human
Daddy has been dead some years, said the boy;
gpt
Stock was melted almost to tears on finding that this dirty beggar boy was Tommy Williams, the son of his old master. He blessed God on comparing his own happy condition with that of this poor destitute child, but he was not prouder at the comparison; and while he was thankful for his own prosperity, he pitied the helpless boy.
human
Where have you been living of late? said he to him,
gpt
human
So we did, sir, said the boy,
gpt
And where do you live here? said Mr. Stock.
human
O, sir, we were all put into the parish poor-house.
gpt
And does your mother do any thing to help to maintain you?
human
No, sir, for mammy says she was not brought up to work like poor folks, and she would rather starve than spin or knit; so she lies a-bed all the morning, and sends us about to pick up what we can, a bit of victuals or a few half-pence.
gpt
And have you any money in your pocket now?
human
Yes, sir, I have got three half-pence which I have begged to-day.
gpt
Then, as you were so very hungry, how came you not to buy a roll at that baker's over the way?
human
Because, sir, I was going to lay it out in tea for mammy, for I never lay out a farthing for myself. Indeed mammy says she _will_ have her tea twice a-day if we beg or starve for it.
gpt
Can you read, my boy? said Mr. Stock:
human
A little, sir, and say my prayers too.
gpt
And can you say your catechism?
human
I have almost forgotten it all, sir, though I remember something about _honoring my father and mother_, and that makes me still carry the half-pence home to mammy instead of buying cakes.
gpt
Who taught you these good things?
human
One Jemmy Stock, sir, who was a parish 'prentice to my daddy. He taught me one question out of the catechism every night, and always made me say my prayers to him before I went to bed. He told me I should go to the wicked place if I did not fear God, so I am still afraid to tell lies like the other boys. Poor Jemmy gave me a piece of ginger bread every time I learnt well; but I have no friend now; Jemmy was very good to me, though mammy did nothing but beat him.