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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Happy Days for Boys and Girls, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Happy Days for Boys and Girls
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: December 20, 2009 [EBook #30720]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HAPPY DAYS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Sam W. and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ HAPPY DAYS
+ FOR
+ BOYS AND GIRLS.
+
+
+ [Illustration: {Three children playing}]
+
+
+ 136 ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+ CONTRIBUTIONS BY
+
+ LOUISA M. ALCOTT, ALICE AND PHOEBE CAREY, C. A. STEPHENS,
+ MARY N. PRESCOTT, WILLIAM M. THAYER, F. CHESEBORO,
+ J. G. WOOD, S. W. LANDER, and others.
+
+
+ PHILADELPHIA:
+ PORTER & COATES,
+ 822 CHESTNUT STREET.
+
+
+
+
+ Copyright, 1877,
+ BY HORACE B. FULLER AND PORTER & COATES.
+
+
+ PRESS OF
+ HENRY B. ASHMEAD.
+ PHILADELPHIA.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: YOUNG FISHERS.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A bird and nestlings}]
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PROSE.
+
+ PAGE
+ Accident, The _Louisa M. Alcott_ 280
+
+ Adventure in the Life of Salvator
+ Rosa _L. D. L._ 84
+
+ African Elephant, The _J. G. Wood_ 319
+
+ Animal in Armor, The 75
+
+ Aunt Thankful _M. H._ 253
+
+ Barn Swallows _W. Wander_ 194
+
+ Birds _F. F. E._ 25
+
+ "Bitters" 203
+
+ Books and Reading 36
+
+ Bruin at a Maple-Sugar Party _C. A. Stephens_ 313
+
+ Camels _J. G. Wood_ 339
+
+ Cave at Benton's Ridge _F. E. S._ 350
+
+ Charley 368
+
+ Charlie's Escape 109
+
+ Charlie's Christmas 79
+
+ Crippled Boy, The _S. W. Lander_ 374
+
+ Daisy's Temptation 111
+
+ Daring Feat 183
+
+ Davy Boys' Fishing-Pond _L. M. D._ 130
+
+ Envy Punished 271
+
+ Every Cloud has a Silver Lining 31
+
+ Faithful Friends _X._ 237
+
+ Fairy Bird, The _Louisa M. Alcott_ 207
+
+ Fred and Dog Stephen 205
+
+ Giraffe, The _J. G. Wood_ 188
+
+ Going for the Letters 198
+
+ Good Word not Lost 308
+
+ Gratitude of a Cow 196
+
+ Haunts of Wild Beasts _C. A. Stephens_ 355
+
+ Help Yourselves _Wm. M. Thayer_ 46
+
+ Holiday Luck _Sara Conant_ 296
+
+ How a Good Dinner was Lost _Fannie Benedict_ 256
+
+ How Maggie paid the Rent 227
+
+[Illustration: {Children sledding}]
+
+ How Sweetie's "Ship came In" _Margaret Field_ 96
+
+ Hunting Adventure 362
+
+ If; or, Bessie Green's Holiday 176
+
+ Iron Ring, The _A. L. O. E._ 76
+
+ It takes Two to Make a Quarrel 306
+
+ John Stocks and the Bison _Author of "Drifting
+ to Sea"_ 138
+
+ Kindness Rewarded 28
+
+ Kindness to Animals _Robert Handy_ 284
+
+ Lace-making 44
+
+ Lame Susie 261
+
+ Lion the Fire-dog _Benjamin Clarke_ 38
+
+ Lion on the Threshold 190
+
+ Marcellin 82
+
+ Merry Christmas _E. G. C._ 166
+
+ Monkeys _L. B. U._ 301
+
+ Motherless Boy, The 49
+
+ Mouse and Canary, The 287
+
+ Mrs. Pike's Prisoners _M. R. W._ 123
+
+ My Mother's Stories _E. E._ 303
+
+ My Story _S. P. Brigham_ 332
+
+ Nearly Lost 365
+
+ Neddy's Half Holiday 121
+
+ Nicolo's Little Friend _H. A. F._ 390
+
+ Nino _Sara Conant_ 244
+
+ Orchard's Grandmother _S. O. J._ 9
+
+ Parsees, The 371
+
+ Polly Arrives _Louisa M. Alcott_ 282
+
+ Ponto 310
+
+ Puppet _Mary B. Harris_ 162
+
+ Puss _Robert Handy_ 293
+
+ Que _Mary B. Harris_ 144
+
+ Reason and Instinct _Flaneur_ 60
+
+ Reginald's First School-Days 384
+
+ Rough _M. R. O._ 17
+
+ Sally Sunbeam 251
+
+ Saved by a Fiddle _Sir Lascelles Wraxall_ 211
+
+ Song of the Bird 323
+
+ Squanko _F. Cheseboro_ 274
+
+ Squirrels 160
+
+ St. Bernard Dog 53
+
+ Stitching and Teaching _E. G. C._ 152
+
+ Stories about Dogs 137
+
+ Strange Combat, A _C. A. Stephens_ 116
+
+ Sweet One for Polly _Louisa M. Alcott_ 277
+
+[Illustration: {Two children having a picnic}]
+
+ Thorns 347
+
+ Tim the Match-Boy 268
+
+ Truant, The 393
+
+ Two Friends. A Story for Boys 288
+
+ Two Gentlemen in Fur Cloaks 107
+
+ Uncle John's School-Days 234
+
+ What Nelly gave Away 115
+
+ White Butterfly 63
+
+ Wings 273
+
+ Working is Better than Wishing 65
+
+ Young Artist, The 218
+
+
+POETRY.
+
+ All among the Hay 286
+
+ Annie 175
+
+ Answer to a Child's Question 113
+
+ Bird's Nest, The _Mary. N. Prescott_ 216
+
+ C--A--T 186
+
+ Cherry-Time 128
+
+ Child's Petition 392
+
+ Child's Prayer 137
+
+ Children 62
+
+ Children's Song 141
+
+ Cleopatra _Edgar Fawcett_ 388
+
+ Common Things 249
+
+ Coral-Workers, The 37
+
+ Counting Baby's Toes 345
+
+ Dinner and a Kiss 381
+
+ Dream of Summer, A _Mary N. Prescott_ 29
+
+ Erl King _Mary N. Prescott_ 241
+
+ Faithful unto Death; or, The Sentry
+ of Herculaneum _W. B. B. Stevens_ 230
+
+ Flight of the Birds 56
+
+ For the Children 58
+
+ Forced Rabbit, The 180
+
+ From Bad to Worse _Alice Cary_ 331
+
+ Frost, The 22
+
+ Good-Humor 35
+
+ Good Shepherd, The 52
+
+ I am Coming 110
+
+ Kind to Everything 68
+
+ Let him Live _Mary R. Whittlesey_ 300
+
+ Little Helpers 73
+
+ Little Home-body _Geo. Cooper_ 119
+
+[Illustration: {Two figures walk through a snowy landscape}]
+
+ Little Red Riding-Hood _L. E. Landon_ 224
+
+ My Little Hero 92
+
+ My Mother 382
+
+ Minutes 196
+
+ My Picture 23
+
+ Music Lesson, The 22
+
+ Nothing to Do 105
+
+ Now the Sun is Sinking 206
+
+ Our Daily Bread 157
+
+ Preparing for Christmas 143
+
+ Rich and Poor _Ellen M. H. Gates_ 42
+
+ Rigmarole about a Tea-Party 206
+
+ Robin Redbreast 95
+
+ Rustic Mirror, The _M. R. W._ 222
+
+ Sailing the Boats _George Cooper_ 305
+
+ Secret _Mary R. Whittlesey_ 264
+
+ Shakspeare _Richard H. Stoddard_ 389
+
+ Sheep and the Goat 328
+
+ Silly Young Rabbit, The 242
+
+ Silver and Gold _Ellis Gray_ 265
+
+ Smiles and Tears 390
+
+ Snow-Fall 151
+
+ Snow-Man, The _Marian Douglas_ 192
+
+ Song of the Rose _T. E. D._ 41
+
+ Sparrow, The 122
+
+ Spring has Come 202
+
+ Story of Johnny Dawdle 47
+
+ Summer 78
+
+ That Calf _Phoebe Cary_ 70
+
+ To the Cardinal Flower _M. R. W._ 40
+
+ Touch Not 61
+
+ Two Mornings _Mary N. Prescott_ 267
+
+ Under the Pear Trees 349
+
+ Up and Doing 182
+
+ Vacation _Beverly Moore_ 232
+
+ War and Peace 126
+
+ Way to Walk _M. R. W._ 337
+
+ We should hear the Angels singing _Kate Cameron_ 91
+
+ What so Sweet _Mary N. Prescott_ 344
+
+ What the Clock says 149
+
+ Why 24
+
+ Willie's Prayer 159
+
+ World, The _Lilliput Lectures_ 185
+
+ Worship of Nature 361
+
+
+
+
+HAPPY DAYS.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Settlers run from the native inhabitants}]
+
+THE ORCHARD'S GRANDMOTHER.
+
+
+I must ask you to go back more than two hundred years, and watch two
+people in a quiet old English garden.
+
+One is an old lady reading. In her young days she was a famous beauty.
+That was very long ago, to be sure; but I think she is a beauty
+still--do not you?
+
+She has such a lovely face, and her eyes are so sweet and bright! and
+better than that, they are the kind which see pleasant things in
+everybody, and something to like and be interested in. I hope with all
+my heart yours are that kind, too.
+
+The other person is a little child. She was christened Mary Brenton,
+like her grandmother; but she was called Polly all her days, for
+short; and we will call her so.
+
+She is sitting on the grass with a little cat in her arms, which she
+is trying to put to sleep. But the kitten is not so accommodating as
+a doll would be, and just as Polly does not dare to move for fear of
+waking her, she makes up her mind that a run after a leaf and a play
+with any chance caterpillar which may be so unlucky as to cross her
+path, will be very preferable, and tries to get away.
+
+It is one of the most delightful days that ever was. September, and
+almost too warm, if it were not for the breeze that brings cooler air
+from the sea. Once in a while some fruit falls from the heavily-laden
+trees, and the first dead leaves rustle a little on the ground. The
+bees are busy, making the most of the bright day; for they know of the
+stormy weather coming. The sky is very blue, and the flowers very
+bright. Two swallows are playing hide-and-seek through the orchard,
+and chasing each other in great races, now so close to the ground that
+it seems as if their feet might catch in the green grass, and now away
+up in the air over the high walls out towards the hills; and just as
+one loses sight of them, and turns away, here they are again. And in
+the kitchen the girls are clattering the dishes and laughing; and do
+you hear some one singing a doleful tune in a cheery, happy voice?
+
+That is Dorothy, Polly's dear Dorothy, who waits upon grandmother,
+with whom she has been to France, and Holland, and Scotland, and who
+can tell almost as charming stories as grandmother herself.
+
+The house is large and old, with queer-shaped windows, all sizes and
+all heights from the ground, and a great many of them hidden by the
+ivy. That is the outside; and if you were to go in, you would find
+large, low rooms, filled with furniture that you would think queer and
+uncomfortable. And there are portraits in some of them, one of Polly,
+probably painted not very long before, in which she is attired after
+the fashion of those days, and looks nearly as old as she would now
+if she were living!
+
+Now let us go back to the garden. The kitten has escaped, and Polly is
+wishing for something to do.
+
+"Where's Dolly?" says grandmother. "Find her, and then gather some
+apples and plums, and have a tea drinking."
+
+The doll had been very ill all day; it was strange in grandmother to
+forget it. She had fallen asleep just before dinner, and been put
+carefully in her bed; it would never do to wake her so soon. And
+besides, a tea party was not amusing when there was no one to sit at
+the other end of the table. This referred to Tom, Polly's dearest
+cousin, who had just left her after a long visit; and she missed him
+sadly.
+
+"And," says Polly, "I do not think I should care for it if he were
+here, if I could have nothing but apples. I'm tired of them. I have
+eaten one of every kind in the garden to-day, even the great yellow
+ones by the lower gate. I think they're disagreeable; but I left them
+till the very last, and then I was afraid they would feel sorry to be
+left out. I think I will eat another, though; and I will not have a
+party--it's a trouble. Which kind would you take, grandmother?"
+
+"One of the very smallest," says the old lady, laughing; "but stop a
+moment. I have one I'll give you;" and she took a beauty from her
+pocket, and threw it on the grass by Polly.
+
+"That's the very prettiest apple I ever saw," says the child. "Where
+did you get it? Not off our trees. 'Father gave it to you?' and where
+did he find it?"
+
+Grandmother did not know.
+
+[Illustration: LITTLE POLLY.]
+
+After admiring her apple a little more, Polly eats it in a most
+deliberate manner, enjoying every bite as if it were the first she had
+eaten that day, and when she has finished it, gives a contented little
+sigh, and sits looking at the fine brown seeds which she holds in
+her hand. Presently she says, earnestly,--
+
+"Grandmother!"
+
+"What now, Polly?"
+
+"I wish I had that dear little apple's two brothers and two sisters,
+and I would put them in the doll's chest until to-morrow; I wouldn't
+eat them to-day, you know."
+
+"I will tell you what you can do," says grandmother. "Are those seeds
+in your hand? Go find Dorothy, and ask her to give you the empty
+flower-pot from the high shelf at my window; and then you can fill it
+with dark earth from one of the flower-beds, and plant them; then by
+and by you will have a tree, and can have plenty of your apple's
+children."
+
+That was a happy thought. And Polly puts the seeds carefully on a
+leaf, and runs to find Dorothy. Now she comes back with a queer little
+Dutch china flower-pot, and sits down on the grass again, and makes a
+hole in the soft brown earth with her finger, and drops the fine seeds
+in.
+
+For days she watered them, and carried them to sunny places; but at
+last she grew very impatient, and one morning, when she was all alone
+in the garden, very much provoked that they had not made their
+appearance, took a twig and explored; and the first poke brought to
+light the little seeds, as shiny and brown as when they left the
+apple. It was a great disappointment, and Polly caught them up, and
+threw them as far away as she could, and with tears in her eyes ran in
+to tell grandmother.
+
+"Ah," said the dear old lady, "it was not time! Thou hast not learned
+thy lesson of waiting; and no wonder, when there are few so hard, and
+thou art still so young."
+
+Then she sent Polly back to the garden, and the pot was put in its
+place, again. And a week or two after, as grandmother was just going
+to make room in the earth for a new plant, she saw growing there a
+little green sprig, which was not a weed. She listened a moment, and
+heard the child's voice outside.
+
+"Polly, my dear, are you sure you scattered all the seeds of your
+pretty apple the day you were so provoked at their not having begun to
+grow for you?"
+
+The child reddened a little, and turned away.
+
+"I don't know, grandmother. I think so; I wished to then."
+
+How delighted she was when the old lady showed her the treasure, and
+how carefully it was watched and tended! For one little seed had been
+buried deeper than the rest, and now in the sunshine of grandmother's
+wide window it had come up. Every pleasant day it was placed somewhere
+in the sun, and at night it was always carried to Polly's own room.
+Her dolls and other old play-house friends, formerly much honored, and
+of great consequence, were quite neglected for "the apple tree," as
+she always called the tiny thing with its few bits of leaves.
+
+And now we must leave the Brentons' old stone house and the garden.
+All this happened in the days of King Charles I., when there was a
+great war, and the country in a highly discordant state. Polly's
+father was on the king's side, and one day he did something which was
+considered particularly unpardonable by his enemies, and at night he
+came riding from Oxford in the greatest hurry he had ever been in; and
+riding after him were some of Cromwell's men. It was bright moonlight,
+and as he rode in the paved yard the great dogs in their kennels began
+to bark, and that waked Polly's mother, in a terrible fright at
+hearing her husband's voice, and sure something undesirable had
+happened.
+
+Squire Brenton hurried in to tell her, in as few words as possible,
+what he had done, and that he was followed, and had just time to say
+good by, and take another horse, and rush on to the sea, where he
+hoped to find a fishing-boat, by means of which he could escape.
+
+"And you," said he, "had better take Polly and one of the men, and
+ride to your cousin Matthew's; for in their rage at my escape, they
+may mean to burn my house. I little thought a month ago,--when he
+offered you 'a safe home,' and I laughed in his face, and said, 'Give
+your good wife the same message; for she may not find your house so
+safe as mine by and by,'--that you would need to accept so soon."
+
+"But I cannot go there now," said Mistress Brenton; "for cousin
+Matthew is away with the Roundhead army, and his wife and sister have
+gone to the north. I'll go with you. Listen: I heard one of the maids
+say to-day that a ship sails to-morrow at daybreak from the bay by
+Dunner's with a company of Puritans for Holland, on their way to one
+of the American colonies. We will go for a time to our friends in
+Amsterdam, and be quite safe."
+
+Anything was better than staying where he was; and Squire Brenton,
+bidding her hurry, went to the stables with his tired horse, and
+waking one of his men whom he could trust, told him why he was there,
+and to say, when the men came, that he was in Oxford yesterday, when
+they had a letter, and that Mistress Brenton had gone north to some
+friends. He gave him some messages for his brother, and then, sending
+him out to a field with the horse he had been riding, which would
+certainly have betrayed him, he went back to the yard, trying to keep
+the two fresh horses still, while he listened, fearing every moment to
+hear his pursuers coming down the road.
+
+Presently out came Mistress Brenton, carrying some bundles of
+clothing, and a few little things besides, and wrapped in a great
+riding cloak; and at her side walked Polly, very sleepy, and looking
+wonderingly in the faces of the others, and asking all manner of
+childish questions.
+
+Suddenly she ran back to the house, just as her father was going to
+lift her on his horse; and when she came back, what do you think she
+had? Together in a little bag were her doll and kitten, and one arm
+held tightly her little apple tree, wrapped in some garment of her own
+which she had found lying near it.
+
+And then they rode away. The poor child, after begging them to go to
+her uncle's, so she might say good by to grandmother, fell asleep,
+holding fast her treasures all the while.
+
+There was a faint glimmer of light over the sea as they neared the
+shore, and they saw anchored at a little distance a small ship, and
+could see the men moving about her deck; for the wind had risen. Mr.
+Brenton found a man whom he knew, in whose charge he left the horses,
+and then a fisherman rowed them to the vessel.
+
+The captain was nowhere to be seen, and the sailors paid no attention
+to them as they came on deck in the chilly morning twilight; and they
+went immediately below, and hid themselves in a dark corner, thinking
+they might have to go ashore if discovered, and that it was best to
+keep out of sight until it was too late to turn back. In the darkness
+they fell asleep. This may seem very strange; but remembering the long
+ride, and the fright they had been in, and that now they felt safe, we
+can hardly wonder. At any rate, it was the middle of the afternoon
+before Colonel Brenton--I think I have never given him his title
+before--made his appearance on deck, to the great astonishment of the
+captain and all the other people, who knew him more or less. He told
+the captain what had happened, saying at the end he would pay him
+double the usual passage money to Holland, where he meant to stay for
+a while; and at this the rough man really turned pale.
+
+"Holland, _Holland_!" said he; "do you not see we're going down the
+Channel? We are bound direct for America."
+
+The story says that Colonel Brenton was almost beside himself, and
+offered large sums of money to be taken back, or to France; but the
+captain would not consent, saying that they had made good progress,
+and it was late in the year. The ship would come back in the spring,
+and he must content himself.
