Page:Execution, or, The affecting history of Tom Bragwell.pdf/20

 a strong desire to learn something of my young acquaintances, particularly what impression my discourse had made on ; and still more so, to be informed of the fate of his more hardened companion, whom fancy brought to my recollection, pursuing, with rapid strides, his way across the field. For and, I had the best of hopes from the time I parted with them, and felt not the smallest anxiety on their account.

No sooner, therefore, had I arrived at my lodgings, and made arrangements for the night, than I sent a message to Will, and it was not long ere he made his appearance.

"Well, my young man," said I, "do you recollect having seen me before?" "Yes, sir," said he, "and I shall never forget you." But what has become of David, and how is he employed? for I wish to hear all about him.

To this he gave me a very distinct, and, I must add, a most satisfactory account of the conduct of this young man, in which I could not help remarking the wonderful change in his language, and the manner in which he expressed himself, since our last conversation. David, he informed me, now assisted his father in the way of his business, and had become such a dutiful son, that his behaviour was pointed out as a model for young men to imitate, all over the neighbourhood.

"As for Careless," said he, "I have not seen him for some time; and from something that has befallen him since you was here, worse than the