One day, as Herbert was returning from school, he met an old friend of his father’s, a gentleman residing in a neighboring town, at whose house he had often visited, and with whom he was very familiar. Mr. Morgan was a widower, and he had one little son several years younger than Herbert, to whose welfare he was constantly devoted.
“I am glad to see you, Herbert,” he said, kindly; “it is a long time since you have visited me. My little Arthur has missed you very much.”
“We shall soon have a vacation at our school,” replied Herbert, “and then I shall be much pleased to come and see you. My studies occupy me very closely just now.”
“That is right, my boy. Youth is the time for improvement. Speaking of your school reminds me of one of your schoolfellows, of whom I should like your opinion, for I know that boys have many opportunities of finding out each other’s characters, and I can rely upon your statement. I refer to William Camden. I knew his father well. He was a sensible, honest man, and I have often thought that I should like to do something for his family. I have lately formed a plan for travelling for the next two or three years with my little boy, and I have concluded, if I can find a well-principled lad, somewhat advanced in his education, to take him with us as a sort of tutor and companion for Arthur. I shall watch over them both myself, and shall procure the best instruction in my power at the different places where we may sojourn; but there are many of the common branches which Arthur would learn even more readily from a sensible lad, a few years his senior, than from an older person, and he would at the same time have the advantage of a pleasant companion. The great difficulty is to find one on whose principles and habits I can fully depend. I have thought of William Camden, as I have often heard him well spoken of. His mother depends somewhat upon his assistance, but I will make that easy for them. Now, tell me plainly what you think of William.”
Herbert hesitated, for he knew that the proposition of Mr. Morgan would be of great advantage to his schoolfellow; and, in spite of his present dislike to William, he was unwilling to say any thing which might deprive him of an advantageous offer. But he thought it right to tell the whole truth, and he answered, with some indignation in his manner,—
“A few weeks ago, sir, I should have thought that William Camden would have suited your purpose better than any boy of my acquaintance, but I fear I was deceived in him. He frequently stays from school, and passes his time in the woods engaged in the cruel sport of robbing birds’ nests.”
“Cruel sport, indeed!” exclaimed Mr. Morgan. “A boy who will do that must be destitute of kind and generous feelings. It may seem a trifle, but it would decide me at once not to make him the companion of my son. You are sure that there is no mistake in this matter, Herbert?”
“Quite sure, sir. I heard William acknowledge it myself. I was very unwilling to believe it until there was no room for doubt.”
“I am glad I met with you,” remarked his friend. “I have another boy in view, who will perhaps suit me better. I must make all proper inquiries.”
Thus saying, he bade Herbert good afternoon, and rode away in the direction of his own home.