+
+Those of the ship's company who knew our friends had great wonderings
+at their having turned Puritans, until they knew the true state of
+affairs. Must not it have been dreadful news to Mistress Brenton, and
+was it not really a dreary prospect--a dreary journey in that frail
+ship, and at the end a cold, forlorn country? and all the stories of
+the Indians' cruelties to the settlers came to her mind. They could
+not, in all probability, return for many months. No one whom she cared
+particularly for would be there to welcome them. Polly did not take it
+very much to heart, though she cried a little because she was not to
+go to Holland, which she had heard so much of from her grandmother and
+Dorothy. It was a great many days before they gave up their hope of
+falling in with some vessel to which they might be transferred; and
+the first two weeks were sunshiny and pleasant, with a good wind. But
+soon it grew bleaker and colder, and they suffered greatly. All
+through the pleasant days, Polly had been having a very enjoyable
+time. There were several children on board, and they had games around
+the deck and in the cabin.
+
+It was delightful to have the kitten, who had a cord tied around her
+neck; and when she was not in Polly's arms, she was generally anchored
+for safety in the cabin. Every day she had part of her little
+mistress's dinner; and though she missed the garden, and the dead
+leaves that nestled about the walks, and made such nice playthings,
+and the sedate old family cat, her mother, and her mother's numerous
+poor relations who lived in the stables, she was by no means unhappy.
+And the doll's expression was as complacent as ever, though she had
+worn one gown an astonishing length of time. But if you could have
+seen the care the little tree received! It was carefully wrapped in
+the same little cloak Polly put round it the night they left home, and
+only on the warmest days it was taken on deck to have the sunshine;
+and every day it had part of Polly's small allowance of water; and
+when the kitten had had its share, there would often be very little
+left.
+
+The weary days went slowly by. The ship was slow at the best, and the
+winds were contrary. The provisions grew less and less, and the water
+was almost exhausted. Two people--a man, and a child Polly had grown
+very fond of--died, and were buried in the sea. The sky was cold and
+gray, and it snowed and rained, and every one looked sad and
+disheartened. It was terribly desolate. Polly could not often go on
+deck, for the frozen spray and rain made it very slippery and
+dangerous there; and her mother told story after story, and did her
+best to shorten the longest December days she had ever known. And soon
+there came a terrible bereavement. One night there was a great storm,
+and the dearly-beloved kitten, frightened to death by the things
+rolling about, and the pitching of the ship, broke the cord and rushed
+out in the darkness, and never was seen any more. I think a little cat
+has never been so mourned since the world began. That night, the Dutch
+flower-pot, with its leafless twig, went rolling about the cabin
+floor, and half the earth was scattered in the folds of its
+wrappings, and carefully replaced next morning.
+
+But at last the voyage was ended; they saw land, and finally came
+close to it and went ashore, Polly with her dear doll and something
+else rolled up in a little gray cloak. The ship was to stay until
+spring; and there seemed no hope of getting back to England until
+then. It was hard to decide what to do; but at last Colonel Brenton
+heard of some men whom he had known, who had been made prisoners in
+some of the battles in the north of England and sent to the
+Massachusetts colony by Cromwell, who had feared to imprison them.
+They had been sent to the settlement in York.
+
+So the Brentons joined a party going there, or to places beyond. It
+was the last of January that they came to York, and were warmly
+welcomed at the great garrison, where they lived till spring. Polly
+found a very nice child to play with. There had been a good harvest,
+and the Indians were uncommonly peaceable. They had great log fires in
+the wide fireplace in the east room; and for a winter in those times,
+it was very comfortable. The flower-pot was deposited in a chink of
+the great chimney. Polly had insisted upon bringing it with her; and
+though "the tree" at that time was a slender little straight stick,
+she had firm faith that spring time would give it leaves again. And
+strange to say, she was not disappointed; for all the exposure had not
+destroyed it. The first of June came, and they were still living in
+the garrison-house, looking every day for a messenger to tell them the
+ship was ready to go back. Some people on their way to one of the
+eastern settlements, early in April, had told them there were no signs
+of her sailing; and since then they had heard nothing. How dismayed
+they were, early in June, to find the ship had sailed nearly two
+months before! It seemed as if everything was against them; and they
+could live no longer in the garrison. So the Brentons had a little log
+house near by, and "the squire" worked every day in the great field
+down towards the river. It must have been such a strange life for
+them! and I suppose their thoughts often went back to the dear English
+home. When Mistress Brenton looked from the small window in her log
+house out over half-cleared fields, and saw the garrison-house, and
+her husband working among the hills of corn with his gun close by,
+every now and then looking anxiously about him, she would remember the
+wide window, with its cushioned seat, in her own room at home, and the
+sunny garden, with the flowers and bees, and the maids and men singing
+and chattering in the distance, and the dear voice of grandmother
+singing the old church hymns. It was a great change; but days much
+more forlorn than these were yet to come.
+
+The Indians came around the settlement in large numbers, and no one
+dared to be out alone. At night the people waked in fear at the
+slightest noise; and in the daytime it was after the same fashion.
+News came of whole settlements having been murdered or made captives,
+and some of their own neighbors disappeared finally; and then the
+suspense was terrible. At last, one day Mrs. Brenton had gone up to
+the garrison to see one of the women, who was ill, and most of the men
+were in the field. Polly went with her mother; but the women were
+talking over something about the king and Parliament, which she found
+very uninteresting, and soon she unfastened the great outer door, and
+unwisely ran out with her doll in her arms, and went down to the field
+to see the men at work. But on her way, she bethought herself of a
+charming stump she had seen out at one side of the path, and went to
+visit it. None of the men happened to see her. She talked to the
+doll, and made a throne for her of the soft moss growing around her,
+and had been playing there some time, when suddenly she heard shouts,
+and thought they must be killing a snake, and looked up to see all the
+men running up the hill to the garrison, with a great many Indians
+chasing them; and she heard a gun fired, and saw one of the men who
+had petted and been very kind to her, and told her stories, fall to
+the ground. Ah, how frightened she was!
+
+The doll was snatched from her throne, and the poor little girl ran
+towards the garrison, too, right towards the Indians. It was weary
+work running over the rough ground,--and the tall grass was not much
+better,--and then on, up the hill. By this time the men had succeeded
+in getting in; and the wicked-looking Indians, after a yell of
+disappointment, turned to go back to the one who lay dead on the
+hill-side, and to escape the bullets which would come in a moment from
+the loopholes. O, if she could only get by them!
+
+Up the hill she hurried as fast as the poor tired little feet could
+carry her, hugging the doll, almost breathless, with the great tears
+falling very fast, and still crying, "Wait, father!"
+
+I am glad I know one kind thing the Indians of those days did. As they
+turned, they saw her coming, and some hurried forward a little to
+seize her; and it would have been so easy. But one spoke, and they all
+stopped, and laughed, and shouted, and the child got safely in.
+
+Then the Indians went to the Brentons' house, and some others, and
+burned them; but luckily the apple tree was at the play-house, by a
+large rock, at a little distance, and the wind was not in that
+direction; and after they disappeared, it was brought up to the fort,
+safe and sound.
+
+It soon grew tall and strong, and in a little while was entirely too
+large for its pot; and finally Polly was forced to put it in the
+ground. It was hard to do it; for she had cared for it, and loved it
+so long, and this was giving it up, in a measure. And I think if she
+had understood that now it must be left behind, it would have been
+almost impossible to have persuaded her. Her father comforted her by
+telling her he could get quantities of the apples not very far from
+home, and she could plant more seeds as soon as she liked, or, far
+better than that, he would graft a tree.
+
+In September, news came that a ship was going to the east coast of
+England; and they were all heartily glad, in spite of the long,
+dangerous voyage; and leaving the York friends, who had been so kind,
+and whom they would probably never see any more, Polly gave the little
+tree to a Masterson child, her great friend, who promised to wrap it
+in straw for winter, and to be very kind to it and fond of it. And I
+think she must have been faithful to her charge. Mistress Brenton laid
+some of the leaves in the little book she had had in her pocket that
+night, almost a year ago, when they left home. So they went to Boston,
+and sailed for the old country.
+
+I know nothing more of them; but we will hope their voyage was a short
+and easy one, and that they reached home on a pleasant, sunny day, and
+grandmother was there, and Dorothy, and all the people, and Polly had
+stories to tell as wonderful as Dorothy's, and all true, and that they
+were all happy forever after.
+
+A while ago I stood on the hill with an old farmer, eating one of a
+pocketful of apples he had given me, and said how very nice it was,
+and that I had never seen any like it.
+
+"There are none of my apples sell half so well," said he. "I've forty
+young trees that have been bearing a few years; and over to the right
+you see some old ones. Mine were grafted from those and my father
+took his grafts from an old tree I'd like to show you;" and as we
+walked towards it, he said, "It looks, and I guess it is, as old as
+any around here. My father always said it was brought from England in
+a flower-pot by some of the first settlers. Perhaps you have heard the
+story. It's very shaky. The high winds last fall were pretty hard on
+it. It will never bear again, I am afraid. I set a good deal by the
+old thing. The very first thing I can remember is my father's lifting
+me up to one of the lower limbs, and I was frightened and cried. I
+believe I think more of that tree than of anything on my farm. My wife
+always laughs at me about it. Well, it has lasted my time. I'm old and
+shaky, too; and I suppose my sons won't miss this much, and will like
+the young orchard best."
+
+"And you and I like your orchard's grandmother," said I.
+
+ S. O. J.
+
+
+
+
+ROUGH.
+
+
+He was a donkey, and we called him Rough. He belonged to Gerald and
+me. We didn't keep him for his useful qualities, and we certainly
+didn't keep him for his moral qualities; and I don't know what we did
+keep him for, unless, for the best reason in the world, that we loved
+him.
+
+He was always getting us into scrapes, the most renowned of which was
+one Rough's enemies were fond of alluding to.
+
+We were bidden to a christening one fair spring morning; and we not
+only accepted the invitation, but promised to bring apple-blossoms, to
+fill the font and make the church look gay. We had an old apple
+orchard, that bore beautiful blossoms, but worthless fruit; and of
+these blossoms we had leave to pick as many as we chose.
+
+So we filled the donkey-cart with them, and set forth for the
+christening, which was to be at a little church about a mile or more
+distant from our farm. Rough's enemies will tell how we arrived when
+the christening was all over, and our apple blossoms faded.
+
+We were never so happy as when we had a whole leisure afternoon to go
+off with Rough in the donkey-cart, and our little sister Daisy by
+Gerald's side, on the board that served as seat, and I lying on my
+back on the bottom of the cart, with my heels dangling out of it. So I
+would lie for hours, whistling and looking up at the drifting clouds,
+or with my hat over my eyes to keep out the sun.
+
+One afternoon, early in March, when the roads were almost knee deep in
+mud, and the last of the melting snow made a running stream on either
+side of the road, we were slowly travelling along after the manner I
+have described. We were going to take a longing look at the skating
+pond, two miles from our farm. We were forbidden to try the dangerous
+ice, but meant only to look upon the scene of our winter's delight.
+
+"Some one's in the pond!" cried Daisy.
+
+"How do ye know?" said I, not removing my hat from my face.
+
+You see Daisy was only six years old, and I hadn't much faith in her
+observation.
+
+"Cos I sees 'em with my own eyes."
+
+I jumped up and looked. It was only a hat I saw. Gerald meanwhile
+said nothing, but had pulled up Rough (who not only stopped, but lay
+down in the mud), and looked. I watched him, to see what he thought,
+or proposed to do.
+
+[Illustration: {A child collecting flowers together}]
+
+People had a way of trusting to Gerald's judgment rather than their
+own, and were generally better off for it.
+
+"It _is_ some one in the pond," said Gerald; and then followed a short
+discussion as to whether we should leave Daisy alone to the mercies of
+Rough, which resulted in our leaving Rough, and taking Daisy along
+with us down to the pond.
+
+We could see a boy, apparently about Gerald's age, swimming and
+striving to keep up, and catching at the ice, which broke as he clung
+to it. He swam feebly, as if benumbed and wearied.
+
+"Keep a brave heart!" roared Gerald; "we'll save you!" and then began
+to take off his boots and coat. The boy sank--under the ice, this
+time. We could see it bobbing up and down as he swam beneath it.
+
+"Stay here till I call you," said Gerald to me, as he stepped from the
+shore on to the ice, and walked out towards where the swimmer was
+hidden by the ice. I stood breathless, with my eye on Gerald.
+
+The ice began to crack under him. He lay down on his stomach, and
+pulled himself forward with his hands. Up came the swimmer not far
+from him.
+
+"Keep up! Gerald will save you!" cried Daisy.
+
+The poor fellow cast one despairing look at Gerald, and sank again.
+Gerald had gone as far as was practicable on the ice. I could hear it
+cracking all over, and see the white cracks darting suddenly over ice
+that had looked safe.
+
+Up came the boy again.
+
+"Keep up! keep up!" cried Daisy, in an excited treble. "Gerald will
+save you!"
+
+But the boy could hear nothing. He had his eyes closed, and seemed to
+have fainted. Gerald reached out, and clutched him by the arm. How the
+ice cracked all about him! My heart was in my mouth; I thought he was
+in. I began to take my coat off.
+
+"A scarf!" said Gerald, speaking for the first time.
+
+I took off my own, and picked up Gerald's from the ground, and tied
+them firmly together. I saw that they were too short. Daisy offered
+hers. I took it, with an inward fear, if the child should catch cold;
+it seemed paltry to think of it at such a moment. I stepped out on the
+ice, and went a few steps, when Gerald cried,--
+
+"Stop!"
+
+I obeyed like a soldier.
+
+"Throw it now!"
+
+I threw the long string of scarfs. Gerald dexterously caught it, and
+upholding the poor boy with one hand, with the other passed the string
+under his arms, and tied the ends of it to his own arm. Then he paused
+a moment before attempting the hazardous work of coming ashore, and
+looked at me speculatively. I knew what he meant. There was a shadow
+of trouble in his face that had nothing to do with his own danger. He
+was weighing the possibility of his falling in, and my doing the same
+in trying to save him, and Daisy alone on the shore. I gave a cheering
+"Go ahead, old fellow!" and he began to push himself back again,
+dragging his senseless burden after him by the scarf tied to his arm.
+
+Crack! crack! crack! went the ice all about him, and little tides of
+water flooded it. At last it seemed a little firmer. Gerald rose to
+his feet, and dragging the boy still in the water after him, began to
+walk slowly towards the shore, not seeming to notice how the sharp
+edges of the ice cut the face and forehead of the poor half-drowned
+boy.
+
+Again the ice began to crack and undulate. Gerald stood still for a
+moment, and the piece on which he stood broke away from the rest, and
+began to float out. He jumped to the next, which broke, and so to the
+next, and the next, till he neared the shore. Then he paused a moment,
+and looked at me.
+
+"Go ashore!" he roared like a sea captain.
+
+Then I noticed that I stood on a detached piece of ice, but nearer
+land than Gerald. I found no difficulty in gaining the shore.
+
+"Now stand firm and give a hand!" said Gerald.
+
+I grasped his hand, and he jumped ashore, and together we lifted the
+boy out of the water. Daisy burst into tears, crying,--
+
+"O, Gerald, Gerald, I thought you'd be drowned!"
+
+Gerald very gently put her clinging arms away from him, saying,
+firmly,--
+
+"Don't cry, Daisy. We have our hands full with this poor fellow."
+
+I got the skates off the "poor fellow," and gave them to Daisy to
+hold. She, brave little woman, gulped down her tears, and only gave
+vent to her emotion, now and then, by a little suppressed sob. Gerald
+began beating the hands and breathing into the mouth and nostrils of
+the seeming lifeless form before us.
+
+"Is he dead, Gery?" said I.
+
+"No!" said Gerald, fiercely. It was evident that he wouldn't believe
+he had gone through so much trouble to bring a dead man ashore. "Look
+for his handkerchief, and see if there's a mark on it."
+
+I fished a wet rag out of the wet trousers pocket, and found in one
+corner of it the name "Stevens."
+
+"There's a farmer of that name two miles farther on. I don't know any
+one else of that name. Must be his son. We'll take him home;" and he
+began wrapping his coat about the poor boy; but I insisted on mine
+being used for the purpose, as Gerald was half wet, and his teeth were
+already chattering. "We must get him off this wet ground as soon as
+possible," said Gerald; and together we lifted him, and slowly and
+laboriously bore him to the donkey-cart in the road.
+
+By this time Gerald had only strength enough to hold the reins, and we
+set out forthwith for the Stevens farm, I, with what help Daisy could
+give, trying to bring some show of life back to the stranger. Perhaps
+the jolting of the cart helped,--I don't know,--but by and by he began
+to revive, and at last we propped him up in one corner of the cart,
+with his head supported by Daisy's knee.
+
+I shall not soon forget how long the road seemed, and how I got out
+and walked in deep mud, and how, when poor Rough seemed straining
+every muscle to make the little cart move at all, Gerald insisted on
+getting out, too, and leading Rough; how the sun set as we were wading
+through a long road, where willow trees grew thick on either side, and
+Daisy said, "See; all the little pussies are out!" how, at last, we
+reached the Stevens farm, and restored the half-drowned boy to his
+parents. I remember, too, how they were so utterly absorbed, very
+naturally, in the welfare of their boy, as to forget all about us, and
+offer us no quicker means of return home than our donkey-cart.
+
+They came to call on us the next day, and to thank us, and specially
+Gerald, with tears of gratitude. And Gerald was a hero in the village
+from that day forth.
+
+I remember well how dark it grew as we waded slowly and silently
+home, and how poor little Rough did his very best, and never stopped
+once.
+
+I think he understood the importance of the occasion; but those who
+were not Rough's friends, believe it was a recollection, and
+expectation of supper, that made him acquit himself so honorably.
+
+As we neared our home, we saw a tall figure looming up in the dark,
+and soon, by the voice, we knew it was Michael, one of the farm hands,
+sent to seek us.
+
+"Bluder an nouns," he exclaimed, "it is you, Mister Gery! An' yer
+muther, poor leddy, destroyed wid the fright. An' kapin' the chilt out
+to this hair. Hadn't ye moor sense?"
+
+We explained briefly; and Daisy begged to be carried, as the cart was
+all wet.
+
+With many Irish expressions of sympathy, Michael took the child in his
+arms; and so we arrived at home, and found father and mother half
+distracted with anxiety, and the farm hands sent in all directions to
+look for us. We were at once, all three of us, put to bed, and made to
+drink hot lemonade, and have hot stones at our feet, and not till then
+tell all our experiences, which were listened to eagerly.
+
+Daisy escaped unhurt, I with a slight cold, but Gerald and poor little
+Rough were the ones who suffered. Gerald had a severe attack of
+pneumonia, from which we had much ado to bring him back to health, and
+Rough was ill. They brought us the news from the stable on the next
+morning. We couldn't tell what was the matter; perhaps he had strained
+himself, perhaps had caught cold. We could not tell, nor could the
+veterinary surgeon we brought to see him. Poor Rough lay ill for
+weeks, and one bright spring morning he died.
+
+They told us early in the morning, before we were out of bed, how, an
+hour ago, Rough had died.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE MUSIC LESSON.]
+
+THE MUSIC LESSON.
+
+
+ Touch the keys _lightly_,
+ Nellie, my dear:
+ The noise makes Johnnie
+ Impatient, I fear.
