examined on what they had heard at church; an excellent practice, as it
induces them to be more attentive while there, and gives them an
opportunity of being instructed on points which they may not have
perfectly understood. John had no time to deliberate. He went in, and saw
the tail of the shepherd's coat, just going into the parlour. He sprung
forward, in hopes of drawing him back, without being observed; but Sandy
was too intent on what he had to say to the Minister to understand any of
the signs that John was making. He therefore only thought the boy was
playing some monkey tricks; and being greatly scandalized at such conduct,
so near the presence of his master, he, with one jerk, pushed poor John
into the middle of the room. A shriek, from Mrs. Martin, made her husband,
who was sitting at the table, with the large family Bible open before him,
raise his head. A most terrific sight was presented to him--John standing
directly opposite, as pale as death, his face and hands stained in various
places with blood, his clothes in disorder, and trembling from head to
foot. "What has happened, child?" asked they all with one breath. "What
have you been doing?" John stood undetermined what to say. He stammered;
and, at last, bursting into tears and turning to the shepherd, cried, "Oh,
Sandy! why did you not stop, when I pulled your coat? then I should not
have been obliged to tell upon poor Archie; but now I cannot save him from
disgrace." "Speak distinctly, my dear," said Mr. Martin, taking hold of
his hand, and bidding him compose himself. "Something serious must have
happened. Don't think of Archie's disgrace: but tell me at once what it
is." John now saw that he could not avoid unfolding his tale, and
therefore began, in a very confused way, to relate what had happened. Mr.
Martin, however, soon gathered that Archie had fallen down and was hurt.
He therefore waited no longer than to get a lantern lighted, and with old
Sandy, set out after John, who ran before them to show them where Archie
was.