Richard grew up without learning any thing more, except to write just enough to keep an account of what the customers called for. His time was employed in waiting upon them, or in washing the pots and glasses, and setting up ninepins for those who played. Poor boy! you may suppose he heard nothing good. At last, by listening to oaths and wicked words, he took pleasure in hearing them, and soon began to make use of them himself.
What was the end of all this! Why before he was twelve years old, Richard Watson was looked upon as the most good-for-nothing mischievous fellow in the neighbourhood.
He was idle, fond of play, and what was worse, a gambler, a thief, and a complete scoundrel.
You might hear him speak saucily to his father, and even laugh at him and disobey his orders.
He had frequently been punished, but at length he despised both blows and reproofs, and used to run away from home whenever he expected to be punished.
He was the disgrace of the village, and was known by the name of “Idle Dick.”
Mr. Watson began to think that if his son went on in this manner he would come to the gallows at last, and determined that he would try and reform him.
How did he begin? at first he said, “Dick, if you do not mind your work you shall have nothing to eat.” Dick laughed at this, and went to the pantry and helped himself.