The priest smiled at his candor and artlessness, and could not help
feeling the interest which the boy had already excited in him increase.

"You do right," said he, "and take care that you neglect not the worship
of God. Avoid bad company; be not quarrelsome at school; study to
improve yourself diligently; attend mass regularly; and be punctual in
going to confession."

After some further conversation, the priest and he entered the town
together.

"This is my house," said the former; "or if not altogether mine--at
least, that in which I lodge; let me see you here at two o'clock
to-morrow. In the meantime, follow me, and I shall place you with a
family where you will experience every kindness and attention that can
make you comfortable."

He then led him a few doors up the street, till he stopped at a
decent-looking "House of Entertainment," to the proprietors of which he
introduced him.

"Be kind to this strange boy," said the worthy clergyman, "and whatever
the charges of his board and lodging may be until we get him settled, I
shall be accountable for them."

"God forbid, your Reverence, that ever a penny belongin' to a poor boy
lookin' for his larnin' should go into our pockets, if he was wid us
twelve months in the year. No--no! He can stay with the _bouchaleens_;
(* little boys) let them be thryin' one another in their books. If he is