The moment school was over, one of the boys caught hold of Charlie's arm, and launched into a glowing description of a ship "nearly two feet long," that had been made a present to him, finishing off with "She's splendid, and that's just all about it. I am going now to name her, and launch her in that big pond in Thompson's field. Come along," he said, drawing Charlie in the direction of the field as he spoke; "you shall give her the name, and I'll launch her." "I'm afraid I can't go," said Charlie, looking miserable, and making a faint effort to get his arm from Tom Brown's grasp. "Why?" asked Tom. "Because I promised to go straight home; and I have to take some clothes for father to the pit." "Oh, that's it, is it?" exclaimed Tom. "Well, then, look here, your father won't be ready for nearly half an hour yet--I know what time they come up,--and you'll be wandering about there, cooling your heels, when you might as well be here." "If I hadn't promised," thought Charlie, with a longing look in the direction of the pond. "You needn't stay long," urged Tom. "The ship is close by; I hid her amongst some bushes so as not to have to go home again." "Don't go; remember your promise," whispered Charlie's conscience. "But I want to go so much," answered Charlie's selfish little heart. "Don't go, it would be ungrateful: think of your father's kindness to you," whispered the voice again. "I'm not ungrateful, and I mean to take the clothes," Charlie's heart answered, angrily. The voice began to whisper again, something about it being a temptation, and he ought to ask God's help, but Charlie turned a deaf ear. Tom Brown, seeing Charlie hesitate, felt pretty sure he would give in. Leaving loose of his arm, and moving off towards the field, he said, in a careless tone, "Come, make up your mind; do one thing or the other. I don't care whether you go or not, only I can tell you you'll not have such a chance again; Joe Denton would have jumped at it." [Illustration: CHARLIE AND THE TEMPTATION.] This had just the effect Tom intended. Charlie hurried after him, saying, "Well, let us be quick then. I'll just stay five minutes; I daresay there's time enough." The scruples of Charlie's conscience were silenced. Conscience is a dangerous thing to play with, and it should be the prayer of every youth that God would strengthen him to keep his conscience tender; never mind if it be difficult sometimes to maintain a good conscience: in the end, as years go on, you will be thankful to find that it preserves from many a snare, and gives a pleasure, and gains the confidence of those around you.