I had no taste for oysters myself; but as they are everywhere accounted a delicacy, I advised my sons to try them.

They all at first declined the unattractive repast, except Jack, who, with great courage, closed his eyes, and desperately swallowed one as if it had been medicine.

The rest followed his example, and then all agreed with me that oysters were not good.

The shells were soon plunged into the pot to bring out some of the good soup; but scalding their fingers, it was who could cry out the loudest.

Ernest took his large shell from his pocket, cautiously filled it with a good portion of soup, and set it down to cool, exulting in his own prudence.