+
+ He looks very cross,
+ I am sorry to see--
+ Not looking at all
+ As a brother should be.
+
+ Whatever you're doing,
+ Bear this always in mind:
+ In all _little things_
+ Be both _thoughtful_ and _kind_.
+
+
+
+
+THE FROST.
+
+
+ The frost looked forth one still clear night,
+ And whispered, "Now I shall be out of sight;
+ So through the valley and over the height
+ In silence I'll take my way:
+ I will not go on like that blustering train,
+ The wind and the snow, the hail and the rain,
+ Who make so much bustle and noise in vain,
+ But I'll be as busy as they."
+
+ Then he flew to the mountain, and powdered its crest;
+ He lit on the trees, and their boughs he dressed
+ In diamond beads; and over the breast
+ Of the quivering lake he spread
+ A coat of mail, that it need not fear
+ The downward point of many a spear
+ That he hung on its margin, far and near,
+ Where a rock could rear its head.
+
+ He went to the windows of those who slept,
+ And over each pane like a fairy crept:
+ Wherever he breathed, wherever he stept,
+ By the light of the moon were seen
+ Most beautiful things: there were flowers and trees;
+ There were bevies of birds and swarms of bees;
+ There were cities with temples and towers, and these
+ All pictured in silver sheen!
+
+ But he did one thing that was hardly fair:
+ He peeped in the cupboard, and finding there
+ That all had forgotten for him to prepare--
+ "Now, just to set them a-thinking,
+ I'll bite this basket of fruit," said he,
+ "This costly pitcher I'll burst in three,
+ And the glass of water they've left for me
+ Shall 'tchick!' to tell them I'm drinking."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A woman and two children with a calf}]
+
+MY PICTURE.
+
+
+ I have a little picture;
+ Perchance you have one too.
+ Mine is not set in frame of gold;
+ 'Tis first a bit of blue,
+ And then a background of dark hills--
+ A river just below,
+ Along whose broad, green meadow banks
+ The wreathing elm trees grow.
+
+ Upon an overhanging ridge
+ A little farm-house stands,
+ Whose owner, like the man of old,
+ Has builded "on the sands;"
+ And yet, defying storms and wind,
+ It stands there all alone,
+ And brightens up the landscape
+ With a beauty of its own.
+
+ Fairy-like my picture changes
+ As the seasons come and go.
+ Now it glows 'neath summer's kisses;
+ Now it sleeps 'mid winter's snow.
+ I can see the breath of spring-time
+ In the river's deeper blue,
+ And autumn seems to crown it
+ With her very brightest hue.
+
+ Ah. I'd not exchange my picture
+ For the choicest gem of art;
+ Yet I must not claim it wholly;
+ It is only mine in part;
+ For 'tis one of nature's sketches--
+ A waif from that Great Hand
+ Which hath filled our earth with models
+ Of the beautiful and grand.
+
+
+
+
+WHY?
+
+
+ Why are the blossoms
+ Such different hues?
+ And the waves of the sea
+ Such a number of blues?
+ So many soft greens
+ Flit over the trees?
+ And little gray shadows
+ Fly out on the breeze?
+
+ Why are the insects
+ So wondrously fair;
+ Illumining grasses
+ And painting the air?
+ You dear little shells,
+ O, why do you shine?
+ And feathery sea-weed
+ Grow fragile and fine?
+
+ Why are the meadows
+ Such gardens of grace,
+ With infinite beauty
+ In definite space?
+ Each separate grass
+ A world of delight?
+ O, food for the cattle,
+ Why are you so bright?
+
+ Why are our faces
+ Such lovable things,
+ With lips made for kisses,
+ And laughter that sings?
+ With eyes full of love,
+ That sparkle and gleam,
+ Through beautiful colors,
+ That change like a dream?
+
+ Think for a moment--
+ Look up to the sky;
+ Question your heart; it
+ Will answer the Why!
+ Bright is the glitter
+ Of beauty unfurled--
+ Boundless the love that
+ Has fashioned the world!
+
+
+
+
+BIRDS.
+
+
+The wisdom of God is seen in every part of creation, and especially
+in the different kinds of birds. The beauty displayed in their
+graceful forms and varied colors strikes every beholder, while the
+adaptation of their organs for the purposes of flight, their peculiar
+habits and modes of living, are a constant source of admiration to the
+student of nature.
+
+Almost everything about the shape of a bird fits it for moving rapidly
+in the air, and all parts of its body are arranged so as to give it
+lightness along with strength. The soft and delicate plumage of birds
+protects them from cold or moisture; their wings, though so delicate,
+are furnished with muscles of such power as to strike the air with
+great force, whilst their tails act like the rudder of a ship, so that
+they can direct their course at pleasure with the utmost ease.
+
+The internal structure of a bird also is such as to help it to sustain
+itself in, and to fly quickly through, the air. Its lungs are pierced
+with large holes, which allow air to pass into cavities in the breast,
+and even into the interior of the bones. It is thus not only rendered
+buoyant, but is enabled to breathe even while in rapid motion. Two
+sparrows, it is said, require as much air to maintain their breathing
+properly as a guinea pig.
+
+In many other ways the skill and goodness of God are seen in the "fowl
+of the air." Their necks and beaks are long, and very movable, so that
+they may readily pick up food and other objects from the ground. The
+muscles of their toes are so arranged that the simple weight of the
+body closes them, and they are able, in consequence, to sit on a perch
+a long time without fatigue. Even in a violent wind a bird easily
+retains its hold of the branch or twig on which it is sitting. Their
+bills are of almost all forms: in some kinds they are straight; in
+others curved, sometimes upwards and sometimes downwards; in others
+they are flat; in some they are in the form of a cone, wedge-shaped,
+or hooked. The bill enables a bird to take hold of its food, to strip
+or divide it. It is useful also in carrying materials for its nest, or
+food to its young; and in the birds of prey, such as the owl, the
+hawk, the falcon, eagle, etc., the beak is a formidable weapon of
+attack.
+
+The nostrils of birds are usually of an oval form, and are placed near
+the base of the beak. Their eyes are so constructed that they can see
+near and distant objects equally well, and their sight is very acute.
+The sparrow-hawk discerns the small birds which are its prey at an
+incredible distance. No tribe of birds possesses an outward ear,
+except those which seek their food by night; these have one in the
+form of a thin, leathery piece of flesh. The inside ear, however, is
+very large, and their hearing is very quick.
+
+[Illustration: BIRD'S NEST.]
+
+Another admirable feature in the structure of birds consists in their
+feathers. These are well adapted for security, warmth, and freedom of
+motion. The larger feathers of the body are placed over each other
+like the slates on the roof of a house, so that water is permitted to
+run off, and cold is kept out. The down, which is placed under the
+feathers, is a further protection against the cold; and hence it is
+most abundant in those species that are found in northern climates.
+The feathery covering of birds forms their peculiar beauty: on this,
+in the warm climates, Nature bestows her most delicate and brightest
+colors.
+
+[Illustration: {An apteryx, or kiwi}]
+
+Another point which sets forth the resources of Infinite Wisdom is the
+structure and uses of the wings of birds. The size of the wings is not
+always in proportion to the bulk of their bodies, but is accommodated
+to their habits of living. Accordingly, birds of prey, swallows, and
+such birds as are intended to hover long in the air, have much longer
+wings, in proportion to their size, than hens, ducks, quails, etc. In
+some, such as the ostrich, the cassiowary, and the penguin, the
+largest quill-feathers of the wing are entirely wanting.
+
+Then, again, how varied is the flight of birds! The falcon soars above
+the clouds, and remains in the air for many hours without any sign of
+exertion. The swallow, the lark, and other species, sail long
+distances with little effort. Others, like the sparrow and the
+humming-bird, have a fluttering flight. Some, as the owl, fly without
+any noise; and some, like the partridge, with a loud whir.
+
+ "Around the head
+ Of wandering swain the white-winged plover wheels
+ Her sounding flight, and then directly on
+ In long excursion skims the level lawn,
+ To tempt him from her nest."
+
+How graceful are the motions of the hawk, sweeping higher and higher
+in circles, as he surveys far and wide the expanse of fields and
+meadows below, in which he hopes to espy his prey. Our paper would be
+too long were we to say even a little about the roosting, the
+swimming, or running, the migration, the habits and instincts, the
+varied notes and pleasant songs, of the endless species of birds.
+
+All these subjects are well worthy of being carefully studied; for
+they all show the design of their Creator. The extraordinary creature
+represented in the engraving is the "Apteryx," or "wingless bird" of
+New Zealand. It was not known to European naturalists till of late
+years, and for a long time the accounts which the natives of New
+Zealand gave of it were discredited. A specimen of it, preserved in
+brine, was, however, brought to this country, and a full description
+of the bird given.
+
+The kirvi-kirvi, as the New Zealanders call it, stands about two feet
+high. Its wings are so small that they can scarcely be called wings,
+and are not easy to find under the general plumage of the body. Its
+nostrils, strange to say, are at the tip of the beak. The toes are
+strong, and well adapted for digging, the hind one being a thick,
+horny spur. To add to the singularity of this creature, it has no tail
+whatever. The kirvi-kirvi conceals itself among the extensive beds of
+fern which abound in the middle island of New Zealand, and it makes a
+nest of fern for its eggs in deep holes, which it hollows out of the
+ground. It feeds on insects, and particularly worms, which it disturbs
+by stamping on the ground, and seizes the instant they make their
+appearance. Night is the season when it is most active; and the
+natives hunt it by torchlight. When pursued, it elevates its head,
+like an ostrich, and runs with great swiftness. It defends itself,
+when overtaken, with much spirit, inflicting dangerous blows with its
+strong spur-armed feet.
+
+In this instance, as in all others, God has wisely adapted the very
+shape and limbs of the creature to the habits by which it was intended
+to be distinguished.
+
+ F. F. E.
+
+
+
+
+KINDNESS REWARDED.
+
+
+When Agrippa was in a private station, he was accused, by one of his
+servants, of having spoken injuriously of Tiberius, and was condemned
+by that emperor to be exposed in chains before the palace gate. The
+weather was very hot, and Agrippa became excessively thirsty. Seeing
+Thaumastus, a servant of Caligula, pass by him with a pitcher of
+water, he called to him, and entreated leave to drink. The servant
+presented the pitcher with much courtesy; and Agrippa, having allayed
+his thirst, said to him,--
+
+"Assure thyself, Thaumastus, that if I get out of this captivity, I
+will one day pay thee well for this draught of water."
+
+Tiberius dying, his successor, Caligula, soon after not only set
+Agrippa at liberty, but made him king of Judea. In this high situation
+Agrippa was not unmindful of the glass of water given to him when a
+captive.
+
+He immediately sent for Thaumastus, and made him controller of his
+household.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {People gathering hay}]
+
+A DREAM OF SUMMER.
+
+
+ West wind and sunshine
+ Braided together,
+ What is the one sign
+ But pleasant weather?
+
+ Birds in the cherry-trees,
+ Bees in the clover;
+ Who half so gay as these
+ All the world over?
+
+ Violets among the grass,
+ Roses regretting
+ How soon the summer 'll pass,--
+ Next year forgetting.
+
+ Buds sighing in their sleep,
+ "Summer, pray grant us
+ Youth, that its bloom will keep
+ Fragrance to haunt us!"
+
+ Rivulets that shine and sing,
+ Sunbeams abetting,--
+ No more remembering
+ Their frozen fretting.
+
+ Sweet music in the wind,
+ Sun in the showers;
+ All these we're sure to find
+ In summer hours.
+
+ MARY N. PRESCOTT.
+
+[Illustration: SUMMER FLOWERS.]
+
+
+
+
+EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING.
+
+
+"Please, Mr. Mate has _that_ cloud a silver lining?"
+
+The question was asked by little Kate Vale, the daughter of an
+emigrant, who, with her mother, was following her father, who had gone
+before to New York. Katie was a quiet, gentle little child, who gave
+trouble to no one. She had borne the suffering of seasickness at the
+beginning of the voyage so patiently, and now took the rough sea-fare
+so thankfully, that she had made a fast friend of Tom Bolton, the
+mate. Bolton had a warm, kindly heart, and one of the children whom he
+had left in England was just the age of Katie; this inclined him all
+the more to show her kindness. Katie often had a piece of Bolton's
+sea-biscuit; he told her tales which he called "long yarns," and
+sometimes in rough weather he would wrap his thick jacket around her,
+to keep the chill from her thinly-clad form. Katie was not at all
+afraid of Bolton, or "Mr. Mate," as she called him, and she took hold
+of his hard brown hand as she asked the question,--
+
+"Has that cloud a silver lining?"
+
+Bolton glanced up at a very black, lowering cloud, which seemed to
+blot the sun quite out of that part of the sky.
+
+"Why do you ask me, Kate?" said the sailor.
+
+"Because mother often says that every cloud has a silver lining, and
+that one looks as if it had none."
+
+Tom Bolton gave a short laugh.
+
+"None that we can see," he replied; "for the cloud is right atween us
+and the sun. If we could look at the upper part, where the bright
+beams fall, we should see yon black cloud like a great mass of silvery
+mother-o'-pearl, just like those that you yesterday called shining
+mountains of snow."
+
+Katie turned round, and raising her eyes, watched for some minutes
+the gloomy cloud. It was slowly moving towards the west, and as it did
+so, the sun behind it began to edge all its dark outline with
+brightness.
+
+"See, see!" exclaimed Katie; "it is turning out the edge of its silver
+lining. If I were up there in the sky, I suppose that all would look
+beautiful then. But I don't know why mother should take comfort from
+talking of the clouds and their linings."
+
+The mother, Mrs. Vale, who was standing near, leaning against the
+bulwarks, heard the last words of her child, and made reply,--
+
+"Because we have many clouds of sorrow here to darken our lives, and
+our hearts would often fail us but for the thought, 'There is a bright
+side to every trial sent to the humble believer.'"
+
+And Mrs. Vale repeated the beautiful lines,--
+
+ "Yon clouds, a mass of sable shade
+ To mortals gazing from below,
+ By angels from above surveyed,
+ With universal brightness glow."
+
+Katie did not quite understand the verse, but she knew how patiently
+and meekly her mother had borne sudden poverty, the sale of her goods,
+and the bitter parting from her beloved husband. Bolton also had been
+struck by the pious courage of one who had had a large share of
+earthly trials.
+
+"_Your_ clouds at least seem to be edged with silver," he observed,
+with a smile; and as he spoke, the glorious beams of the sun burst
+from behind the black mass of cloud, making widening streams of light
+up the sky, which, as Katie remarked, looked like paths up to heaven.
+
+The vessel arrived at New York, after rather a rough voyage, and Mrs.
+Vale, to her great delight, found her husband ready at the port to
+receive her. He brought her good tidings also. A fortnight before her
+landing he had procured a good situation, and he was now able to take
+her and their child to a comfortable home. Past sorrows now seemed to
+be almost forgotten.
+
+[Illustration: {Katie and Bolton on the deck of the ship}]
+
+Bolton, who, during a trying voyage, had shown much kindness to Mrs.
+Vale as well as to Katie, was invited during his stay at New York to
+make their house his home. He had much business to do as long as he
+remained in the great city, so saw little of the Vales except in the
+evenings, when he shared their cheerful supper, and then knelt down
+with them at family prayers. The mate learned much of the peace and
+happiness which piety brings while he dwelt under the emigrant's roof.
+
+But ere long the day arrived when Bolton's vessel, the Albion, was to
+start for England. She was to weigh anchor at one o'clock, and at
+midday the mate bade good by to his emigrant friends.
+
+"A pleasant journey to you, and a speedy return; we'll be glad to see
+you back here," said Henry Vale, as he shook the mate by the hand.
+
+Bolton's journey was to be much shorter, and his return much more
+speedy than he wished, or his friends expected. He was hastening down
+to the pier to join his vessel, when he saw hanging up in a shop
+window a curious basket, made of some of the various nuts of the
+country prettily strung together.
+
+"That's just the thing to take my Mary's fancy," said the mate to
+himself. "I've a present for every one at home but for her; it won't
+take two minutes to buy that basket."
+
+Great events often hang upon very small hooks. If Bolton had not
+turned back to buy the basket, he would not have been passing a house
+on which masons were working at the very moment when a ladder,
+carelessly placed against it, happened to fall with a crash. The
+ladder struck Bolton, and he fell on the pavement so much stunned by
+the shock, that he had to be carried in a senseless state into the
+shop of an apothecary.
+
+Happily no bones were broken, but it was nearly an hour before the
+mate recovered the use of his senses. He then opened his eyes, raised
+his head, and stared wildly around him, as if wondering to find
+himself in a strange place, and trying to think how he came to be
+there. Bolton pressed his aching forehead, seeking to recall to his
+memory what had happened, for he felt like one in a dream. Soon his
+glance fell on the clock in the apothecary's shop, and at the same
+instant the clock struck _one_! Bolton started to his feet, as if the
+chime of the little bell had been the roar of a cannon.
+
+"The Albion sails at one!" cried the mate; and without so much as
+stopping to look for his oilskin cap, with bandaged brow and
+bareheaded, Bolton rushed forth into the street, and, dizzy as he
+felt, staggered on towards the pier from which the vessel was to sail.
+
+It was not to be expected that the sailor's course should be a very
+straight one, or that with all his haste he should manage to make good
+speed. The streets of New York seemed to be more full of traffic than
+usual, and twice the mate narrowly escaped being knocked down again by
+some vehicle rapidly driven along the road. At last, breathless and
+faint, and scarcely able to keep his feet, poor Bolton arrived at the
+wharf to which his ship had been moored but an hour before. But the
+Albion was there no longer--the vessel had started without the
+mate--he could see her white sails in the distance; she was already
+on her way back to Old England, and she had left him behind!
+
+This was a greater shock to poor Bolton than the blow from the falling
+ladder had been. He stood for several minutes gazing after the ship
+with a look of despair, then slowly the sailor returned to the house
+of the Vales.
+
+"Nothing more unlucky could possibly have happened," muttered the mate
+to himself. "Here's a pretty scrape that I shall get into with my
+employers; the mate of their vessel absent just at the time when he
+ought to have been at his post! Then I've nothing with me--nothing,
+save the clothes that I stand in! All my luggage is now on the waves,
+and a precious long time it will be before I shall see it again. But I
+don't care so much for the luggage; what I can't bear to think of is
+my wife and my children looking out eagerly for the arrival of the
+good ship Albion, and then, when she reaches port, finding that no Tom
+Bolton is in her! I wish that that stupid basket had been at the
+bottom of the sea before ever I set eyes on it!"
+
+Pale, haggard, and looking--as he was--greatly troubled, Bolton
+entered the house of the Vales, which he so lately had quitted. The
+family were just finishing their dinner; and not a little astonished
+were they to see one whom they had believed to be on the wide sea.
+
+"Here I am again, like a bad half-penny," said the sailor; and sitting
+down wearily on a chair which Katie placed for him directly, Bolton
+gave a short account of what he called the most unlucky mischance that
+had ever happened to him in the course of his life.
+
+The Vales felt much for his trouble, and begged him to remain with
+them until he could get a passage in some other vessel bound for
+England.
+
+[Illustration: THE MAN AT THE WHEEL.]
+
+"And don't take your accident so much to heart," softly whispered
+little Katie; "you know mother's favorite proverb--'Every cloud has a
+silver lining.'"
