made it unavoidable, afforded me slight consolation. Nothing can
be more injurious than a lie, but its evil tendency chiefly
respects our future conduct. Its direct consequences may be
transient and few, but it facilitates a repetition, strengthens
temptation, and grows into habit. I pretended some necessity had
drawn me from my bed, and that discovering the condition of the
barn, I hastened to inform my father.

Some time after this, my father summoned me to his presence.
I had been previously guilty of disobedience to his commands, in a
matter about which he was usually very scrupulous. My brother had
been privy to my offence, and had threatened to be my accuser. On
this occasion I expected nothing but arraignment and punishment.
Weary of oppression, and hopeless of any change in my father's
temper and views, I had formed the resolution of eloping from his
house, and of trusting, young as I was, to the caprice of fortune.
I was hesitating whether to abscond without the knowledge of the
family, or to make my resolutions known to them, and while I avowed
my resolution, to adhere to it in spite of opposition and
remonstrances, when I received this summons.

I was employed at this time in the field; night was
approaching, and I had made no preparation for departure; all the
preparation in my power to make, was indeed small; a few clothes,
made into a bundle, was the sum of my possessions. Time would have
little influence in improving my prospects, and I resolved to
execute my scheme immediately.

I left my work intending to seek my chamber, and taking what
was my own, to disappear forever. I turned a stile that led out of