HERBERT did not arrive in Coventry till it was rather late. He discovered me in his pocket when retiring to rest.
Laughing in his gay, light hearted manner, he had laid me on a chair by his bedside, saying: "What will mother say when she finds that I have run away with her watch? I must send it back the very first opportunity I have."
A hurried note telling of his safe arrival, and of regret for having brought me in his pocket, was posted during the following day. A promise also to send me back by the very first opportunity was added as a postscript; but certainly the right thing for Herbert to have done was to have carefully packed me up, and forwarded me at once to Worcester. I was, however, destined to pass through many a sad scene before I could see the face of my dear mistress again.
Very different, indeed, was the life I now led from the one to which I had previously been accustomed. Gladly would I refrain from speaking of my experience in the old-fashioned city of Coventry; but for your sakes, dear readers, it may be well to reveal with accurate truthfulness facts which otherwise I would have left unrecorded.
Being Herbert's constant companion I had the fullest opportunity of forming my own estimate of his character. I have already told you that the occupation which he had chosen was that of a mercer. The term of his apprenticeship having expired, he had been raised to a higher position in the establishment. Possessing qualities of a winning nature, he was a favorite with all who knew him. Generous to a fault, his companionship was courted by most of the assistants in the warehouse.
It was not a very large establishment, that owned by Mr. Sheppard. The whole staff of assistants included no more than twelve; nevertheless, it was a little world in itself, representing the principles which govern the bigger outer one.
Mr. Sheppard was a business man, cool, calculating, with a keen eye to his own interests. Provided his employes did their duties in their various departments, it was nothing to him how they spent their time when the hours of business were over.
A matter of anxiety to me from my first introduction into Herbert's bedchamber was the light, thoughtless way in which he and his companion, Joseph Newton, conversed before retiring to rest. I could scarcely credit the testimony of my own eyes when I found that these two young men retired prayerless to slumber.
Of Joseph Newton's family I knew nothing; but of Herbert's I did. I knew that my dear mistress must have taught her son to pray! I felt sure that she had instructed him in "the way he should go." Would that Herbert had heeded better those early lessons! They would have saved him from many terrible dangers.
Looking round the small but comfortable bedroom, I tried to see what kind of books were in the apartment. There were two or three lying upon one side of the wooden chest of drawers. Well read they appeared, too, as the light rested upon their well-worn edges; but the very look of the pictures upon the covers skewed one that they were of that class called “sensational novels"! Anxiously might I cast a glance towards the dressing-table-then the mantelpiece! But no! I could not see the Book of books as I had hoped to do! No Bible! No prayer!
Little wonder that Herbert Grahame-Herbert, amiable, generous, and with all his winning attractions-fell.
“I am the light of the world "-said the voice of Him "who leads into the paths of righteousness," whose "ways are ways of pleasantness," whose "paths are paths of peace." “If any man walk in the light, he stumbleth not, because he hath the light of life." “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.... Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death."
Oh! dear readers, I cannot quit this part of my story without a word of advice as to the books you read. Older boys! Older girls! Men! Women! Mothers! Fathers! Listen to the voice of the old watch. Read no books but those you are sure will be productive of good to yourself and others. Every book contains food of some sort for the mind, imagination, or heart. Some books are like subtle poisons, which work out their deadly purpose none the less surely, because they take time to accomplish their fatal mission.
Very fascinating is the eye of the subtle serpent as she charms her prey. "With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.... Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not Mine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her."
“I’m going down to Garton's to-night, Grahame," said Joe Newton to his companion in the course of their dressing operations.
“What fun is on there?" was Herbert's inquiry, as he proceeded with his toilet.
“Larkworth’s going to be there, so we are sure to have something to keep us alive. He's just such another fellow as you are yourself, Grahame," said Newton with a laugh.
“They do say two of a kind never agree," was Herbert's rejoinder. “But as I don't happen to know your friend, even by sight, there's not much danger that we shall fall out."
“But I mean you to know him," said Newton quickly. “Jack Garton told me to be sure and persuade you to form one of the party. He's going to give us a supper in honor of his having won the cup last week."
“What did he get the cup for?" asked Herbert somewhat anxiously.
“Now, you needn't pretend to be so sanctimonious!" laughed Newton. “No betting, Grahame; only a little private amusement with some of the fellows of his corps."
“What time do you go, Newton?" said Herbert, as the day's work over, they passed out of the warehouse arm in arm.
“About eight o'clock!" replied Newton, turning round to his companion sharply. “But you have made up your mind to come, too, haven't you?"
“I don't know. I'm tired, and fancy I should like a walk better to-night."
“But you can have a turn before that, Grahame. There's nearly an hour before you, so I shall look out for you. There will be double fun if you're there."