“Reflection is profitable, Joseph. Monday we might find you more reconciled.”
“I’ll do anything you want me to, if you will only take me out.”
“That is better. Will you promise not to play any more tricks upon any of this company, or anybody else?”
“Don’t make him lie,” said Ben; “he can’t help it.”
“Well, then, will you promise not to play any more upon any one here, and say that you are sorry for what you did to Ben?”
“I will.”
“Then we will take you out; and I trust it will be a warning to you in future. Boys, build up a fire; he must be half perished with cold.”
Ben got some boards, and laying them two-thick upon the surface of the honey-pot, walked to the place, and pulled him out; and a miserable plight he was in.
“Jump into the water, Joe,” said John Strout, “and wash yourself; and I will go to my chest in the schooner and get you a shift of clothes.”
Joe washed the mud off in the water, and then stood by the fire till John came with the clothes; then, putting them on, he washed his own, and hung them on a tree to dry.