(22)
ping off his back into a ſoft bed of mire. The ſervant had now time to get up to Tommy, and reſcue him from his diſagreeable ſituation, where he had received no other damage than that of daubing his clothes.
Tommy being arrived within a ſhort-diſtance of the houſe, met his father and Mr. Barlow, who were walking to enjoy the morning air. They were ſurpriſed at the beſpattered appearance Tommy made. The youth, however, without giving time to make any inquiries, ran up to the gentlemen, and wiſhed them a good morning. Mr. Merton was very glad to find his ſon was not hurt, for he doubted not, from the ſituation of his clothes, that he had fallen from a horſe, which was preſently confirmed by the appearance of William, who was leading the poney.
After dinner a very intereſting converſation took place between Mr. Barlow and his pupil Tommy, who confeſſed that he had been a very unthinking boy.— Mr. Barlow told him, that to be ſenſible of his fault was half-way to a reformation, and therefore begged he would open his