+
+"Sometimes, even in this life, we can see the silver edge round the
+border," observed Mrs. Vale.
+
+Bolton had too brave a heart and too sensible a mind to give way long
+to fretting, though he did not see how so black a cloud as that which
+hung over his sky could possibly have anything to brighten its gloom.
+He tried to make the best of that which he could not prevent, and
+retired to rest that night with a tolerably cheerful face, though with
+a violent headache, and a heartache which troubled him more.
+
+Bolton slept very little that night, nor indeed did any one else in
+the house; for with the close of day there came on a violent storm
+which raged fiercely until the morning. Katie trembled in her little
+cot to hear how the gale roared and shrieked in the chimneys, and
+rattled the window-frames, and threatened to burst open the doors. The
+child raised her head from the pillow, and thanked the Lord that her
+sailor friend was not tossing then on the waves.
+
+But far more thankful was Katie when tidings reached New York of what
+the storm had done on that terrible night. Bolton was sitting at
+breakfast with his friends on the third day after the tempest, when
+Vale, who was reading the newspaper, turned to the part headed
+"Shipping Intelligence."
+
+"Any news?" inquired Tom Bolton, struck by the expression on the face
+of his friend.
+
+Instead of replying, Vale exclaimed, "How little we can tell in this
+life what is really for our evil or our good! You called that accident
+which prevented your sailing in the Albion an 'unlucky mischance.'"
+
+"Of course I did. My wife and children are impatient to see me--"
+
+"Had you sailed in that ship," interrupted Vale, "they would never
+have seen you again. The Albion went down in that storm!"
+
+What was the regret of Tom Bolton on hearing of the disaster, and what
+was his thankfulness for his own preservation, I leave the reader to
+guess. Often in after days did the little American basket remind him
+in his own home of what others might have called the chance that led
+him to turn back on his way to the ship, and so caused the accident
+which vexed him so much at the time.
+
+
+
+
+GOOD-HUMOR.
+
+
+ I am a first-rate fairy--
+ "Good-Humor" is my name;
+ I use my wand where'er I go,
+ And make the rough ways plain;
+
+ And make the ugly faces shine,
+ The shrillest voices sweet,
+ The coarsest ore a golden mine,
+ The poorest lives complete.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A boy sits reading in an armchair}]
+
+BOOKS AND READING.
+
+
+I really am in doubt whether or not the young folks ought to be
+congratulated in consequence of the great number of juvenile books
+which are being placed before them about this time. An excellent book
+is certainly excellent company; but there is a limit to all things;
+and so we may have too many books, taking it for granted that all are
+good ones.
+
+You all know, that, as a general rule, people in America read too
+much, and think too little. Reading is a benefit to us only when it
+leads to reflection. It is useless when it leaves no lasting
+impression on the mind; it is _worse_ than useless if the lesson it
+conveys be not a really good one.
+
+Suppose you sit down to a well-furnished table at a hotel to eat your
+dinner. The waiter hands you a bill of fare, upon which is printed a
+long list of good and wholesome dishes, and then quietly waits until
+you order what you wish. You are not expected to eat of every one,
+however attractive they may be, but rather to select what you like
+best,--enough to make a modest meal,--and let that suffice.
+
+But the selection is not all. If you expect to gain health and
+strength by your dinner, you must eat it in a proper manner; that is,
+slowly. Otherwise nature's work will be imperfectly done, and your
+food become a source of bodily harm, instead of a benefit.
+
+Now, it is precisely so with the food of the mind, which comes to you
+through books. You are not expected to read everything which comes
+within your reach. You should rather select the best, and, having done
+so, read them slowly and carefully. You may read too much as well as
+eat too much; and while the one will injure your body, the other will
+as certainly harm your mind.
+
+One of the worst evils which too much reading leads to is a habit of
+_reading to forget_. You know what a bad habit is, how it clings to
+us, when once contracted, and how hard it is to be shaken off. Some
+boys and girls read a book entirely through in a single evening, and
+the next day are eagerly at work on another, to be as quickly
+mastered. No mind, however strong, can stand such a strain. You see at
+once that it would be absolutely impossible for them to remember what
+they read. And so they read for a momentary enjoyment, and gradually
+fall into the habit I have spoken of--reading to forget. I need not
+tell you that such a habit is fatal to any very high position in life.
+
+How often we hear parents boast that their children are "great
+readers," just as if their intelligence should, in their opinion, be
+measured by the number of books and papers which they had read! Need I
+say, that, on the contrary, they are objects of pity?
+
+But how much may we read with profit? That is a question not always
+easy to answer. Some can read a great deal more than others. Yet, if
+young people read slowly, and think a great deal about the subject,
+there is very little danger of their reading too much, provided they
+select only good books; because good books are very scarce--much more
+so in proportion to the number printed than they were twenty years
+ago; and there are very few young persons who have too great a supply
+of good works placed within their reach.
+
+I have mentioned one evil which results from too much reading, and
+will only briefly allude to another equally important. Children who
+attend school have no time to devote to worthless books. Their studies
+consume many hours. If, aside from the time which should be devoted to
+play, to their meals, and the various duties of home, they will read a
+useless book every day or two, their health is sure to suffer. The
+evil consequences may not be at once apparent, but in later years the
+penalty will certainly have to be paid. This reflection alone, if
+there were no other reason, should induce the young to discard all
+useless books, and read only such as shall have a tendency to make
+them wiser and better.
+
+
+
+
+THE CORAL-WORKERS.
+
+
+ The little coral-workers,
+ By their slow but constant motion,
+ Have built those pretty islands
+ In the distant dark-blue ocean;
+ And the noblest undertakings
+ Man's wisdom hath conceived
+ By oft-repeated efforts
+ Have been patiently achieved.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Lion carries a baby's basket down some stairs}]
+
+LION THE FIRE DOG.
+
+
+Lion, who was a cross between a Great St. Bernard and a Newfoundland
+dog, came into the possession of the superintendent of the London fire
+brigade when he was but twelve months old. His first retreat was in
+the engine-house, where, on some old hose and sacking, he made himself
+as comfortable as he could, and coiled himself up, like the tubing on
+which he lay. Considering that he was thus placed in charge of the
+engine-house, he resented the first occasion on which a fire occurred
+at night. The fire bell rang, and the firemen crowded to the spot,
+prepared to draw forth the engine, when a decided opposition was made
+on the part of Lion, who showed a determination to fasten himself on
+the first fireman who dared to enter the house. In this way the
+faithful dog kept them all at bay until the arrival of his master,
+whom he instantly recognized and obeyed. As soon as the horses were
+harnessed, and the engine was in motion, Lion bounded along in
+company, and was present at his first fire. After that time, he
+attended no less than three hundred and thirty-two fires, and not
+only attended, but assisted at them, always useful, and sometimes
+doing work and saving life, which, but for him, would have been lost.
+
+His chief friends, the firemen, say it would take a long while to tell
+all his acts of daring and sagacity; but we must, in justice to his
+memory, record some of the most notable.
+
+Whenever the fire bell rang, Lion was immediately on the alert,
+barking loudly, as if to spread the dire alarm. Then, as soon as his
+master had taken his place on the engine, and before the horses were
+off, he led the way, clearing the road and warning every one of the
+approach of the engine, and spreading the news of the fire by his loud
+voice.
+
+On one occasion, when the horses were tearing along the streets as
+fire engine horses alone can, a little child was seen just in front of
+the engine. To stop the horses in time was impossible, though the
+driver did his best. The brave hearts of the firemen sank within them
+as they felt they must drive over the little body. Bystanders raised
+their arms and shrieked as they witnessed an impending catastrophe
+which they could do nothing to avert. No human help could avail, and
+it must needs be that the engine of mercy, on its way to save life,
+must sacrifice the life of an innocent, helpless child!
+
+But stay! Human eyes were not the only ones that took in that sad
+scene, and that saw the impending doom of the little one. Brave,
+sagacious, and fleet, Lion saw at a glance the danger that threatened
+the child, and springing forward, he knocked him down; then seizing
+him firmly in his jaws, he made for the pavement obliquely, and gently
+deposited his charge in the gutter just as the engine went tearing by.
+
+But this was only an incident by the way; Lion's real work began when
+the scene of the fire was reached. As soon as the door was opened, or
+dashing through the window if there was a delay in opening the door,
+the noble animal would run all over the burning house, barking, so as
+to arouse the inmates if they were unaware of the danger; and never
+would he leave the fire until he had either aroused them or had drawn
+the attention of the firemen to them.
+
+Once the firemen could not account for his conduct. Darting into the
+burning house,--the ceilings of which had given way,--and then out
+again to the firemen, he howled and yelled most loudly. It was
+believed that no one was in the house, but Lion's conduct made his
+master feel uneasy.
+
+Still nothing could be done by way of entering the house, as the fire
+was raging fiercely, and the house would soon fall in. Finding that
+his entreaties were not regarded, and suffering from burns and
+injuries, the noble animal discontinued his efforts, but ran uneasily
+round the engine, howling in a piteous manner; nor would he leave the
+spot after the fire was put out until search was made, when beneath
+the still smouldering embers, the firemen discovered the charred body
+of an old man, whom he had done his utmost to save.
+
+Lion's noble efforts, however, were often crowned with success; and
+many a one has to bless the wondrous qualities with which God had
+endowed him.
+
+At one fire, after the inmates had made their escape, a cry was raised
+that "the baby had been left behind in the cradle up stairs," though
+no one seemed to be able to indicate the room. The fire had so far got
+hold of the dwelling, such dense volumes of flame and smoke were
+issuing from every opening, that it was impossible for any fireman to
+enter, and the crowd stood horror-stricken at the thought of the
+perishing babe.
+
+The crisis was a terrible one; an effort was made, an entry was
+effected, and some of the men ventured some distance within the
+burning pile, only to retrace their steps.
+
+At this emergency, Lion dashed past the men, disappeared amid the
+flames, but returned in a minute into the street with the empty cradle
+in his powerful jaws. The consequence of this almost incredible
+feat--which was witnessed by many--may be better imagined than
+described.
+
+The fact that Lion did not re-enter the house--which, though badly
+burned, he would doubtless have done had he left the child behind--was
+sufficient to convince the dullest intellect that the child was
+secure; and it was very soon ascertained that the object of search was
+safe in a neighboring house.
+
+No wonder, then, that this noble animal endeared himself to all who
+knew him; and those who knew him best loved him the most. For fourteen
+years Lion continued his noble and useful career as public benefactor,
+as friend and companion to the firemen, and as mourner at their
+graves; for he attended the funerals of no less than eleven of them.
+
+Death came to him at length; for last year he died from injuries
+received in the discharge of his self-imposed duties.
+
+There are few of our readers who would not have liked to pat that
+brave old dog; there are fewer still who may not learn useful and
+valuable lessons from the speaking testimony of that dumb animal.
+
+ BENJAMIN CLARKE.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE CARDINAL FLOWER.
+
+
+ O, my princely flower, shall I never win
+ To your moated citadel within,
+ To your guarded thought?
+
+ The pansies are proud; but they show to me
+ Their purple velvets from over the sea,
+ With gold inwrought.
+
+ And they gently smile wherever we meet;
+ They seem to me like proud ladies sweet
+ From a foreign shore.
+
+ Wild primrose buds in my very hand
+ Their odorous evening stars expand,
+ And all their lore.
+
+ But your strange eyes gleam as they pass me by,
+ And seem to dream of a warmer sky,
+ Far over the sea.
+
+ M. R. W.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A woman, an elderly man and two children watch
+ butterflies in a garden}]
+
+THE SONG OF THE ROSE.
+
+
+ I come not when the earth is brown, and gray
+ The skies; I am no flower of a day,
+ No crocus I, to bloom and pass away;
+
+ No cowslip bright, or hyacinth that clings
+ Close to the earth, from whence it springs;
+ Nor tulip, gay as song birds' wings.
+
+ I am the royal rose, and all things fair
+ Grow fairer for my sake; the earth, the air,
+ Proclaim the coming of the flower most rare.
+
+ Green is the earth, and beautiful the sky,
+ And soft the breeze, that loves to linger nigh;
+ I am the rose, and who with me shall vie?
+
+ The earth is full of gladness, all in tune
+ With songs of birds; and now I come, O June,
+ To crown thee, month of beauty, with my bloom.
+
+ T. E. D.
+
+
+
+
+RICH AND POOR.
+
+
+ My dear little girl, with the flowers in your hair,
+ Stop singing a moment, and look over there;
+ While you are so safe in the sheltering fold,
+ With treasures of silver, and treasures of gold,
+ Just a few steps away, in a dark, narrow street,
+ With no pure, cooling drink, and no morsel to eat,
+ A poor girl is dying, no older than you;
+ Her lips were as red, and her eyes were as blue,
+ Her step was as light, and her song was as sweet,
+ And the heart in her bosom as merrily beat.
+
+ But now she is dying, so lonely and poor,
+ For famine and fever crept in at the door.
+ While you were so gay, in your beautiful dress,
+ With music and laughter, and friends to caress,
+ From the dawn to the end of the weariful day,
+ She was always at work, with no moment for play.
+ She saw you sometimes, but you seemed like a star
+ That gleamed in the distance, so dim and afar.
+ And often she wondered if God up above
+ Remembered the poor girl, in pity and love.
+
+ Ah, yes, _He remembered_, 'mid harpings and hymns,
+ And loud alleluias, and waving of wings,
+ He heard in _His_ heaven the sound of her tears,
+ And called her away while the sun of her years
+ Was yet in the east; now, she never will need
+ From you any more a compassionate deed.
+ Nay, some time, perhaps, from her home in the skies,
+ She will look back to see you with tears in your eyes,
+ For sooner or later we quiver with pain,
+ And down on us all drops the sorrowful rain.
+
+ She never will need you; but many bereft,
+ Hungry, and heart-sore, and homeless are left.
+ You can, if you will, from the place where you stand,
+ Reach downward to help them; the touch of your hand,
+ The price of one jewel, the gift of a flower,
+ May waken within them, with magical power,
+ A hope that was dying. O, don't be afraid
+ The poor and the desolate spirit to aid.
+ The burdens are heavy that some one must bear,
+ You dear little girl with the flowers in your hair.
+
+ ELLEN M. H. GATES.
+
+[Illustration: RICH AND POOR.]
+
+
+
+
+LACE-MAKING.
+
+
+"See, mamma what is the woman doing? She looks as if she was holding a
+pin-cushion in her lap and was sticking pins in it."
+
+"So she is, my dear," Ellen's mother remarked. "But that is not all
+she is doing. There is a cluster of bobbins hanging down one side of
+the cushion which are wound with threads, and these threads she weaves
+around the pins in such a manner as to make lace."
+
+"I never saw anybody make lace that way. I have seen Aunt Maria knit
+it with a crochet-hook."
+
+"This is a different kind of lace altogether from the crocheted lace.
+They do not make it in the United States. The woman whom you see in
+the picture lives in Belgium in Europe. In that country, and in some
+parts of France and Germany, many of the poorer people earn a living
+at lace-making. The pattern which in making the lace it is intended to
+follow is pricked with a pin on a strip of paper. This paper is
+fastened on the cushion, and then pins are stuck in through all the
+pin-holes, and then the thread from these bobbins is woven around the
+lace."
+
+"Can they work fast?"
+
+"An accomplished lace-maker will make her hands fly as fast as though
+she were playing the piano, always using the right bobbin, no matter
+how many of them there may be. In making the pattern of a piece of
+nice lace from two hundred to eight hundred bobbins are sometimes
+used. In such a case it takes more than one person--sometimes as many
+as seven--at a single cushion."
+
+"It must be hard to do."
+
+"I dare say it would be for you or me. Yet in those countries little
+children work at lace-making. Little children, old women and the least
+skilful of the men make the plainer and coarser laces, while
+experienced women make the nicer sorts."
+
+"What do they do with their lace when it is finished?"
+
+"All the lace-makers in a neighborhood bring in their laces once a
+week to the 'mistress'--for women carry on the business of
+lace-making--then this 'mistress' packs them up and takes them to the
+nearest market-town, where they are peddled about from one
+trading-house to another until they are all sold."
+
+"Do they get much for them?"
+
+"The poor lace-makers get hardly enough to keep them from starvation
+for their fine and delicate work; but the laces, after they have
+passed through the hands of one trader after another, and are at last
+offered to the public, bring enormous prices. A nice library might be
+bought for the price of a set of laces, or a beautiful house built at
+the cost of a single flounce."
+
+"I think I should rather have the house, mamma."
+
+"So should I. But the people who buy these laces probably have houses
+already. There is over four million dollars' worth of lace sold every
+year in Belgium alone."
+
+Ellen thought she should never see a piece of nice lace without
+thinking of these wonderful lace-makers, who produce such delicate
+work and yet are paid so little for it; and while she was thus
+thinking over the matter, mamma went quietly on with her sewing.
+
+[Illustration: LACE-MAKERS.]
+
+
+
+
+HELP YOURSELVES.
+
+
+Many boys and girls make a failure in life because they do not learn
+to help themselves. They depend on father and mother even to hang up
+their hats and to find their playthings. When they become men and
+women, they will depend on husbands and wives to do the same thing. "A
+nail to hang a hat on," said an old man of eighty years, "is worth
+everything to a boy." He had been "through the mill," as people say,
+so that he knew. His mother had a nail for him when he was a boy--"a
+nail to hang his hat on," and nothing else. It was "Henry's nail" from
+January to January, year in and out, and no other member of the family
+was allowed to appropriate it for any purpose whatever. If the broom
+by chance was hung thereon, or an apron or coat, it was soon removed,
+because that nail was "to hang Henry's hat on." And that nail did much
+for Henry; it helped make him what he was in manhood--a careful,
+systematic, orderly man, at home and abroad, on his farm and in his
+house. He never wanted another to do what he could do for himself.
+
+Young folks are apt to think that certain things, good in themselves,
+are not honorable. To be a blacksmith or a bootmaker, to work on a
+farm or drive a team, is beneath their dignity, as compared with being
+a merchant, or practising medicine or law. This is PRIDE, an enemy to
+success and happiness. No _necessary_ labor is discreditable. It is
+never dishonorable to be _useful_. It is beneath no one's dignity to
+earn bread by the sweat of the brow. When boys who have such false
+notions of dignity become men, they are ashamed to help themselves as
+they ought, and for want of this quality they live and die unhonored.
+Trying to save their dignity, they lose it.
+
+Here is a fact we have from a very successful merchant. When he began
+business for himself, he carried his wares from shop to shop. At
+length his business increased to such an extent, that he hired a room
+at the Marlboro' Hotel, in Boston, during the business season, and
+thither the merchants, having been duly notified, would repair to make
+purchases. Among all his customers, there was only one man who would
+carry to his store the goods which he had purchased. The buyers asked
+to have their goods carried, and often this manufacturer would carry
+them himself. But there was one merchant, and the largest buyer of the
+whole number, who was not ashamed to be seen carrying a case of goods
+through the streets. Sometimes he would purchase four cases, and he
+would say, "Now, I will take two, and you take two, and we will carry
+them right over to the store." So the manufacturer and the merchant
+often went through the streets of Boston quite heavily loaded. This
+merchant, of all the number who went to the Marlboro' Hotel for their
+purchases, succeeded in business. He became a wealthy man when all the
+others failed. The manufacturer, who was not ashamed to help himself,
+is now living--one of the wealthy men of Massachusetts, ready to aid,
+by his generous gifts, every good object that comes along, and honored
+by all who know him.
