"Bless me!" said Peter—Pete he was always called at school, but we will give him all that belongs to him, for that is nothing to boast of—"bless me! how you have grown, Fred. 'Pon my soul, I'm glad to see you. Come, take something to drink. What'll you have? and that chap there with you, what'll you have, my beauty?"
This coarse language grated a good deal on Samuel's ears, and it was by no means pleasant to Frederick; but it did not affect both boys in exactly the same way. The former was so much disgusted, that, after thanking the butcher's boy for his invitation, he was hurrying away as fast as possible. The latter, while he did not care a straw for the liquor, felt kindly towards his former schoolfellow, and was rather disposed to gratify him by at least going through the ceremony of drinking.
Frederick is on dangerous ground now. But he had been on dangerous ground before, you recollect. He got off the rocks then. Let us hope he will now. But Freddy, you must look out. As the sailor says, when he is looking out at the mast head, and when he sees the vessel is driving rapidly towards the surf, "breakers ahead!" There is temptation here. To be sure, it is not so strong, but he can overcome it. How easily he resisted a similar temptation on Thanksgiving day. The result of that day's adventures shows that he can get along safely enough, if he will only look out for himself. But will he look out for himself? We shall see.
"Hadn't we better walk along, Fred?" asked Samuel, in a kind and pleasant tone of voice.
"Not quite yet, if you please," said Frederick.
"Come, say what you'll have, Fred! Take a pull at this 'ere old Jamaky? The real critter, Fred, the real critter—none of your Boston pisin stuff. Or what do you say to a double and twisted horn of brandy what's jist come from France?"
Fred hesitated. Strange enough that he should hesitate. Was he charmed, as a bird is said to be charmed by a black snake, so that he could not move?
"It is time to be off, Fred. Take my advice, and come along," said Samuel.
"You little chicken-hearted baby!" Peter broke in, "hold your tongue, if you don't want it pulled out by the roots."
"Wait half a minute," said Frederick to his companion. "Peter, pray don't talk so to Samuel. He is one of the best fellows that ever lived."