irreparable loss. For some days, all his endeavours were unsuccessful.
John, though sensible of the kind attentions of Mr. Martin, still felt
miserable and unhappy. All his dear mother's care and tenderness; all the
pains and trouble that his kind father used to take in teaching him to
read his Bible, after, perhaps, a hard day's work; the delight with which
they both watched his improvement--all, all rose to poor John's mind, and
made him believe he never more could be happy.

Mr. Martin, at last, seeing the boy's melancholy continue, thought that a
little employment might serve to rouse him. He therefore one morning
called John into his study, and asked him if he would be so good as to
assist in dusting and arranging some books, which were in a large chest in
the corner of the room. John, from lowness of spirits, did not much like
to be employed; but as he had been taught by his father always to be
obedient, and to do at once whatever he was desired, he immediately set
about dusting the books. The first two or three he merely wiped, and put
them down without looking at them; but at last, in rubbing one, a leaf
fell out, which obliged him to open the book to put it back again. The
work happened to be a handsome edition of Robinson Crusoe, with very
beautiful prints. Mr. Martin, who was watching him unobserved, called to
him to bring the book, and then told him he might look at the pictures if
he pleased. John, who had never seen any thing of the kind before, was
delighted with this permission, and placing himself at a little distance,
so as not to disturb Mr. Martin, began turning over the leaves; his eyes
sparkling, and his little hands trembling with increased delight, at every
new scene that was represented. At last he came to the one where Man
Friday is saved from the savages. Here his curiosity got the better of the
natural awe he felt for Mr. Martin; and he cried out, "Pray, Sir, be so
good as to tell me what this means!"--for though John had been taught to
read his Bible, as well as his poor father was capable of teaching, yet