when you may be a man? As for myself, God

has given me A FREE WILL, TO DO

and To

This little speech, made in sheer desperation, really seemed to produce a good effect. One by one they drew away from the desk; and Victor, finding his way no longer opposed, came down quietly. Rankin met him on the platform he was thinking of the untimely development of his last plot; and something whispered him this would be no better.

least, he felt it was prudent to treat with the enemy. In a low conciliating tone, he whispered,

"I did not think of carrying the joke so far. Then, turning to some acquaintances who came up, as if to detain the hero of the hour, he said, “We must let him go now; for he is contrary as the very devil, when he is roused. But he can't deny he has taken wine with us!" he added, with a glance at the drenched garments of Victor.

"He is profuse of luxury, as Bacchus, himself!" said one, "for he is actually bathed in

"Excuse me, for a moment, gentlemen, said Rankin, and he passed out with Victor, quietly as possible, In passing forth the latter was no

less surprised, than shocked, to perceive Robert Gray, already sensibly the worse for liquor. He attempted to crouch away, and appeared desirous of avoiding Victor.

ter.

"Take Robert with us!" whispered the lat"Do take him with us!" "Impossible, my dear fellow!

How can

you think me so barbarous ? He is in the third heaven of ecstacy.

"But his parents," continued Victor, "they will be offended with him, and with you!"

"Not in the least, my dear fellow; and, for the simple reason, that they will never hear a syllable of the matter. Your simplicity does not seem to suspect, how many times I have led him home in his cups, and put him snug in bed, with the utmost secrecy; and I am ready, at any time, to perform the same kind office for you ;" he added, contemptuously.

وو

"I shall never trouble you in that way! returned Victor proudly; but I insist upon taking Robert home,

"Insist upon no such thing-do not re-enter that room, except as one of us. If you go back, you stay there; and you drink with us. There's no two ways about that.

is, use your liberty, if you value it.

My advice

One word

more;" he continued, as they reached the

street.

"In Heaven's name, do not betray me at home! Remember, I trust to your honor. I confide in your generosity. You surely will not betray me! Let me think, what story can be invented to account for your drenching?"

"I shall invent nothing; " returned the other. "If I tell any thing, it must be the truth."

"There thank Heaven! it rains! That will wash the smell of wine from your garments, and account for the wetting!" said Rankin. Go now. Run; or the shops will be shut. Say nothing of Robert, or me.

Remember I

Victor gladly availed himself of the liberty to fly; and ran, like a frighted bird escaped from the fowler's snare, with only one object in view, viz. that of increasing the distance between himself and his foes. But he soon recollected his commissions; and he hastened, with his utmost speed to the several stores, which he had the good fortune to reach just in time to obtain what he wanted, before they closed; for it was now nearly 10 o'clock.

entered. Robert?

CHAPTER XII.

"Blest mother, who in wisdom's light
By her own parent trod,

Thus taught her son to flee the wrath
And know the fear of God:

Ah, youth, like him, enjoy your prime,
Begin eternity in time,

Taught by that mother s love."

MONTGOMERY.

"We have been really concerned, you were gone so long;" said Mrs. Gray, as Victor Pray have you seen any thing of He has not been home since dinner. Why how wet you are!" she added, taking it for granted that he knew nothing; "wet and icy. It is a very tedious night. Do ask Bridget for a dry shirt, and change your clothes directly."

وو

Poor Victor was glad for this momentary respite. He did not know what to do. He thought, at first, it was right to tell Mr. Gray at once where Robert was, and his situation; but he was afraid that if he should betray him, he might be so indignant, as to be determined

in a bad cause. Then, again, he thought he was doing wrong to wait a single moment; for, from the violence which was offered to himself, he had no doubt there was extreme danger, in suffering one like Robert to remain in such reckless, unprincipled company. He knew it was dangerous to offend Rankin; but, for himself, he thought not, feared not; and without changing his clothes, he went down stairs (for he had gone to his chamber a moment to collect himself) and, taking Mr. Gray out, told him frankly the whole; of course omitting the conversation in respect to Ednah, Mr. Gray immediately told his wife; for he had no secrets from her; and, bidding her keep up good courage, took Victor and went forth, in search of the offender leaving that mother in a state of agony, which, only a tender, true mother, like herself, could feel. They went directly to the hall, which Mr. Gray entered, and enquired for his son; but Rankin, expecting such a visitor, had withdrawn to some nook with his victim; and Mr. Gray was told they had been gone for some time.

"I doubt this story," he said, as he rejoined Victor on the steps, and told him the result of his enquiry. "Let us wait here under this arch, till they come out.