The rebound from the kick, given as he lay on a smooth mahogany table, brought Johnny's head in contact with the urn, which was upset in the opposite direction, and, notwithstanding a rapid movement on the part of Mr Easy, he received a sufficient portion of boiling liquid on his legs to scald him severely, and induce him to stamp and swear in a very unphilosophical way.

In the meantime Sarah and Mrs Easy had caught up Johnny, and were both holding him at the same time, exclaiming and lamenting.

The pain of the scald, and the indifference shown towards him, were too much for Mr Easy's temper to put up with.

He snatched Johnny out of their arms, and, quite forgetting his equality and rights of man, belaboured him without mercy.

Sarah flew into interfere, and received a blow which not only made her see a thousand stars, but sent her reeling on the floor.