+
+You have often heard and read the maxim, "God helps those who help
+themselves." Is it not true?
+
+ WILLIAM M. THAYER.
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY OF JOHNNY DAWDLE.
+
+
+ Here, little folks, listen; I'll tell you a tale,
+ Though to shock and surprise you I fear it won't fail;
+ Of Master John Dawdle my story must be,
+ Who, I'm sorry to say, is related to me.
+
+ And yet, after all, he's a nice little fellow:
+ His eyes are dark brown and his hair is pale yellow;
+ And though not very clever or tall, it is true
+ He is better than many, if worse than a few.
+
+ But he dawdles at breakfast, he dawdles at tea--
+ He's the greatest small dawdle that ever could be;
+ And when in his bedroom, it is his delight
+ To dawdle in dressing at morning and night.
+
+ And oh! if you saw him sit over a sum,
+ You'd much wish to pinch him with finger and thumb;
+ And then, if you scold him, he looks up so meek;
+ Dear me! one would think that he hardly could speak.
+
+ Each morning the same he comes tumbling down,
+ And often enough is received with a frown,
+ And a terrible warning of something severe
+ Unless on the morrow he sooner appear.
+
+ But where does he live? That I'd rather not say,
+ Though, if truth must be told, I have met him to-day;
+ I meant just to pass him with merely a bow,
+ But he stopped and conversed for a minute or so.
+
+ "Well, where are you going?" politely said I;
+ To which he replied, with a groan and a sigh,
+ "I've been doing my Latin from breakfast till dinner,
+ And pretty hard work that is for a beginner."
+
+ "But now I suppose you are going to play
+ And have pleasure and fun for the rest of the day?"
+ "Indeed, but I'm not--there's that bothering sum;
+ And then there's a tiresome old copy to come."
+
+[Illustration: JOHNNY DAWDLE.]
+
+ "Dear me!" I replied, and I thought it quite sad
+ There should be such hard work for one poor little lad;
+ But just at that moment a lady passed by,
+ And her words soon made clear that mistaken was I:
+
+ "Now, then, Mr. Dawdle, get out of my way!
+ I suppose you intended to stop here all day;
+ The bell has done ringing, and yet, I declare,
+ Your hands are not washed, nor yet brushed is your hair."
+
+ "Ho, ho!" I exclaimed; "Mr. Dawdle, indeed!"
+ And I took myself off with all possible speed,
+ Quite distressed that I should for a moment be seen
+ With one who so lazy and careless had been.
+
+ So now, if you please, we will wish him good-bye;
+ And if you should meet him by chance, as did I,
+ Just bid him good-morning, and say that a friend
+ (Only don't mention names) hopes he soon may amend.
+
+
+
+
+THE MOTHERLESS BOY.
+
+
+One day, about a year ago, the door of my sitting-room was thrown
+suddenly open, and the confident voice of Harvey thus introduced a
+stranger:
+
+"Here's Jim Peters, mother."
+
+I looked up, not a little surprised at the sight of a ragged, barefoot
+child.
+
+Before I had time to say anything, Harvey went on:
+
+"He lives round in Blake's Court and hasn't any mother. I found him on
+a doorstep feeding birds."
+
+My eyes rested on the child's face while my boy said this. It was a
+very sad little face, thin and colorless, not bold and vicious, but
+timid and having a look of patient suffering. Harvey held him firmly
+by the hand with the air of one who bravely protects the weak.
+
+"No mother!" said I, in tones of pity.
+
+"No, ma'am; he hasn't any mother. Have you, Jim?"
+
+"No," answered the child.
+
+"She's been dead ever so long; hasn't she, Jim?"
+
+"Yes, ever since last winter," he said as he fixed his eyes, into
+which I saw the tears coming, upon my face. My heart moved toward him,
+repulsive as he was because of his rags and dirt.
+
+"One of God's little lambs straying on the cold and barren hills of
+life," said a voice in my heart. And then I felt a tender compassion
+for the strange, unlovely child.
+
+"Where do you live?" I asked.
+
+"Round in Blake's Court," he replied.
+
+"Who with?"
+
+"Old Mrs. Flint; but she doesn't want me."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Oh, because I'm nothing to her, she says, and she doesn't want the
+trouble of me." He tried to say this in a brave, don't-care sort of
+way, but his voice faltered and he dropped his eyes to the floor. How
+pitiful he looked!
+
+"Poor child!" I could not help saying aloud.
+
+Light flashed over his pale face. It was something new to him, this
+interest and compassion.
+
+"One of God's little lambs." I heard the voice in my heart saying this
+again. Nobody to love him--nobody to care for him. Poor little boy!
+The hand of my own child, my son who is so very dear to me, had led
+him in through our door and claimed for him the love and care so long
+a stranger to his heart. Could I send him out and shut the door upon
+him, when I knew that he had no mother and no home? If I heeded not
+the cry of this little one precious in God's sight, might I not be
+thought unworthy to be the guardian of another lamb of his fold whom I
+loved as my own life?
+
+"I've got heaps of clothes, mother--a great many more than I want. And
+my bed is wide. There's room enough in the house, and we've plenty to
+eat," said Harvey, pleading for the child. I could not withstand all
+these appeals. Rising, I told the little stranger to follow me. When
+we came back to the sitting-room half an hour afterward, Jim Peters
+would hardly have been known by his old acquaintances, if any of them
+had been there. A bath and clean clothes had made a wonderful change
+in him.
+
+I watched the poor little boy, as he and Harvey played during the
+afternoon, with no little concern of mind. What was I to do with him?
+Clean and neatly dressed, there was a look of refinement about the
+child which had nearly all been hidden by rags and dirt. He played
+gently, and his voice had in it a sweetness of tone, as it fell every
+now and then upon my ears, that was really winning. Send him back to
+Mrs. Flint's in Blake's Court? The change I had wrought upon him made
+this impossible. No, he could not be sent back to Mrs. Flint's, who
+didn't want the trouble of him. What then?
+
+[Illustration: THE MOTHERLESS BOY.]
+
+Do the kind hearts of my little readers repeat the question, "What
+then?" Do they want very much to know what has become of little Jim
+Peters?
+
+It is just a year since my boy led him in from the street, and Jim is
+still in our house. No one came for him. No one inquired about him. No
+one cared for him. I must take that last sentence back. God cared for
+him, and by the hand of my tender-hearted son brought him into my
+comfortable home and said to me, "Here is one of my lambs, astray,
+hungry and cold. He was born into the world that he might become an
+angel in heaven, but is in danger of being lost. I give him into your
+care. Let me find him when I call my sheep by their names."
+
+As I finished writing the last sentence a voice close to my ear said
+"Mother!" I turned and received a loving kiss from the lips of Jim. He
+often does this. I think, in the midst of his happy plays, memory
+takes him back to the suffering past, and then his grateful heart runs
+over and he tries to reward me with a loving kiss. I did not tell him
+to call me "Mother." At first he said it in a timid, hesitating way,
+and with such a pleading, half-scared look that I was touched and
+softened.
+
+"She isn't your real mother," said Harvey, who happened to be near,
+"but then she's good and loves you ever so much."
+
+"And I love her," answered Jim, with a great throb in his throat,
+hiding his face in my lap and clasping and kissing my hand. Since then
+he always calls me "Mother;" and the God and Father of us all has sent
+into my heart a mother's love for him, and I pray that he may be mine
+when I come to make up my jewels in heaven.
+
+
+
+
+THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
+
+
+ Jesus says that we must love him.
+ Helpless as the lambs are we;
+ But He very kindly tells us
+ That our Shepherd He will be.
+
+ Heavenly Shepherd, please to watch us,
+ Guard us both by night and day;
+ Pity show to little children,
+ Who like lambs too often stray.
+
+ We are always prone to wander:
+ Please to keep us from each snare;
+ Teach our infant hearts to praise Thee
+ For Thy kindness and Thy care.
+
+
+
+
+THE ST. BERNARD DOG.
+
+
+By the pass of the Great St. Bernard travellers cross the Pennine
+Alps (Penn, a Celtic word, meaning _height_) along the mountain road
+which leads from Martigny, in Switzerland, to Aosta, in Piedmont. On
+the crest of the pass, eight thousand two hundred feet above the sea
+level, stands the Hospice, tenanted by about a dozen monks.
+
+This is supposed to be the highest spot in Europe inhabited by human
+beings. The climate is necessarily rigorous, the thermometer in winter
+being often twenty-nine degrees below zero, whilst sixty-eight degrees
+Fahrenheit is about the highest range ever attained in summer. From
+the extreme difficulty of respiration, few of the monks ever survive
+the period of their vow, which is fifteen years, commencing at the age
+of eighteen.
+
+This hospice is said to have been first founded in the year 962, by
+Bernard, a Piedmontese nobleman. It will be remembered that it was
+over this pass Napoleon, in May, 1800, led an army of thirty thousand
+men into Italy, having with them heavy artillery and cavalry.
+
+For poor travellers and traders the hospice is really a place of
+refuge. During winter, crossing this pass is a very dangerous affair.
+The snow falls in small particles, and remains as dry as dust.
+Whirlwinds, called "tourmentes," catch up this light snow, and
+carrying it with blinding violence against the traveller, burying
+every landmark, at once put an end to knowledge of position.
+Avalanches, too, are of frequent occurrence.
+
+After violent storms, or the fall of avalanches, or any other unusual
+severity of winter weather, the monks set out in search of travellers
+who may have been overwhelmed by the snow in their ascent of the
+pass. They are generally accompanied in their search by dogs of a
+peculiar breed, commonly known as the St. Bernard's Dog, on account of
+the celebrated monastery where these magnificent animals are taught to
+exercise their wondrous powers, which have gained for them and their
+teachers a world-wide fame. On their neck is a bell, to attract the
+attention of any belated wayfarer; and their deep and powerful bay
+quickly gives notice to the benevolent monks to hurry to the relief of
+any unfortunate traveller they may find.
+
+Some of the dogs carry, attached to their collars, a flask of spirits
+or other restorative. Their wonderfully acute sense of smell enables
+them to detect the bodies of persons buried deeply beneath the surface
+of the snow, and thus direct the searchers where to dig for them. The
+animal's instinct seems to teach it, too, where hidden chasms or
+clefts, filled with loose snow, are; for it carefully avoids them, and
+thus is an all-important guide to the monks themselves.
+
+We have stories without number as to what these dogs accomplish on
+their own account; how they dig out travellers, and bring them,
+sometimes unaided by man, to the hospice.
+
+[Illustration: THE ST. BERNARD DOG.]
+
+A few years ago one of these faithful animals might be seen wearing a
+medal, and regarded with much affection by all. This noble dog had
+well deserved the distinction; for one stormy day he had saved
+twenty-two individuals buried in their snowy envelope. Unfortunately,
+he met, at a subsequent period, the very fate from which he had
+rescued so many persons. At the worst season an Italian courier was
+crossing the pass, attended by two monks, each escorted by a dog
+(one being the wearer of the medal), when suddenly a vast avalanche
+shot down upon them with lightning speed, and they were all lost.
+
+Another of these dogs, named "Barry," had served the St. Bernard
+Convent during twelve years, and had saved the lives of fifteen
+persons during that time. Whenever the pass was obscured by fogs and
+wintry snow-storms, he would go forth in search of lost travellers. It
+was his practice to run barking till he lost his breath, and he would
+venture into the most dangerous places. If, as sometimes happened, he
+did not succeed in drawing out from the snow some traveller stiffened
+with cold or overcome with exhaustion, he would run back to the
+convent and fetch some of the monks.
+
+One day this brave dog found a little child in a half-frozen state. He
+began directly to lick him, and having succeeded first in restoring
+animation, and next in the complete resuscitation of the boy, he
+induced the child, by his caresses, to tie himself on his back. When
+this was effected, he transported the poor child, as if in triumph, to
+the hospice. When overtaken by old age, the glorious dog was pensioned
+off by way of reward, and after his death his body was stuffed and
+placed in the museum at Berne.
+
+It is said that dogs of this variety inherit the faculty of tracking
+footsteps in snow. A gentleman once obtained a pup which had been
+produced in London by a female of the St. Bernard breed. The young
+animal was brought to Scotland, where it was never observed to give
+any particular tokens of a power of tracking footsteps until winter.
+Then, when the ground was covered with snow, it showed the utmost
+inclination to follow footsteps; and such was its power of doing so,
+that though its master might attempt to confuse it by walking in the
+most irregular fashion, and by inducing other persons to cross his
+path in all directions, yet it always followed his course with great
+precision.
+
+Sir Thomas Dick Lander, who for many years resided at Grange House,
+Edinburgh, had a fine dog of the St. Bernard breed presented to him.
+Its bark was so loud that it could be distinguished at the distance of
+a mile. Its bark once led to its recovery, when stolen by some
+carters. "Bass," as the dog was named, had been missing for some time,
+when it was brought back to Grange House by a letter-carrier, who said
+that in going along a certain street, he heard a barking inside a
+yard, and at once recognized the voice of Bass. "He knocked at the
+gate," writes Sir Thomas, "and immediately said to the owner of the
+premises,--
+
+"'You have got Sir Thomas Lander's big dog.'
+
+"The man denied it.
+
+"'But I know you have,' continued the letter-carrier. 'I am certain
+that I heard the bark of Sir Thomas's big dog; for there is no other
+dog in or about all Edinburgh that has such a bark.'
+
+"The man then admitted that he had a large dog, which he had bought
+for a trifle from a couple of coal carters; and at last, with great
+reluctance, he gave up the dog to the letter-carrier, who brought him
+home here."
+
+Sir Thomas, after describing many of Bass's characteristics, then
+proceeds:--
+
+"He took a particular fancy for one of the postmen who delivers
+letters here, though he was not the man whom I have already had
+occasion to mention. It was the duty of this postman I now allude to,
+besides delivering letters, to carry a letter-bag from one receiving
+house to another, and this big bag he used to give Bass to carry. Bass
+always followed that man through all the villas in the neighborhood
+where he had deliveries to make, and he invariably parted with him
+opposite to the gate of the Convent of St. Margaret's, and returned
+home.
+
+"When our gate was shut, to prevent his following the postman, the dog
+always leaped a high wall to get after him. One day, when the postman
+was ill, or detained by some accidental circumstance, he sent a man in
+his place. Bass went up to the man, curiously scanning his face,
+whilst the man retired from the dog, by no means liking his
+appearance, and very anxious to decline all acquaintance with him. But
+as the man left the place, Bass followed him, showing strong symptoms
+that he was determined to have the post-bag. The man did all he could
+to keep the possession of it. But at length Bass, seeing that he had
+no chance of getting possession of the bag by civil entreaty, raised
+himself on his hind legs, and putting a great fore paw on each of the
+man's shoulders, he laid him flat on his back in the road, and quietly
+picking up the bag, he proceeded peaceably on his wonted way. The man,
+much dismayed, arose and followed the dog, making, every now and then,
+an ineffectual attempt to coax him to give it up.
+
+"At the first house he came to he told his fears and the dilemma he
+was in; but the people comforted him by telling him that the dog
+always carried the bag. Bass walked with the man to all the houses at
+which he delivered letters, and along the road till he came to the
+gate of St. Margaret's, where he dropped the bag; and making his bow
+to the man, he returned home."
+
+
+
+
+THE FLIGHT OF THE BIRDS.
+
+
+ O wise little birds! how do you know
+ The way to go
+ Southward and northward, to and fro?
+
+ Far up in the ether piped they:
+ "We but obey
+ One who calleth us far away.
+
+ "He calleth and calleth year by year
+ Now there, now here;
+ Ever He maketh the way appear."
+
+ Dear little birds, He calleth me
+ Who calleth ye:
+ Would that I might as trusting be!
+
+[Illustration: FEEDING THE BIRDS.]
+
+
+
+
+FOR THE CHILDREN.
+
+
+ Come stand by my knee, little children,
+ Too weary for laughter or song;
+ The sports of the daylight are over,
+ And evening is creeping along;
+ The snow-fields are white in the moonlight,
+ The winds of the winter are chill,
+ But under the sheltering roof-tree
+ The fire shineth ruddy and still.
+
+ You sit by the fire, little children,
+ Your cheeks are ruddy and warm;
+ But out in the cold of the winter
+ Is many a shivering form.
+ There are mothers that wander for shelter,
+ And babes that are pining for bread;
+ Oh, thank the dear Lord, little children,
+ From whose tender hand you are fed.
+
+ Come look in my eyes, little children,
+ And tell me, through all the long day,
+ Have you thought of the Father above us,
+ Who guarded from evil our way?
+ He heareth the cry of the sparrow,
+ And careth for great and for small;
+ In life and in death, little children,
+ His love is the truest of all.
+
+ Now come to your rest, little children,
+ And over your innocent sleep,
+ Unseen by your vision, the angels
+ Their watch through the darkness shall keep;
+ Then pray that the Shepherd who guideth
+ The lambs that He loveth so well
+ May lead you, in life's rosy morning,
+ Beside the still waters to dwell.
+
+[Illustration: BED-TIME.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A dog breaks a hole through ice to get a drink}]
+
+REASON AND INSTINCT.
+
+
+Are dogs endowed with reason? As you grow up, you will spend many
+happy hours in the contemplation of this interesting question. It does
+sometimes seem as if there could be no possible doubt that dogs, as
+well as horses, elephants, and some other of the higher animals, are
+gifted with the dawn of reason, so extraordinary are some of their
+acts.
+
+It is but a few days since a dog in Vermont saved a house from
+burning, and possibly the inmates. The dog discovered the fire in the
+kitchen, flew to his master's apartment, leaped upon his bed, and so
+aroused the people to a sense of their danger.
+
+"As I was walking out one frosty morning with a large Newfoundland
+dog," says the Rev. J. C. Atkinson, "I observed the animal's repeated
+disappointment on putting his head down to drink at sundry ice-covered
+pools. After one of these disappointments, I broke the ice with my
+foot for my thirsty companion. The next time Tiger was thirsty, he did
+not wait for me to 'break the ice,' but with his foot, or, if too
+strong, by jumping upon it, he obtained water for himself."
+
+Here seems to be the manifestation of a desire to _learn from
+observation_.
+
+After the battle of Fredericksburg, it fell to my duty to search a
+given district for any dead or wounded soldiers there might be left,
+and to bring relief. Near an old brick dwelling I discovered a soldier
+in gray who seemed to be dead. Lying by his side was a noble dog, with
+his head flat upon his master's neck. As I approached, the dog raised
+his eyes to me good-naturedly, and began wagging his tail; but he did
+not change his position. The fact that the animal did not growl, that
+he did not move, but, more than all, the intelligent, joyful
+expression of his face, convinced me that the man was only wounded,
+which proved to be the case. A bullet had pierced his throat, and
+faint from the loss of blood, he had fallen down where he lay. His dog
+had _actually stopped the bleeding from the wound by laying his head
+across it_. Whether this was casual or not, I cannot say. But the
+shaggy coat of the faithful creature was completely matted with his
+master's blood.
+
+Strange as these facts may appear, we should not confound INSTINCT
+with intelligence which comes from REASON. There is a wide difference
+between them. Before long I propose to discuss this matter to some
+extent, in an article which I have already begun.
