I found that a few of them had previously made some attempts at saving money, and were much disappointed at the result. One woman told me she had once with great difficulty managed to save up seven pounds; one day, when she was absent, her little room was broken into, and all the money stolen. They said they were too far off either from Kensington or Paddington Savings’ Bank to deposit their money there; and “as to keeping it in their own places, that was impossible,—_it never kept there_.” A ragged boy, about thirteen years of age, came to the school-room one evening, bringing a penny which he asked me to keep for him; and said, if I would come for it, he would bring a penny there every evening. I told him I had not time to do that; but if he would take care of it through the week, I should be glad to receive sevenpence from him every Monday evening. He said he couldn’t do that; for if he had it in his pocket, he should play pitch and toss with it. I told him, if he would bring it in the dinner-hour, the Infant School teacher would be so kind as to take care of it for him till the night came for paying it in. This he agreed to do. I asked him how it was he had just the penny every day to save. He said he was earning ninepence a-day then; and that he told his mother he earned only eightpence, and so saved a penny for himself. I said, “You shouldn’t do it in that way. I dare say, if you told your mother you wanted to save a penny a-day, she would not object to it.” “Tell my mother, indeed!” said the boy. “Oh yes! and take her a stick at the same time to beat me with; and then it would be the sooner over.” He then asked me what I meant to do with all the money he brought me, or rather meant to bring me. “I shall put it in my desk, and take care of it till you want it.” “But supposing now I should die, what would you do with it then?” “Well, I have not thought of that. I hope you will live, and make a good use of the money.” “But suppose I don’t?” “Well, when you have saved two or three shillings, you can make your will, if you like, and leave it to somebody.” “But I can’t write, and I’ve heard as how wills is ‘allus writed.’” “Then you had better come to the Ragged School, as soon as it is opened, and learn.” “Well, I think I will. I have heard it takes a sight o’ money to bury anybody. If I should die afore I can write, you can spend the money for that.” “Very well; but I hope you will live and learn to read and write, and grow up to be a clever and good man.” “And do yer now?” said he, walking off with one of those inimitable whistles peculiar to ragged boys. CHAPTER IV. Sowing Seed. “Some say man has no hurts, some seek them to reveal, And to exasperate some, and some to hide and heal.” TRENCH.