We have been in a most dreadful consternation occasioned by a false alarm, but it is now over, and has not been attended with any bad consequences. Edward was very curious to see the environs of this city, accordingly we went the day before yesterday to a village that is reckoned one of the pleasantest in Holland; the weather was that day very fine, considering the time of the year. Edward and I were conversing with great earnestness; he was particularly pleased with the high cultivation of the land, and the neat appearance of our farmhouses. Charles was some paces behind us; he stopped to assist two little children who were defending themselves against a dog, that had been, as we afterwards heard, provoked and tormented by some idle wicked boys; before your brother could raise his stick the enraged cur flew at him and bit his leg. The children in the mean time ran away and the dog after them, with his tail between his legs and his mouth wide open; he rushed by Edward, who asked if I was not frightened, and we then turned round to look for Charles. We walked slowly till he overtook us; he said nothing of the accident, and we did not perceive a little spot of blood that was on his stocking. When we entered into the village we found it in an uproar. We heard nothing on all sides but the dog is mad! the dog is mad! and, as is usually the case, every one endeavoured to make the story appear more dreadful; one said that he had bit a horse, another five cows, nay, added the third, it was five men. Charles looked pale, but we did not guess the cause, till he pointed to the spot of blood on his stocking, and cried out see there,—I am one of them. We then went into a public house, but Edward would not stay a moment, he enquired where the surgeon of the village lived, and ran like lightning to ask his advice; but, unfortunately, he was not at home. Edward would not return without him, and ran to the different places, where it was supposed, he might be. In the mean time I remained with your brother in a situation of mind which I declare I never felt before, in a sort of stupefaction, which I cannot describe. Before he sat down he put a large poker in the fire, and once or twice I heard the name of his parents escape from his lips, in a voice scarcely articulate. I went to him and caught him by the hand, exclaiming, in an agony, did you visit me for this! CHARLES. Dear William, here, or in any other place, the same misfortune might have befallen me. WILLIAM. But you, my friend, who are so virtuous, whose heart is so generous, who never neglected your duty—surely, you did not deserve— CHARLES, _interrupting me_.