+
+
+
+
+TOUCH NOT.
+
+
+ Touch not the tempting cup, my boy,
+ Though urged by friend or foe;
+ Dare, when the tempter urges most,
+ Dare nobly say, No--no!
+ The joyous angel from on high
+ Shall tell your soul the reason why.
+
+ Touch not the tempting cup, my boy;
+ In righteousness be brave;
+ Take not the first, a single step,
+ Towards a drunkard's grave;
+ The widow's groan, the orphan's sigh,
+ Shall tell your soul the reason why.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Two girls, their arms full of flowers and foliage}]
+
+CHILDREN.
+
+
+ What could we without them,
+ Those flowers of life?
+ How bear all the sorrows
+ With which it is rife?
+ As long as they blossom,
+ Whilst brightly they bloom,
+ Our own griefs are nothing,
+ Forgotten our gloom.
+
+ We joy in the sunshine--
+ It sheds on them light;
+ We welcome the shower--
+ It makes them more bright;
+ On our pathway of thorns
+ They are thrown from above,
+ And they twine round about us,
+ And bless us with love.
+
+ Bright, beautiful flowers,
+ So fresh and so pure!
+ How could we without them
+ Life's troubles endure?
+ So guileless and holy,
+ Such soothers of strife,
+ What could we without them,
+ Sweet flowers of life?
+
+
+
+
+THE WHITE BUTTERFLY.
+
+A TALE FOR CHILDREN.
+
+
+Very slowly and wearily over road and hedge flew a white butterfly one
+calm May evening; its wings had been torn and battered in its flight
+from eager pursuers, who little cared that their pleasure was
+another's pain. On, on, went the fugitive, until it came to a little
+garden so sweet and quiet that it rested from its flight and said,
+"Here, at least, I shall find peace; these gentle flowers will give me
+shelter." Then, with eager swiftness, it flew to a stately peony. "Oh,
+give me shelter, thou beautiful flower!" it murmured as it rested for
+a second upon its crimson head--a second only, for, with a jerk and an
+exclamation of disgust, the peony cast the butterfly to the ground.
+With a low sigh it turned to the pansy near. Well, the pansy _wished_
+to be kind, but the butterfly was really very tattered and dirty; and
+then velvet soils so easily that she must beg to be excused. The
+wall-flower, naturally frank and good-natured, had been so tormented
+all day by those troublesome bees that she solemnly vowed she would do
+nothing more for anybody.
+
+The tulips were asleep; and the other flowers, trying to emulate fair
+Lady Rose, held their heads so very high that they, of course, did not
+hear the low, soft cry, "Oh, will no one give me shelter?" At last
+there came an answer, "I will, gladly," in a shy and trembling tone,
+as though fearing to be presumptuous, from a thick thorny bush which
+helped to protect the more dainty beauties from the rough blasts of a
+sometimes too boisterous wind; in consideration of which service the
+flowers considered the briar as a good, useful sort of thing,
+respectable enough in its common way, but not as an equal or
+associate, you understand. With gratitude the forlorn butterfly rested
+all night in the bosom of one of its simple white blossoms.
+
+When night had gone and the bright sun came gliding up from the east,
+calling on Nature to awake, the flowers raised their heads in all the
+pride of renewed beauty and saluted one another. Where was the forlorn
+butterfly? Ah! where? They saw it no more; but over the white blossom
+where it had rested there hovered a tiny fairy in shining, changing
+sheen, her wand sparkling with dewdrops. She looked down on the
+flowers with gentle, reproachful eye, while they bent low in wonder
+and admiration.
+
+"Who is it?" they asked. "How beautiful! how lovely!"
+
+The fairy heard them with a smile, and said, "Fair flowers, I _was_ a
+shabby butterfly; what I _am_, you see. I came to you poor and weary;
+and because I was poor and weary you shut me out from your hearts."
+
+The pansy and the wall-flower bent their heads in sorrow, and Lady
+Rose blushed with shame.
+
+"If I had only known!" muttered the peony; "but who would have thought
+it?"
+
+"Who indeed?" laughed the fairy; "but learn, proud peony, that he who
+thinks always of self loses much of life's sweetness--far more than he
+ever suspects; for goodness is as the dew of the heart, and yieldeth
+refreshment and happiness, even if it win no other recompense. But it
+is meet that it should be rewarded. Behold, all of you!" and the fairy
+touched with her wand the white blossom on which she had rested,
+saying, "For thy sweetness be thou loved for ever!" At these words a
+thrill of happiness stirred the sap of the rough, neglected briar, and
+a soft, lovely blush suffused the petals of its flowers, and from its
+green leaves came forth an exquisite odor, perfuming the whole garden
+and eclipsing the other flowers in their pride.
+
+Then the fairy rose in the air, and hovering over her resting-place
+for a moment ere she vanished said, "Such is the reward of goodness.
+Fare thee well, sweet briar!"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Tom and Pearson on the deck of the ship in the snow}]
+
+WORKING IS BETTER THAN WISHING.
+
+
+"Now then, Tom, lad, what's up? in trouble again?" asked a
+good-natured sailor of his messmate, one snowy day on the wide
+Atlantic.
+
+The boy was leaning moodily against the bulwarks of the vessel--a
+pleasant, ruddy young fellow of fourteen, but with a cloud on his face
+which looked very like discontent.
+
+Snow was falling heavily, but he did not heed it; he looked up,
+however, at the approach of his friend, and answered,--
+
+"I'm all right, Pearson; it isn't that. I was only wishing and
+wondering why I can't get what I want; it seems a shame, it does!" and
+Tom paused abruptly, half choked by a sob.
+
+"What is it, Tom?" asked Pearson; "have the other lads been plaguing?
+Such a big, hearty fellow as you ought not to fret for that."
+
+"I don't," said Tom, sharply; "it's not that; but they've found out
+that my little brother is in the workhouse at home, and they throw it
+at me. I'd do anything to get him out, too, for he oughtn't to be
+there: we come of a better sort, Pearson," he said, proudly; "but
+father and mother dying of that fever put us all wrong. Uncle got me
+to sea, and then, I suppose, he thought he'd done enough; so there was
+only the workhouse left for Willy. He's the jolliest little chap,
+Pearson, you ever saw, and I'd work day and night to get him out, if I
+could; but where's the use? A poor boy like me can do nothing; so I
+just get in a rage, or don't care about anything, and fight the other
+lads; or I'm had up for neglect of duty, or something."
+
+"And so you lose all chance of getting on, and being able in time to
+help your little brother," said Pearson, as if musing; "but what's
+that you have in your hand, Tom--a picture?"
+
+"It's Willy," said the boy; "yes, you may look, Pearson. Mother had it
+taken just before she fell ill; he's only four, but he's the prettiest
+little chap, with yellow hair all in curls. I dare say they've cut
+them off, though," he added, bitterly. "There's a bit of a sickly
+child on board, belonging to the tall lady in black, that reminds me a
+little of him, only he isn't near as pretty as Willy."
+
+"Yes, he is a pretty little lad," said Pearson, returning the
+photograph; "and now, Tom, mind my word: I am an old fellow compared
+to you, and I'll give you a bit of advice. The little lad is safe, at
+any rate, in the workhouse; he's got food and clothes, and you
+couldn't give him that; so be content, and try to do your own duty. If
+you get a good character, instead of being always had up for sulking
+or fighting, that's the best chance for you, and, after you, for
+Willy. As for the lads' teasing, why, be a bit hard of hearing, and
+before many years, I warrant, you'll be having Willy aboard ship as
+boy, when you're an able-bodied seaman."
+
+Tom laughed. "Thank you, Pearson. Well, I'll try; but I do get wishing
+and bothering of nights."
+
+"Ah, that wishing's a poor trick," said Pearson; "give it up, Tom, and
+work instead."
+
+People don't often take advice, but this time it was followed. A great
+deal of rough weather came on; every one had as much as he could do,
+and Tom worked with the best of them, and to his great joy was noticed
+by the ship's officers as a willing lad.
+
+One bright morning brought all the passengers on deck,--the ship was
+bound for Rio,--and among them came the tall lady in black, with her
+little boy in her arms. Tom's duties took him near her, and he could
+not but steal a glance at the little face like Willy's; but, O, so
+pale and pinched now! The child had suffered dreadfully in the rough
+weather; it was doubtful whether he would see land again, he was so
+weakened. Tom felt sorry for the little fellow, but his work engrossed
+him, and he had nearly forgotten the white-faced child, when, to his
+great surprise, the captain called him. The lady in black was a
+relative of the captain, and it seemed that while Tom had been
+glancing at the sick child, the child had been watching him, and had
+taken a fancy to his clear round face, and active movements.
+
+"Let me see what sort of a head-nurse you can make," said the captain
+to Tom; "this little fellow will have you carry him, he says, and
+teach him to climb the rigging."
+
+Tom smiled, but instantly checked himself, as hardly respectful to the
+captain.
+
+They dressed Carlo up in a suit of sailor clothes. To be sure they
+were rather large for him, but then it was such fun to be a real
+little sailor. Under Tom's care his face soon grew round and fat, and
+his merry laugh rang out on the air. And now he would live to see his
+father and his birthplace again, for he was born in South America, and
+had only left his Portuguese father for a few months, to accompany his
+English mother on a visit to her relatives.
+
+The day before they sighted land, Tom was sent for into the captain's
+cabin, and there a wonderful proposal was made to him--that he should
+give up sea life, and go to Bella Sierra as little Carlo's attendant.
+Carlo's parents were rich people; little Carlo had taken a great fancy
+to him, and he would have good wages.
+
+[Illustration: THE LITTLE SAILOR.]
+
+It sounded very pleasant; but little Willy! he should never see
+him--it would not do. Tom hesitatingly explained this to Carlo's
+mother, drawing the little photograph out of his pocket the while.
+
+Then came the last and best proposition,--that Willy should come out
+on the _Flying Star's_ next voyage, and live, too, at Bella Sierra.
+Mrs. Costello--the lady in black--promised to pay all expenses, and
+put him in charge of the stewardess. Carlo, her only child, had grown
+so fond of Tom, that she would do anything to keep him.
+
+"Such an active, willing boy," she explained to the captain. "I have
+often watched him at work, and admired the way in which he did it."
+
+"Well, lad," said Pearson, when Tom came to tell him the news, "wasn't
+I right when I told you that the best way you could work for Willy
+was by doing your own duty? If you had gone on in that half-and-half,
+discontented way, no rich lady would have cared to have you about her
+house--would she?"
+
+Tom looked thoughtful. "Yes, you were right, Pearson; you've done it
+all; and now I want you to do one thing more. Please look after Willy
+a bit when he comes out; he's such a daring little chap, he'll always
+be running away from the stewardess."
+
+"Ah, you want me to be nurse now--do you?" said Pearson; "all right,
+lad, and as the song says, 'Don't forget me in the land you're going
+to.' And you can still stick to my old motto, that 'Working is better
+than Wishing.'"
+
+
+
+
+KIND TO EVERYTHING.
+
+
+ Softly, softly, little sister,
+ Touch those gayly-painted wings;
+ Butterflies and moths, remember,
+ Are such very tender things.
+
+ Softly, softly, little sister,
+ Twirl your limber hazel twig;
+ Little hands may harm a nestling
+ Thoughtlessly, as well as big.
+
+ Gently stroke the purring pussy,
+ Kindly pat the friendly dog;
+ Let your unmolesting mercy
+ Even spare the toad or frog.
+
+ Wide is God's great world around you:
+ Let the harmless creatures live;
+ Do not mar their brief enjoyment,
+ Take not what you cannot give.
+
+ Let your heart be warm and tender--
+ For the mute and helpless plead;
+ Pitying leads to prompt relieving,
+ Kindly thought to kindly deed.
+
+[Illustration: SOFTLY, SOFTLY, LITTLE SISTER.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The farmer and the calf}]
+
+THAT CALF!
+
+
+ To the yard, by the barn, came the farmer one morn,
+ And, calling the cattle, he said,
+ While they trembled with fright, "Now, which of you, last night,
+ Shut the barn door, while I was abed?"
+ Each one of them all shook his head.
+
+ Now the little calf Spot, she was down in the lot;
+ And the way the rest talked was a shame;
+ For no one, night before, saw her shut up the door;
+ But they said that she did,--all the same,--
+ For they always made her take the blame.
+
+ Said the horse (dapple gray), "I was not up that way
+ Last night, as I now recollect;"
+ And the bull, passing by, tossed his horns very high,
+ And said, "Let who may here object,
+ I say 'tis that calf I suspect!"
+
+ Then out spoke the cow, "It is terrible, now,
+ To accuse honest folks of such tricks."
+ Said the cock in the tree, "I'm sure 'twasn't me;"
+ And the sheep all cried, "Bah!" (There were six.)
+ "Now that calf's got herself in a fix!"
+
+ "Why, of course, we all knew 'twas the wrong thing to do."
+ Said the chickens. "Of course," said the cat;
+ "I suppose," cried the mule, "some folks think me a fool;
+ But I'm not quite so simple as that;
+ The poor calf never knows what she's at!"
+
+ Just that moment, the calf, who was always the laugh
+ And the jest of the yard, came in sight.
+ "Did you shut my barn door?" asked the farmer once more.
+ "I did, sir; I closed it last night,"
+ Said the calf; "and I thought that was right."
+
+ Then each one shook his head. "She will catch it," they said;
+ "Serve her right for her meddlesome way!"
+ Said the farmer, "Come here, little bossy, my dear!
+ You have done what I cannot repay,
+ And your fortune is made from to-day.
+
+ "For a wonder, last night, I forgot the door, quite;
+ And if you had not shut it so neat,
+ All my colts had slipped in, and gone right to the bin,
+ And got what they ought not to eat--
+ They'd have foundered themselves upon wheat."
+
+ Then each hoof of them all began loudly to bawl;
+ The very mule smiled; the cock crew;
+ "Little Spotty, my dear, you're a favorite here,"
+ They cried. "We all said it was you,
+ We were so glad to give you your due."
+ And the calf answered, knowingly, "Boo!"
+
+ PHOEBE CARY.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: HELPING MOTHER.]
+
+LITTLE HELPERS.
+
+
+ Planting the corn and potatoes,
+ Helping to scatter the seeds,
+ Feeding the hens and the chickens,
+ Freeing the garden from weeds,
+ Driving the cows to the pasture,
+ Feeding the horse in the stall,--
+ We little children are busy;
+ Sure, there is work for us all.
+
+ Spreading the hay in the sunshine,
+ Raking it up when it's dry,
+ Picking the apples and peaches
+ Down in the orchard hard by,
+ Picking the grapes in the vineyard,
+ Gathering nuts in the fall,--
+ We little children are busy;
+ Yes, there is work for us all.
+
+ Sweeping, and washing the dishes,
+ Bringing the wood from the shed,
+ Ironing, sewing and knitting,
+ Helping to make up the beds,
+ Taking good care of the baby,
+ Watching her lest she should fall,--
+ We little children are busy;
+ Oh, there is work for us all.
+
+ Work makes us cheerful and happy,
+ Makes us both active and strong;
+ Play we enjoy all the better
+ When we have labored so long.
+ Gladly we help our kind parents,
+ Quickly we come to their call;
+ Children should love to be busy;
+ There is much work for us all.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE PUZZLED PUPPIES.]
+
+THE ANIMAL IN ARMOR.
+
+
+This picture of three curious little puppies looking at a tortoise
+reminds me of a story told of a countryman who saw some land-tortoises
+for the first time at a fair held in a market-place of his native
+village. Very much surprised at their queer look, he asked the man who
+was selling them how much they were.
+
+"Eighteenpence a pair," was the answer.
+
+"Eighteenpence!" said the man; "that is a great deal for a thing like
+a frog. What will you take for one _without the box_?"
+
+Little folks would not make such a stupid mistake as this; they would
+know that this strange-looking animal between its two shells was a
+tortoise. There are different sorts--some that live on land, and some
+in water. Those that live in the sea are called turtles, and their
+shells are not so hard as that of the land-tortoise. It is easy to see
+why this is: a turtle would not be able to swim with so thick a shell;
+it would be much as if a man in armor were to try. Their shells are
+not all in one, but joined together by a sort of gristle, which
+enables them to move with greater ease and not so stiffly.
+
+Directly any one hears the name of tortoise, he begins to think of
+tortoise-shell. This ought really to be called turtle-shell, as it is
+made from the shell of the hawk's-bill turtle. Tortoise-shell is made
+by soaking the plates of the shell in warm water until they are soft;
+then they are pressed into the shapes wanted in warm iron moulds, and
+taken out and polished.
+
+Some of the sea-turtles are very fierce; and although they have no
+teeth, their jaws are so strong that they can bite a walking-stick in
+half. Land-tortoises are quite harmless; they only attack the insects
+they feed upon. They go to sleep, like the dormouse, in the winter,
+but they do not make a burrow; they cover themselves with earth by
+scraping it up and throwing it over their bodies. In doing this they
+would find their heads and tails very much in the way if it were not
+that they are able to draw them in between their shells. No one, of
+course, knows how they find their way out again in the spring; but it
+is supposed that they scratch the earth away and throw it underneath
+them, at the same time pushing their way up.
+
+Tortoises live to a very great age. One was given to the Zoological
+Gardens in 1833 which had already lived seventy years in Port Louis,
+in the island of Mauritius. Its shell, from the head to the tail,
+measured four feet four inches and a half, and it weighed two hundred
+and eighty-five pounds.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A Chinese man fishing with birds}]
+
+THE IRON RING.
+
+
+Chang Wang was a Chinaman, and was reputed to be one of the shrewdest
+dealers in the Flowery Land. If making money fast be the test of
+cleverness, there was not a merchant in the province of Kwang Tung who
+had earned a better right to be called clever. Who owned so many
+fields of the tea-plant, who shipped so many bales of its leaves to
+the little island in the west, as did Chang Wang? It was whispered,
+indeed, that many of the bales contained green tea made by chopping up
+spoiled black tea leaves, and coloring them with copper--a process
+likely to turn them into a mild kind of poison; but if the unwholesome
+trash found purchasers, Chang Wang never troubled himself with the
+thought whether any one might suffer in health from drinking his tea.
+So long as the dealer made money, he was content; and plenty of money
+he made.
+
+But knowing how to make money is quite a different thing from knowing
+how to enjoy it. With all his ill-gotten gains, Chang Wang was a
+miserable man; for he had no heart to spend his silver pieces, even on
+his own comfort. The rich dealer lived in a hut which one of his own
+laborers might have despised; he dressed as a poor Tartar shepherd
+might have dressed when driving his flock. Chang Wang grudged himself
+even a hat to keep off the rays of the sun. Men laughed, and said that
+he would have cut off his own pigtail of plaited hair, if he could
+have sold it for the price of a dinner!
+
+Chang Wang was, in fact, a miser, and was rather proud than ashamed of
+the hateful vice of avarice.
+
+Chang Wang had to make a journey to Macao, down the great River
+Yang-se-kiang, for purposes of trade. The question with the Chinaman
+now was, in what way he should travel.
+
+"Shall I hire a palanquin?" thought Chang Wang, stroking his thin
+mustaches; "no, a palanquin would cost too much money. Shall I take my
+passage in a trading vessel?"
+
+The rich trader shook his head, and the pigtail behind it--such a
+passage would have to be paid for.
