Page 388 - Child's own book

called mother ; and when he was often desired to say Mrs.
Wilson, he would say, “ No, no— mother, m other;" thinking
that the most respectful term he could distinguish her by,
although he very readily called Mr, Wilson captain. -A tone
visit, a young lady present sat down to a harpsichord, to noticc
what effect the music would have upon Lee Boo. He was much
surprised ; and on the harpsichord being opened, he cautiously
noticed the motion of the jacks, and was very desirous to under­
stand the nature of it, ;ind from whence the sound proceeded.
His disposition was naturally mild and compassionate (as were
his countrymen in general), which was proved in various in­
stances. When he saw an old beggar, he would say, (< Must
give poor old man,—old man no ahle to work ; ” but young beg­
gars he rebuked ; thus using judgment and discretion in all his
proceedings. I le soon became disgusted with his servant Boyam,
who turned out a very unworthy fellow, and desired the captain
to send him back to the Malay country. Toni ltose (the in­
terpreter to the English at Pelew) was therefore appointed
to attend on him in Jloyam's room, which greatly pleased the
prince.
One time when dining with a party, among whom was Mr.
Keatc, among other conversation, the subject of painting was
introduced, to notice the effect it would have on Lee Iioo. A
miniature painting of Mr. Keate was produced, and wirelessly
handed to the prince,LC Misser Keate, Misser Keatc— very nice,
very good/’ The captain then asked him if he knew the mean­
ing of it. “ Yes," said he, “ Lee Boo understand well— that
Misstr Keate die, this Misser Keate live/* It is worthy of
remark that a treatise on portrait-painting could not have penned
it better than this answer of the princc. Captain Wilson was
subject to a severe head-ache, and at times was obliged to lie
upon the bed for relief. Lee Boo was so sensibly affected at the
indisposition of his kind guardian, that he would creep softly