4. While they were thus waiting, one afternoon, after their return from school, their mother told them that they might go down to the sea-shore, and dig some clams for their father's supper. To this the little boys consented with alacrity, and immediately set out on their errand; for they were always glad to do anything for those parents, who were so kind to them. 5. After they had quite filled their basket with clams, they observed a small boat tied near the shore, in which they both seated themselves. Finding that the sun was still far above the horizon, and remembering that their father never returned home till the sun had set, they agreed to untie the boat, and sail about, for a short time. 6. This they ought not to have done; for their mother had often told them never to get into a boat: but these little boys, though generally very obedient, had yet to learn that children will always, sooner or later, find that their parents have good reasons for what they tell them to do, or not to do. 7. They glided along for some time very smoothly; and Edward, the eldest, kept the oar in his hand, to be in readiness to row back, whenever they should wish The sun was just sinking behind the western mountains, leaving in that part of the heavens a vast expanse of purple and gold clouds, when little Henry, beginning to be weary of the sport, begged his brother to return. to return. 8. The oar was accordingly lifted out, and Edward used all his strength to change the course of his boat, but in vain. The tide was going out; and his little strength was nothing against the mass of water. The boat still drifted on, in spite of all his efforts; and he was obliged to lay down his oar in fatigue and despair 9. Then, sadly did they regret their folly, in disobeying their good mother's advice; and little Henry, in the midst of his tears, declared that were he once on land again, he would always remember to do what she told him. After some time, this poor little boy fell asleep, overcome by fatigue and his sorrowful feelings; and Edward was left alone to his bitter reflections. 10. Ah! my poor brother!' said he, it is my fault that we are now in this danger; for I am the eldest, and should have dissuaded you from this.' Then he thought of his father, returning from his labors, and finding neither of his darling sons to greet his coming. - 11. He thought of the snow-white cloth spread on the supper table of his mother preparing their refreshment, and wondering where her boys could beof the prayer at night-the blessing and kiss, before they laid their heads on the pillow, — all these came to his mind, and bitterly did he lament his folly. 12. To the uncertain future he dared not look; for the boat, borne on by the current, had passed the last point of land in the harbor-and beyond that, what could they expect? He dared not trust himself even to think of it. 13. The deepening twilight was now dissipated by the appearance of the moon, which cast a broad sheet of silver light over the body of waters. Edward, as he sat motionless, and in despair, thought he perceived something in the distance, moving on the water. 14. Hope was suddenly kindled in his bosom, and straining his eyes to keep the object in view, he dis covered that it was a vessel which was approaching him. He raised his voice, and tried to make himself heard, but his voice was not strong enough to reach them, though the waters were as calm as the sleep of the unconscious child, who lay at his feet. 15. Fortunately, however, the man at the helm of the vessel perceived the boat, and using the glass, discovered that it contained only two children; the captain was informed, and immediately ordered the ship's boat to be lowered, and sent a man to their relief. They were taken on board the vessel, which was bound to Duxbury, carried there, and having told their little story, were very kindly treated during their stay, and the next day sent in a wagon to Sandwich. 16. The anguish of the parents at the loss of these children was indescribable. Finding they did not return at twilight, Mr. Brown went to the shore and saw there the basket filled with clams; but his children were not to be seen. 17. The people from the village collected, and the names of Edward and Henry resounded in a hundred different places - but no answer was returned. The parents were obliged to return at night to their dwelling, late the abode of health and pleasure, but now cheerless and gloomy. 18. The night was spent in watching and anxiety, and at the break of day the search was recommenced. The father walked twenty miles along the coast, hoping to hear something of them; but all his inquiries were answered in the same manner, 'that no such children had been seen; and that no boat had drifted that way.' 19. He was returning home, the next day, with a desponding heart, and a sad countenance, when the first things that met his eye, as he approached his own house, were his two darlings, bounding over the grass to meet him. He could scarcely believe the evidence of his own eyes, till he felt them clinging to him, and heard their loud shouts of joy. 20. Come in, come in, my children,' said he, and let us hear about it;' all fatigue was soon forgotton in the joy of meeting, and the relation of their adventures. Edward concluded his narrative with the firm resolve, never to do anything which he knew his parents would disapprove, in which he was heartily joined by little Henry. ERRORS. 3. sisted for assisted; riv'l for arrival. 4. meeditly for immediately. 5. huri'z'n or horʻiz'n for horizon. 6. olwuz for always. 9. sorrerful for sorrowful. 11. wondrin for wondering; piller for pillow 15. fort'ntly for fortunately ; nex for next. 18 childurn for children 20 jined for joined. QUESTIONS. What is the Rule? Pronounce canonical, numerical, fatal, natal, formal, principal. Find ten words in the Lesson that end in ing and pronounce them correctly 6. How do you pronounce generally? 19. scarcely? 20. forgotten LESSON XVIII. RULE. Read questions as you would ask them: and let your voice fall at the end of answers to questions.* THE NEW BONNET. 1. LITTLE MARY'S mamma took her one day to get a new bonnet; and, after having a great many tried on, the little girl saw, with great delight, that a selection was made, and the bonnet was paid for. 2. 'Now I may put it on and go home with it; may I not, mamma?' asked the little girl. 3. No, my dear ;' answered her mother. It is not quite ready yet; but it will be sent home tonight.' 4. Mary felt very sorry that she could not wear it directly; and when she put on her old one again, she thought it looked more shabby than ever. *NOTE FOR TEACHERS. This Lesson and the next will serve as good exercises upon questions and answers. If the scholar gives the wrong inflection to a question, it is well to make him close his book, look you in the face, and ask the same question. If he cannot do it properly, let another scholar do it. If you practise this, the scholar will form a correct habit very soon; and that is all we desire. That all Teachers may have before them the proper directions for reading questions, the following rules are copied from Walker. RULE 1. When an interrogative sentence commences with any of the interrogative pronouns or adverbs, it is pronounced, with respect to inflection, elevation, or depression of voice, exactly like a declarative sentence. RULE 2. When interrogative sentences are formed without the interrogative words, the last word must have the rising inflection. There are some exceptions to these rules. RULE 3. When interrogative sentences, connected by the disjunctive or, succeed each other, the first ends with the rising, and the next with the falling inf |