+
+"I know what I'll do," said the miser to himself; "I'll ask my uncle
+Fing Fang to take me in his fishing-boat down the great river. It is
+true that it will make my journey a long one; but then I shall make it
+for nothing. I'll go to the fisherman Fing Fang, and settle the matter
+at once."
+
+The business was soon arranged, for Fing Fang would not refuse his
+rich nephew a seat in his boat. But he, like every one else, was
+disgusted at Chang Wang's meanness; and as soon as the dealer had left
+his hovel, thus spoke Fing Fang to his sons, Ko and Jung:--
+
+"Here's a fellow who has scraped up money enough to build a second
+Porcelain Tower, and he comes here to beg a free passage in a
+fishing-boat from an uncle whom he has never so much as asked to share
+a dish of his birds'-nests soup!"
+
+"Birds'-nests soup, indeed!" exclaimed Ko; "why, Chang Wang never
+indulges in luxuries such as that. If dogs' flesh were not so cheap,
+he'd grudge himself the paw of a roasted puppy!"
+
+"And what will Chang Wang make of all his money at last?" said Fing
+Fang, more gravely; "he cannot carry it away with him when he dies."
+
+"O, he's gathering it up for some one who will know how to spend it!"
+laughed Jung. "Chang Wang is merely fishing for others; what he
+gathers, they will enjoy."
+
+It was a bright, pleasant day when Chang Wang stepped into the boat of
+his uncle, to drop slowly down the great Yang-se-kiang. Many a civil
+word he said to Fing Fang and his sons, for civil words cost nothing.
+Chang Wang sat in the boat, twisting the ends of his long mustaches,
+and thinking how much money each row of plants in his tea-fields might
+bring him. Presently, having finished his calculations, the miser
+turned to watch his relations, who were pursuing their fishing
+occupation in the way peculiar to China. Instead of rods, lines, or
+nets, the Fing Fang family was provided with trained cormorants, which
+are a kind of bird with a long neck, large appetite, and a particular
+fancy for fish.
+
+It was curious to watch a bird diving down in the sunny water, and
+then suddenly come up again with a struggling fish in his bill. The
+fish was, however, always taken away from the cormorant, and thrown by
+one of the Fing Fangs into a well at the bottom of the boat.
+
+"Cousin Ko," said the miser, leaning forward to speak, "how is it that
+your clever cormorants never devour the fish they catch?"
+
+"Cousin Chang Wang," replied the young man, "dost thou not see that
+each bird has an iron ring round his neck, so that he cannot swallow?
+He only fishes for others."
+
+"Methinks the cormorant has a hard life of it," observed the miser,
+smiling. "He must wish his iron ring at the bottom of the
+Yang-se-kiang."
+
+Fing Fang, who had just let loose two young cormorants from the boat,
+turned round, and from his narrow slits of Chinese eyes looked keenly
+upon his nephew.
+
+"Didst thou ever hear of a creature," said he, "that puts an iron ring
+around his own neck?"
+
+"There is no such creature in all the land that the Great Wall
+borders," replied Chang Wang.
+
+Fing Fang solemnly shook the pigtail which hung down his back. Like
+many of the Chinese, he had read a great deal, and was a kind of
+philosopher in his way.
+
+"Nephew Chang Wang," he observed, "_I_ know of a creature (and he is
+not far off at this moment) who is always fishing for gain--constantly
+catching, but never enjoying. Avarice--the love of hoarding--is the
+iron ring round his neck; and so long as it stays there, he is much
+like one of our trained cormorants--he may be clever, active,
+successful, but he is only fishing for others."
+
+I leave my readers to guess whether the sharp dealer understood his
+uncle's meaning, or whether Chang Wang resolved in future not only to
+catch, but to enjoy. Fing Fang's moral might be good enough for a
+heathen, but it does not go nearly far enough for a Christian. If a
+miser is like a cormorant with an iron ring round his neck, the man or
+the child who lives for his own pleasure only, what is he but a greedy
+cormorant with the iron ring? Who would wish to resemble a cormorant
+at all? The bird knows the enjoyment of _getting_; let us prize the
+richer enjoyment of _giving_. Let me close with an English proverb,
+which I prefer to the Chinaman's parable--"Charity is the truest
+epicure, for she eats with many mouths."
+
+ A. L. O. E.
+
+
+
+
+SUMMER.
+
+
+ I'm coming along with a bounding pace
+ To finish the work that Spring begun;
+ I've left them all with a brighter face,
+ The flowers in the vales through which I've run.
+
+ I have hung festoons from laburnum trees,
+ And clothed the lilac, the birch and broom;
+ I've wakened the sound of humming-bees,
+ And decked all nature in brighter bloom.
+
+ I've roused the laugh of the playful child,
+ And tired it out in the sunny noon;
+ All nature at my approach hath smiled,
+ And I've made fond lovers seek the moon.
+
+ For this is my life, my glorious reign,
+ And I'll queen it well in my leafy bower;
+ All shall be bright in my rich domain;
+ I'm queen of the leaf, the bud and the flower.
+
+ And I'll reign in triumph till autumn-time
+ Shall conquer my green and verdant pride;
+ Then I'll hie me to another clime
+ Till I'm called again as a sunny bride.
+
+
+
+
+CHARLIE'S CHRISTMAS.
+
+
+Oh how cold and miserable everything is! Hardly a thought to be
+uppermost on Christmas eve in the mind of a little school-boy; and yet
+it was that which filled the mind of Charlie Earle on the Christmas
+eve of which I am going to tell you. Only a few hours before, he had
+been as happy as any boy could be. Everybody was going home, and
+everybody was in the highest spirits and full of the most delightful
+hopes of what the holidays would bring them; and now everybody except
+Charlie has gone home, and he is left alone in the dreary school-room,
+knowing that at any rate Christmas day, and maybe many other days, are
+to be spent away from home, and from all the pleasant doings which he
+had pictured to himself and others only the very day before.
+
+The coming of the post-bag had been scarcely noticed in the
+school-room that morning. So when old Bunce, the butler, looked in at
+the door and said, "Master Earle is wanted in the doctor's room," the
+boys all wondered, and Charlie's neighbor whispered to him, "Whatever
+can he want you for, Earle?" The doctor's tale was soon told, and it
+was one which sent Charlie back to the school-room with a very
+different face to the one with which he had left it. A letter had come
+to Doctor West from Charlie's father, and in it a note from his mother
+to Charlie himself, written the night before, and saying that a
+summons had come that very morning calling them to Charlie's
+grandmother, who was very ill, and that they were starting for
+Scotland that night and would be almost at their journey's end when
+Charlie got the news. The note said that Laura, Charlie's sister,
+would go with them, but that they could not wait for Charlie himself,
+so they had written to Mrs. Lamb, Charlie's old nurse, who lived about
+ten miles from Dr. West's, and had asked her to take charge of him for
+a day or two, till more was known of his grandmother's state and some
+better plan could be made for him. It was sad enough for Charlie to
+hear of the illness of his kind old grandmother--sad enough to see the
+merry start of the other boys, while he had to stay behind; but to
+have to think of Christmas day spent away from father and mother, away
+from Laura and home, was excuse enough for a few bitter tears. But
+unpleasant things come to an end as well as pleasant ones, and
+Charlie's lonely waiting in the school-room came to its end, and he
+found himself that afternoon snugly packed into the Blackridge coach,
+and forgetting his own troubles in listening to the cheery chatter of
+the other passengers, and in looking at what was to be seen as the
+coach rolled briskly along the snow-covered road. It was quite dark
+when they reached Blackridge, and Charlie looked out at the people
+gathered round the door of the "Packhorse Inn," and a sudden fear
+filled his mind lest there should be no one there to meet him; but he
+soon saw by the light at the inn door Nurse Lamb herself, with her
+kind face looking so beaming that it seemed a little bit like _really_
+going home.
+
+"Here, father," said Nurse Lamb to her jolly-looking husband; "here's
+Master Charlie, safe and sound! You bring the luggage in the barrow
+while I take him home quick, for I am sure he must be cold."
+
+And so nurse bustled Charlie off down a lane and across a meadow, till
+they came to a wicket-gate, beyond which stood the back of a low,
+deep-thatched cottage half buried in snow. On getting round to the
+front the door was opened by a little girl, and nurse called out,
+"Here, Molly, here we are;" adding, "Molly is my step-daughter, Master
+Charlie--the one I used to tell you about before I was married, when
+we were down at Hastings."
+
+[Illustration: WINTER.]
+
+When they got into the house, there was the kitchen with its rows of
+bright pewter plates, its wide hearth and roaring fire, its hams
+hanging to the beams, all just as they had been described in the days
+when nurse's new home at Blackridge Farm was a subject of never-ending
+interest to the two children in Mrs. Earle's nursery.
+
+After he had had a capital tea, Charlie was allowed to go round with
+the farmer to see that the horses were all right for the night,
+Charlie carrying the lantern and feeling himself quite a man as he
+followed the farmer into the stable. There was much coming and going
+at the farm that evening, for was it not Christmas eve? and nurse was
+busy sending off gifts to neighbors who were not so thriving as
+herself, and busy, too, in making preparations for the morrow. Charlie
+meanwhile sat in the settle and made friends with Molly, who was about
+his own age and knew much more, though she was only a girl, about dogs
+and rabbits and tadpoles than London-bred Charlie. By and by they
+helped to stir the great plum-pudding, and dressed the kitchen and
+parlor with evergreens, till nurse called them to come and hear the
+chimes.
+
+And Charlie thought it very beautiful as he stood at the door and
+listened to the bells. And as they stood there the wind wafted to them
+also the voices of the choir as they went on their round through the
+village, singing their carols; and then Charlie went to bed with
+"Hark, the herald angels sing!" ringing in his ears.
+
+Next morning Charlie, as he ran down stairs, could hardly believe this
+was really Christmas day, all was so unlike any Christmas he had known
+before; but in the kitchen he found one thing like the Christmas
+mornings at home, for he found quite a little pile of parcels beside
+his plate, containing the pretty gifts prepared by father and mother
+and Laura, and sent by them to nurse, so that at any rate the little
+lad should not be robbed of this part of his Christmas pleasures.
+There was a note, too, from mother, saying that she and father and
+Laura were safe in Edinburgh, and that grandmother was better, and
+that she hoped to tell him in her next letter when they and he should
+meet at home in London. Such a bright beginning was enough to make all
+the rest of the day bright; and bright it was. Charlie found plenty to
+do till church-time, as Molly showed him all the nooks and corners
+about the farm.
+
+The old church, with its high pews and country congregation made
+Charlie feel that he must be dreaming. Surely it could not be
+Christmas, but must be the autumn? and he and Laura and everybody had
+come away from London for the holidays?
+
+No; it was no dream. It was really Christmas; for there, round the
+pillars, were the holly-wreaths with their red berries, and there,
+behind the chancel-screen, were the same Christmas texts as in their
+church in London. When service was over, Charlie and Molly hurried
+home to help Martha, the farm-girl, to have all in readiness for the
+Christmas dinner. But after dinner there was not much sitting
+still--at any rate for Charlie; for who could think of sitting still
+indoors, when outside there were a pond covered with ice and a
+farmyard full of horses and dogs?
+
+Nor was the evening after tea without its pleasure. When the snow
+began to fall, and the doors and windows were tightly closed, then a
+huge log was piled on the fire; and while Farmer and Mrs. Lamb sat and
+talked before it in the parlor, Charlie and Molly had a fine game of
+romps in the big kitchen with Martha; and when they were tired of
+that, they sat on the hearth and roasted chestnuts, while nurse read a
+Christmas tale to them.
+
+And here I must leave Charlie finishing his Christmas day, hoping that
+any who read this story of it may agree with Charlie in thinking, when
+he laid his head on the pillow that night, that, though it had been
+spent far from home, it had not been an unhappy day, after all.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Marcellin and the hunter}]
+
+MARCELLIN.
+
+
+Marcellin, a young shepherd boy, who tended his father's flock upon
+the mountains, having penetrated a deep gorge to search for one of his
+sheep which was missing, discovered in the thickest of the forest a
+man lying upon the ground overcome with fatigue, and faint from want
+of food.
+
+"My poor lad," said the man, "I am dying from hunger and thirst. Two
+days ago I came upon this mountain to hunt. I lost my way, and I have
+passed two nights in the woods."
+
+Marcellin drew some bread and cheese from his knapsack, and gave to
+the stranger.
+
+"Eat," he said, "and then follow me. I will conduct you to an old oak
+tree, in the trunk of which we shall find some water."
+
+The food satisfied his hunger; then he followed Marcellin, and drank
+of the water, which he found excellent. Afterwards the boy conducted
+him down the mountain, and pointed out the way to the city.
+
+Then the hunter said to the shepherd boy, "My good lad, you have saved
+my life. If I had remained in the mountain another night, I should
+have died. I will show you my gratitude. Come with me to the city. I
+am rich; and I will treat you as if you were my own son."
+
+"No, sir," said Marcellin; "I cannot go with you to the city. I have a
+father and a mother who are poor, but whom I love with all my heart.
+Were you a king, I would not leave my parents."
+
+"But," said the hunter, "you live here in a miserable cabin with an
+ugly thatched roof; I live in a palace built of marble, and
+surrounded with statues. I will give you drink in glasses like
+crystal, and food upon plates of silver."
+
+"Very likely," responded Marcellin; "but our house is not half as
+miserable as you suppose. If it is not surrounded with statues, it is
+among fruit trees and trellised vines. We drink water which we get
+from a neighboring fountain. It is very clear, though we do not drink
+from crystal cups. We gain by our labor a modest living, but good
+enough. And if we do not have silver ware in our house, we have plenty
+of flowers."
+
+"Nonsense, my boy! Come with me," said the hunter; "we have trees and
+flowers in the city more beautiful than yours. I have magnificent
+grounds, with broad alleys, with a flower garden filled with the most
+precious plants. In the middle of it there is a beautiful fountain,
+the like of which you never saw. The water is thrown upward in small
+streams, and falls back sparkling into the great white marble basin.
+You would be quite happy to live there."
+
+"But I am quite happy _here_," replied Marcellin. "The shade of our
+forests is at least as delicious as that of your superb alleys. Our
+fields are running over with flowers. You can hardly step without
+finding them under your feet. There are flowers around our
+cottage--roses, violets, lilies, pansies. Do you suppose that our
+fountains are less beautiful than your little jets of water? You
+should see the merry brooks bounding down over the rocks, and running
+away through the flowery meadow."
+
+"You don't know what you refuse," rejoined the hunter. "If you go into
+the city, you will be put to school, where you can study all
+departments of art and science. There are theatres, where skilful
+musicians will enchant your ears by harmony. There are rich saloons,
+to which you will be admitted, to enjoy splendid fetes. And since you
+so much love the country, you shall pass your summer vacation with me
+in a superb chateau which I possess."
+
+"Well, I am greatly obliged to you," replied the shepherd boy; "but I
+think I had better stop with father and mother. I can learn everything
+useful in our village school. I am taught to fear God, to honor my
+parents, and to imitate their virtues. I don't wish to learn anything
+beyond that. Then your musicians, which you tell about, do they sing
+any better than the nightingale or the golden robin? Then we have our
+concerts and our fetes. We are right down happy when we are all
+together on Sunday evening under the trees. My sister sings, while I
+accompany her upon my flute. Our chants can be heard a long way off,
+and echo repeats them. And in the evening, when we stay in the house,
+grandfather is with us. We love him so much because he is so good. No,
+I will not leave my parents. I will not renounce their home, if it is
+humble. I cannot go to the city with you."
+
+The hunter saw that it was of no use to argue the point; so he said,--
+
+"What shall I give you, then, to express my gratitude for your
+services? Take this purse, filled with gold."
+
+"What need have I of it? We are poor, but we want nothing. Besides, if
+I accept your money, I should _sell_ the little service I have been
+able to render. That would be wrong; my mother would blame me for such
+conduct. She tells me that we ought always to assist those who are in
+trouble and want without expecting pay for it."
+
+"Generous boy! What shall I give you as a mark of my gratitude? You
+must accept something, or I shall be greatly disappointed."
+
+"Is it so?" asked Marcellin, playfully. "Then give me the cup which
+is suspended at your side--that one on which is engraved a picture of
+some dogs pursuing a stag."
+
+The hunter joyfully gave the cup to the happy shepherd boy, who,
+having once more indicated the way which would lead to the city, bade
+him good day, and went back to his flock.
+
+And the rich man returned to his splendid dwelling, having learned
+that it is the proper use of the means we have, rather than wishing
+for greater, which brings happiness and contentment.
+
+
+
+
+AN ADVENTURE IN THE LIFE OF SALVATOR ROSA.
+
+
+There is in the museum at Florence a celebrated painting, which calls
+to mind a thrilling adventure of Salvator Rosa when quite young.
+
+The scene represents a solitude, very rugged and sublime--mountains
+upon every side, with their tops covered with snow, while through the
+dark clouds in the sky a few straggling sunbeams find their way to the
+valley. Upon the border of an immense cliff stands a group of men
+whose costume denotes them to be brigands of the Apennines. Upon the
+very edge of the precipice, erect and calm, is a young man, surrounded
+by the brigands, who are preparing to throw him into the depths below.
+The chief is a short distance away, and seemingly about to give the
+fatal signal. A few paces in advance stands a female, of strange
+beauty, waving her hand menacingly towards the chief as if commanding
+that the young man's life be spared. Her manner, resolute and
+imperious, the countenance of the chief, the grateful calmness of the
+prisoner, all seem to indicate that the woman's order will be obeyed,
+and that the victim will be saved from the frightful death with which
+he has been menaced.
+
+This picture, as will be readily guessed, is the work of SALVATOR
+ROSA. Born at Arenella, near Naples, in 1615, of poor parents, he was
+so admirably endowed by nature that, even in his boyhood, he became a
+spirited painter, a good musician, and an excellent poet. But his
+tastes led him to give his attention to painting.
+
+Unfortunately, some severe satires which he published in Naples made
+him many enemies in that city, and he was obliged to fly to Rome,
+where he took a position at once as a painter. Leaving that city after
+a while, he went to Florence, and there found a generous encouragement
+and many friends, and there his talent was appreciated by the world of
+art.
+
+The environs of Florence afforded him superior advantages in
+developing his genius. The Apennines, with their dark gorges, their
+picturesque landscapes, and their snow-clad peaks, pleased his wild
+imagination. In their vast recesses he found his best inspirations and
+his most original subjects. Often he wandered for days over the abrupt
+mountains, infested with bandits, to find work for his ambitious
+pencil.
+
+One day he had advanced farther than usual into the profound and
+dangerous solitudes. He sat down near a torrent, and began to sketch a
+wild landscape before him. All of a sudden he saw, at the summit of a
+rock near at hand, a man leaning upon his carbine, and apparently
+watching him with great curiosity. A large hat, with stained and torn
+brim, covered his sun-burnt visage; a leather belt bound his dark sack
+to his body, and gave support to a pistol and hunting-knife,
+invariably carried by the brigands of the mountains. His black beard,
+thick and untidy, concealed a portion of his face; but there could be
+no doubt that his dark glance was fixed upon the stranger who came to
+invade his domain.
