Page:Last of the tasmanians.djvu/294

Rh the week, in addition to counting up to one hundred. His theological knowledge was sounded. I copy a few of the questions and answers:—

"Do you like the Devil?"—"No."

"Do you like God?"—"Yes."

"Can you see God?"—"No."

"What is the Devil?"—"The father of lies."

"What did God do with Adam's rib?"—"Make a woman of it."

"Who did God take the woman to?"—"To Adam."

"Do you pray to God?"—"Yes."

In Mr. Charles Robinson's class, Neptune attempts to read, and Peter Pindar is pronounced perfect in the alphabet. Neptune is fluent upon early Scripture history, and his creed may be taken as the orthodox of the period. A few of the questions are appended:—

"What will God do to this world by and by?"—"Burn it."

"What did God make us for?"—"His own purpose."

"Who are in heaven?"—"God, angels, good men, and Jesus Christ."

"What sort of a country is heaven?"—"A fine place."

"What sort of a place is hell?"—"A place of torment."

"What do you mean by 'a place of torment?'"—"Burning for ever and ever."

"What is the seventh day called?"—"Sunday." (?)

"What do you love God for?"—"God gives me everything."

Though apt in the general catechism, he fails to count beyond ten. His memory was not mathematical.

Peter Pindar again came before the gentlemen. Of him it is said in the Report: "Similar questions were put to Peter Pindar as to Neptune, which he answered in a similar manner. He named the days of the week. This individual has family worship every evening." Though only knowing his letters, he was superior to others in morals.

Albert was not examined in detail; but his teacher answered for his being as perfect in all the answers as Washington or Leonidas. Noemy, Albert, and Eugene did as the foregoing. Alexander, I regret to say, attempted to read; but, like his ambitious namesake, did not succeed in all his ventures. Tippoo Saib sought to spell a little, while Arthur struggled through the