116 MY VINEYARD. 



likely to. So I put np a leaf or two above the sand to see 

 what was going on. Among ray first experiences was a 

 drink of water which Patrick was kind enough to give. 

 What a comment is this, thought I, upon those anticipated 

 enjoyments! Instead of the gentle summer showers 

 which were to refresh me all so nice, tlie incorrigible Pat- 

 rick comes along and gives me a little sprinkle from a tin 

 watering pot ! And thus it is, frequently, in life. The 

 fine castles that we build, grand and gorgeous to look 

 upon, too ofttn in the reality are only plain houses, and 

 even these sometimes Avith broken windows and a leaky 

 roof. 



Before many days I began to get quite hungry. I was 

 now dependent on my own resourses, not having the kind 

 papa to get me food as I had anticipated. So I put out a 

 few roots in the sand to see wliat could be found, and poor 

 picking it was you can rest assured. I believe I should 

 have starved to death if it had not been for the food my 

 venerable papa had surrounded me with before I was tak- 

 en from his hospitable trellis. But I had hardly com- 

 menced wondering what would become of me, when who 

 should come along but Patrick, and taking me from the 

 sand, place me in a nice little pot, filled with the richest 

 soil. What a feast Avas that — a regular thanksgiving. 

 There Avas such a nice lot of food close at hand, that be- 

 ing thrown on my oaa^i resources did not seem so bad a 

 thing after all. I grcAV quite rapidly, and it was not long 



