had
made their first appearance that season; and said, "Go, John, now; and let
me see if you are a handy lad, and can get Master William's pony ready for