Watch and Wait; or, The Young Fugitives

pend a day. The land was studded with a growth of sturdy forest trees. Formerly it had been covered with a thick undergrowth

exercise would be beneficial to him. He never performed any useful labor; never saddled his own pony, or polished his own boots; never hoed

permitted to demean himself by doing any thing that would develop the resources of the fruitful earth, and add to the comfort of his fellow-beings. I am quite sure, if the young seignior had been com

alth purchase to employ his time, was one of the most unhappy young men in the country. He never knew what to do with himself. He turned coldly from his boat

the want of a white companion of his own age, he had been compelled to practise the manly art of self-defence with his body-servant. Per

ing him have the set-to all his own way. It was no easy matter to play at fisticuffs with the young lord, even with gloves on, for his temper was not particularly mild when he was crossed. If he

Dandy must do some thing; he must bestow some blows upon his capricious companion, but he had learned that they must be given with the utmost ca

frogs,-that what was fun to Archy was death to him, in a figurative sense. He did not have much fond

spreading shade of a gigantic oak. Master Archy then divested himself of his white linen sack, which his attentive valet hung u

said he, petulantly, when he was

lied Dandy, as he slipped

on or other, was in unusually bad humor. "Do you thi

with my jacket on,"

eves. I don't want to take any advantage of you.

he was the counterpart, so far as

give you a hard one to-day," added Archy, as he

al energy in his eyes. He evidently intended to do some "big thing," and the sport was therefore mor

ssessed, and his "plungers" and "left-handers" were adroitly parried by the other, who, if his master intended to win a decided triumph on the

soon began to be disgusted with these tame

my best to ward off yo

do, then," added Archy, and spran

ncreased his efforts, but he could not hit his rival again for some time. After a few moments his "wind" gave out, and operations were suspen

y best, sir,"

ven't hit me yet, and yo

sir, I

ct me. Now we w

ose. He hoped this would satisfy the grumbler, and bring the sport to a happy termination. As usual, the blow excited the pugnacity

below the belt," for he did not deem it prudent to give another blow. Archy reared and plunged like an angry steed, till he had exhausted himself; but his temper had

ter Archy," replied Dand

and come on!" said Arch

Master Archy. I don't want

ing sensation lingering about the nose of the young planter,

d certain malicious thoughts which rankle

, I will keep my gloves on,

ed Archy. "I am willing to take as g

ny thing should happen. If I

e cheek of the body-servant before the latter had time to place himself in the attitude o

ch he had never before exhibited. The consequences of any "accident" to his master were sufficiently apparent and he maintained h

e. He had borne all he could, and no longer acting upon the defensive alone, he assumed the aggressive. Both partie

uscle, and one of his heavy blows came full and square upon the region of Archy's left eye. The yo

towards his unhappy servant, with the intention of annihilating him upon the spot. Dandy's senses came to him when he saw Archy fall, and he was a

hy! Forgive me!" pleaded he, as he

ould not speak, and Dandy was