Dick rode up to the minister, dismounted, and accosted him in a manner that should have been proof of innocence. Perhaps it would have been, by any other person; but to the Reverend Grievous, Dick's confident deportment--inspired by the consciousness of having acted rightly--only aggravated the offence of which he was supposed to be guilty. His bold effrontery was but the bearing of a person long accustomed to crime. So reasoned Mr Grievous! Without giving Dick time to finish his explanation, the minister seized him by the collar; and, with his riding whip, commenced administering to him a vigorous chastisement. Dick was at the time over sixteen years of age; and was, moreover, a strong, active youth for his years. So great was his respect, for all persons, whom he thought superior to himself, that for some time he bore the chastisement--unresistingly permitting the minister to proceed in the execution of his fancied duty. Human nature could not stand such treatment long; and Dick's temper at length giving way, he picked up a stone, hurled it at the head of the reverend horsewhipper--who, on receiving the blow, fell heavily to the earth. He rose again; and in all probability would have returned to a more vigorous use of his horsewhip, had his victim been still within reach; but Dick had secured himself against farther punishment, by taking to his heels, and placing a wide distance between himself and his irate pastor. Next day, Dick was brought before a magistrate, the Reverend Grievous, upon oath, being compelled to make a somewhat true statement of the affair. The justice had no other course than to discharge the prisoner, which he did with reluctance--expressing regret that the strict letter of the law did not allow him to deal with the offence in the manner it so justly merited! His native village no longer afforded a peaceful home for Dick Guinane. He was pointed at in the streets. Other boys of his age were forbidden by their parents to play with him; and the little school girls crossed the road in terror, as they saw him approach. In the opinion of the villagers, he had reached the climax of earthly iniquity. He was sent to reside with an uncle--his mother's brother--who lived in the city of New York. Before leaving his native place, he attempted to make a call on Amanda Milne; but was met at the door by her mother, who refused either to admit him within the house, or allow her daughter to see him. Shortly after reaching his new home in the great city, he received a letter from his mother--enclosing a note from Amanda, the contents of which partly repaid him for all the injuries he had suffered. During a residence of five years in New York, he was unsuccessful in everything he undertook; and, unfortunately, though from no fault of his own, lost the confidence of his uncle, as also his protection. He returned to his native village, where he found that he was still remembered with disfavour.