+
+For almost any other but our hero, the sudden apparition of that wild
+and menacing figure would have been good cause of terror. But Salvator
+was a painter, and a painter in love with his art; and he had in that
+strange costume, that forbidding look, something so much in harmony
+with the aspect of nature about him, that he at once made the man a
+subject of study.
+
+"I mustn't lose him," he said; "he's an inhabitant of the country. He
+comes just in the nick of time to complete my landscape; and his
+position is quite fine."
+
+And, drawing tranquilly his pencil, he began to transfer the outlines
+of the brigand to his album, when the stranger, coming a few paces
+nearer to him, said, in a rough voice,--
+
+"Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
+
+"Well, my good fellow, I come to take your portrait, if you'll hold
+still a bit," responded the painter.
+
+"Ah, you jest with me! Have a care," said the other, coming still
+nearer.
+
+"No," replied Salvator, seriously; "I am a painter; and I wander over
+these mountains with no other purpose but to admire these beautiful
+landscapes, and to sketch the most picturesque objects."
+
+"To sketch!" cried the brigand, with evident anger, hardly knowing
+what the word meant. "Do you not know that these mountains belong to
+us? Why do you come here to spy us out?"
+
+At these words he gave a shrill whistle, and three other men, clothed
+like himself, came towards the spot from different directions.
+
+"Seize this man!" he said to his companions; "he comes to observe us."
+
+All resistance was useless. And so, after having tried in vain to
+prove his innocence, the young man was surrounded and seized.
+
+"March!" cried the man who had first met him. "You must talk with our
+chief."
+
+The leader of these brigands was a man about forty years of age, named
+Pietratesta. His great physical strength, his courage, and, more than
+all the rest, his energy, had made him a favorite among his
+companions, and given him authority over them. Famous among the
+mountains for his audacious crimes, condemned many times to an
+outlaw's death, pursued in vain by the officers of the law, habituated
+for years to a life of adventure, pillage, and murder, he treated his
+prisoners without pity or mercy. All who were unable to purchase their
+liberty by paying whatever ransom he fixed, were put to death. He
+looked upon civilized people not as men, but as prizes.
+
+As he saw the captive approach, he asked the usual question,--
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"Salvator Rosa, a Neapolitan painter, now resident of Florence."
+
+"O, a painter! A poor prize, generally. But you are famous, I hear;
+the prince is your friend. Your pictures sell for very large prices.
+You must pay us ten thousand ducats."
+
+[Illustration: {Sivora, the chief's wife, standing on the cliff edge}]
+
+"Ten thousand ducats, indeed! Where do you suppose I can get so much?"
+
+"Well, as for that, if you haven't got the money, your friends must
+get it for you."
+
+"But my friends are not rich."
+
+"Ah, excuse me!" said the chief, smiling. "When one has a prince for a
+protector, he is always rich."
+
+"It is true that the prince is my patron; but he owes me nothing."
+
+"No matter if he don't. He would not be deprived of such an artist as
+you for a paltry ten thousand ducats."
+
+"He pays me for my pictures; but he will not pay my ransom."
+
+"He _must_," said the robber, emphatically; "so no more words. Ask
+your friends, if you prefer, or whoever you will; but bring me ten
+thousand ducats, and that within a month; otherwise you must die."
+
+As the chief uttered these words, he walked away, leaving Salvator in
+the middle of the ground which formed the camp.
+
+During the short conversation two children came from one of the tents,
+being attracted by the noise. Their little blond heads, curiously
+turned towards the captive, their faces, tanned by the sun, but
+animated by the crimson of health and youth, and their picturesque
+costume had attracted the attention of the painter. When the chief had
+gone away, he approached them, and smiled. The children drew away
+abashed; then, reassured by the air of goodness which the young man
+wore, they came nearer, and permitted him to embrace them.
+
+"Are you going to live with us?" said the eldest, who was about eight
+years of age.
+
+"I don't know, my little friend."
+
+"O, I wish you would! It is so nice to stop in these mountains. There
+are plenty of beautiful flowers, and birds' nests, too. I have three
+already; I will show them to you, and then we will go and find some
+more. But what is that you have got under your arm?"
+
+"It is my sketch-book."
+
+"A sketch-book? What is a sketch-book?"
+
+"It is what I carry my pictures in."
+
+"Pictures? O, do let me see them!"
+
+"Yes, indeed; here they are."
+
+"What pretty pictures! O, mother, come and see! Here are mountains,
+and men, and goats. Did you make them all?"
+
+Attracted by the call of the child, a lady came out of the principal
+tent. She was yet young, tall, and covered with a medley of garments
+from various costumes. Her face sparkled with energy, and might have
+been called beautiful. She threw a sad glance at Salvator, and
+approached him haughtily, as if to give an order. But seeing the two
+children busily looking over the sketch-book, and observing the
+familiar way with which both treated their new acquaintance, she
+appeared to change her manner somewhat, and began to look at the
+pictures herself, and to admire them. At the end of half an hour the
+mother and the children seemed like old friends of Salvator Rosa.
+
+The woman was the wife of the chief. A daughter of an honorable
+family, she married a young man at Pisa, her native city, who proved
+to be captain of this band of robbers. She could not well leave the
+company into which she had been betrayed; and so, with a noble
+self-denial, she became resigned to her hard lot. An unwilling witness
+of the many crimes of her husband and his companions, she suffered
+cruelly in her resignation. Yet her fidelity, her virtue,--things
+rarely known, but sometimes respected among these mountain
+brigands,--had given her a moral power over the men as well as over
+her husband. More than once she had used this means to temper their
+ferocity, and obtain pardon for their unfortunate prisoners.
+
+Just then one of the brigands came and brought to the prisoner the
+order from the chief that he should write to his friends to obtain
+money for his ransom. The man was going, under a disguise, to the city
+of Florence; and he offered to deliver any letters intrusted to his
+care. He indicated the place where the ten thousand ducats must be
+left, so that Salvator might inform his correspondent.
+
+Our hero had many devoted friends; but nearly all were artists like
+himself, and without fortune. Nevertheless, he decided to write to one
+of them. He gave orders that all the pictures in his studio should be
+sold. He hoped that the money which they would bring, together with
+what his friends could advance to him, would amount to the sum
+demanded by the chief.
+
+This done, Salvator easily persuaded himself that he should soon be
+set at liberty, and the artist recovered his unconcern, and almost his
+usual good spirits. The country around him was full of romantic
+studies for his pencil. He had, besides, found in the society of the
+children of Pietratesta two charming companions. He instructed them in
+the elements of his art; and his pupils, to both of whom the study was
+quite new, seemed never to grow tired of their task.
+
+In a moment of good humor, he drew caricatures of each member of the
+band, which created a great deal of amusement. Then he drew, with
+great care, the portraits of the two children. This attention
+profoundly touched the heart of the mother, and her tender sympathy,
+almost wasting among these unfeeling men, found a secret pleasure in
+rendering the captivity of the young painter less unhappy and less
+hard. She conversed with him familiarly, and it gave her great
+pleasure to see the care which he took to instruct her children.
+
+So Salvator Rosa, to whom the band gave quite a considerable degree of
+liberty, never dreamed of taking improper advantage of it. Thanks to
+his fancy and his recklessness as an artist, he almost forgot that he
+was the prisoner of a cruel master, and that his life was in peril.
+
+But the ransom, which he had sent for, came not. Whether the letters
+he had written failed to reach their destination, or whether his
+friends were deaf to his request for assistance, he received no
+answer. He wrote repeatedly, but always with the same result.
+
+And so the months slipped by, and the chief began to grow impatient at
+the long delay. His wife had more than once calmed his anger, and
+prevented any catastrophe. At length several weeks went by, in which
+the expeditions of the band were unfruitful. The provisions were
+running low, and Pietratesta saw in his captive one unprofitable
+mouth. Sivora, his wife, felt her influence to be growing weaker and
+weaker under the increasing destitution and continued delay.
+
+One day Pietratesta encountered his prisoner, and, addressing him in
+an irritated voice,--
+
+"Well?" he said, as if his question needed no other explanation.
+
+"Nothing yet," responded Salvator Rosa, sadly.
+
+"Ah, this is too much!" cried the brigand. "I begin to think you are
+playing with me. But do you know the price Pietratesta makes those pay
+who cross him?"
+
+"Alas! I am far from trying to deceive you. You know that I have done
+all in my power to obtain my ransom. I have written to various
+persons; your own men have taken my letters. You see that it is not
+my fault."
+
+"It is always the fault of prisoners when their ransom is not paid."
+
+"Wait a little longer. I will write again to-day."
+
+"Wait! wait! A whole year, month after month, has gone by, and you
+repeat the same old story. A year--an age for me--I have waited. Do
+you think I have been making unmeaning threats? Do you expect to abuse
+my patience with impunity? It has given out at last--the more so as,"
+added he, now that he felt his anger increasing, "I ought to have
+settled this affair a long while ago. This is your last day, observe
+me."
+
+At a sign from their chief, four bandits seized the young man, and
+bound him. As Salvator was led away, he cast one sad look at the
+dwelling where he had passed many happy hours, and from which he was
+going to his death. For a moment he stopped to say farewell to the
+children, who were standing at the door crying and stretching out
+their little naked brown arms towards him.
+
+A few moments later, Sivora, who had been gathering flowers in the
+mountains, returned home. Observing that her husband, as well as
+Salvator, was absent, and her children in tears, she guessed the
+painful truth.
+
+"Where is Salvator?" she asked of the eldest.
+
+"They have bound him, and carried him away," responded the child,
+still crying.
+
+"Which way?"
+
+"Down yonder," was the reply of the child, pointing with its finger in
+the direction of a rocky cliff already too well known for its horrible
+scenes.
+
+"Alas, wretched man!" exclaimed Sivora, almost frantically, as she
+comprehended the new crime her husband was about to commit. She sat
+down for a moment, covered her face with her hands--a prey to the
+most unspeakable anxiety. Then, rising suddenly, her eyes flashing
+with determination,--
+
+"Come!" she said, resolutely; "come, my children. Perhaps we may yet
+be in time."
+
+And, taking the hands of her little ones, who followed her with
+difficulty, but yet eagerly, she darted away at a rapid pace in the
+direction taken by the brigands.
+
+While the men were hurrying Salvator along, the chief maintained a
+profound silence. His band followed him as dumb as slaves who go to
+execute the will of their master, which they know is law. They soon
+arrived at the summit of a cliff, which overhung a yawning abyss
+beneath. After having taken one look over the precipice, and examined
+the neighborhood rapidly, Pietratesta cried, "Halt!" and the whole
+body came to a rest.
+
+"There is just a quarter of an hour for you to live," he said, turning
+to his prisoner. "You have time to die like a Christian. Make your
+prayer."
+
+The young man hesitated for a moment, threw his agitated eyes around,
+then, kneeling on the rock, he prayed earnestly. The men stood
+unmoved, as if they had been statues cut from stone.
+
+Salvator rose, with a calm demeanor, and said, addressing the chief in
+a firm tone,--
+
+"My life is in your hands, I know. You are going to kill me without
+any cause. I have prayed," he added, with a voice full of authority,
+"for the salvation of my soul, and repentance for thine. God will
+judge us both. I am ready."
+
+Immediately the brigands seized the young man, and hurried him towards
+the precipice. Already they waited but the signal of their chief,
+already Pietratesta had given the fatal command, when a cry was heard
+not many paces distant, which suspended the preparations.
+
+"Stop!" exclaimed a harsh voice.
+
+The bandits, astonished at the interruption, turned to see whence it
+came. A woman ran towards them, her hair in disorder, her countenance
+pale and agitated, her dark eyes flashing with determination. She held
+by their hands two children, who, with weeping eyes, were hastening,
+with all the speed their young limbs could carry them, towards the
+precipice.
+
+It was Sivora.
+
+As she came forward the chief uttered an exclamation of disappointment
+and anger.
+
+"Why do you come here?" he asked, in an irritated voice.
+
+"You know well enough," responded Sivora, without any sign of
+intimidation. "What are you about to do? What is the crime of this
+young man? What is the wrong he has committed? You know he is
+innocent, and that it is not his fault that the price of his ransom
+has not been paid. Why commit a useless crime? You have too many on
+your soul already," she added, in a low, sad voice. "Since it is not
+too late, let the young man go. His ransom is not absolutely
+necessary. If it was, would his death bring it to you? Remember with
+what care and solicitude he has treated your children! with what
+patience he has instructed them in his art! See, they weep, as if
+their hearts would break, at the wrong you would do their friend! It
+is they--it is I--who ask clemency. You will not kill Salvator; you
+will pardon him for the love you bear your children."
+
+As she said these words she pushed the two little blond heads into the
+arms of their father.
+
+The brigands, hesitating, touched, without knowing why, struck with an
+involuntary respect for the woman, remained immovable, with their eyes
+fixed upon their chief, as if waiting to ascertain his wishes. He
+stood, brooding, nervous, his eyes bent upon the ground, hardly daring
+to look upon Sivora, at once his suppliant and accuser, a prey to
+violent emotions. The authority of that respected voice, and the
+irritation at being deprived of his revenge,--the invincible love he
+had for the woman, and the shame of giving way before his men,--all
+these warring considerations, the effects of which were plainly to be
+seen on his swarthy face, spoke of the severe contest going on within.
+
+At length his evil genius got the control.
+
+"What do I care for his solicitude and his tenderness?" he said, in a
+coarse voice. "He would forget all as soon as he should get out of our
+hands; and he would, no doubt, send the police after us if we should
+let him go. I know what the promises of captives are worth. Besides,
+_I_ command here, I alone, and I will be obeyed. Take away these
+children; and you, comrades, despatch your your prisoner."
+
+"Ah! is it so?" exclaimed Sivora, in a piercing voice, throwing
+herself before the bandits, who were pushing their victim towards the
+chasm. "Then I will beg no more; I _command_ now. Listen to me well,
+for these are my last words. You know with what devotion, with what
+resignation, I have supported this bitter life which you brought me to
+among these mountains. The isolation, the sorrow, the shame, I have
+endured for thee. I have never complained. I hoped, after such
+sacrifices, you would at length listen to my words, and renounce your
+bad life. But since you do not care for my devotion, since I am
+nothing to you, listen well to my words, Pietratesta. If you dare to
+commit this odious crime, look for a mother for your children, for,
+with your victim, you will slay your wife!"
+
+So saying, she advanced close to the brink of the cliff, over which
+she could spring at the signal from her husband.
+
+Salvator, motionless and rooted to the spot, in silence, full of
+anxiety, observed this strange scene. The robbers, hardened by crime,
+for the first time hesitated at the command of their chief, and fixed
+their eyes upon the beautiful woman to whom despair added a new charm.
+They quailed before her authority, and stood as motionless as statues.
+
+Pietratesta, overwhelmed by the recollections which the woman's words
+awakened, alarmed at her threats and her resolution, hung his head,
+like a guilty wretch before a just judge, while Sivora, with wild
+countenance, piercing voice, and imperial manner, her long black hair
+loosely falling upon her shoulders, with her arms extended towards the
+abyss, almost resembled an ancient goddess, who suddenly appears at
+the moment of crime, arrests the homicidal arm, and subjects the
+criminal to punishment. There was in her figure an imposing grandeur,
+before which the rude men, for an instant recalled to themselves, felt
+humiliated and condemned.
+
+Astounded by that firmness and devotion, ashamed of his violence
+towards the woman who was living a life of outrage, the chief, after
+some moments of moody silence, said, in an altered voice,--
+
+"You wish it! He is free!"
+
+Salvator threw himself upon his knees before his preserver, covered
+her hand with kisses and tears, and pressed, with transport, the two
+children in his arms. Completely wild with happiness and gratitude, he
+abandoned himself to the buoyancy of his generous nature, when Sivora
+said to him, in a whisper,--
+
+"Go! go quickly! The tiger is only sleeping!"
+
+They put a bandage over the eyes of the young man, so that he might
+not see the path by which he descended from the mountains, and two of
+the brigands then conducted him to the highway which led to the city.
+
+Hardly had he entered Florence, yet sad from the recollection of the
+scene in which he came near being a victim, when the young painter
+hastily sketched the principal details; and, some time after, the
+picture of which we have spoken was composed, and hangs this day in
+the museum at Naples, admired and pointed out to all visitors.
+
+ L. D. L.
+
+
+
+
+WE SHOULD HEAR THE ANGELS SINGING.
+
+
+ If we only sought to brighten
+ Every pathway dark with care,
+ If we only tried to lighten
+ All the burdens others bear,
+ We should hear the angels singing
+ All around us, night and day;
+ We should feel that they were winging
+ At our side their upward way!
+
+ If we only strove to cherish
+ Every pure and holy thought,
+ Till within our hearts should perish
+ All that is with evil fraught,
+ We should hear the angels singing
+ All around us, night and day;
+ We should feel that they were winging
+ At our side their upward way!
+
+ If it were our aim to ponder
+ On the good that we might win,
+ Soon our feet would cease to wander
+ In forbidden paths of sin;
+ We should hear the angels singing
+ All around us, night and day;
+ We should feel that they were winging
+ At our side their upward way!
+
+ If we only did our duty,
+ Thinking not what it might cost,
+ Then the earth would wear new beauty
+ Fair as that in Eden lost;
+ We should hear the angels singing
+ All around us, night and day;
+ We should feel that they were winging
+ At our side their upward way!
+
+ KATE CAMERON.
+
+
+
+
+MY LITTLE HERO.
+
+
+ "How we wish that we knew a hero!"
+ Say the children, pressing round;
+ "Will you tell us if such a wonder
+ In London streets can be found?"
+
+ I point from my study-window
+ At a lad who is passing by:
+ "My darlings, there goes a hero;
+ You will know his oft-heard cry."
+
+ "'Tis the chimney-sweep, dear father,
+ In his jacket so worn and old;
+ What can _he_ do that is brave and true,
+ Wandering out in the cold?"
+
+ Says Maudie, "I thought that a hero
+ Was a man with a handsome face."
+ "And I pictured him all in velvet dressed,
+ With a sword," whispered little Grace.
+
+ "Mine is only a 'sweeper,' children,
+ His deeds all unnoticed, unknown;
+ Yet I think he is one of the heroes
+ God sees and will mark for his own.
+
+ "Out there he looks eager and cheerful,
+ No matter how poorly he fares;
+ No sign that his young heart is heavy
+ With the weight of unchildish cares.
+
+[Illustration: MY LITTLE HERO.]
+
+ "Home means to him but a dingy room,
+ A father he shudders to see;
+ Alas for the worse than neglected sons
+ Who have such a father as he!
+
+ "And a mother who lies on a ragged bed,
+ So sick and worn and sad;
+ No friend has she but this one pale boy--
+ This poor little sweeper-lad,
+
+ "So rough to others, and all unskilled,
+ Yet to her most tender and true,
+ Oft waking with patient cheerfulness
+ To soothe her the whole night through.
+
+ "He wastes no time on his own scant meals,
+ But goes forth with the morning sun;
+ Never a moment is wasted
+ Till his long day's work is done.
+
+ "Then home to the dreary attic
+ Where his mother lies lonely all day,
+ Unheeding the boys who would tempt him
+ To linger with them and play.
+
+ "Because she is helpless and lonely,
+ He is doing a hero's part;
+ For loving and self-denying
+ Are the tests of a noble heart."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A robin sits on a snowy branch}]
+
+ROBIN REDBREAST.
+
+
+ Robin, Robin Redbreast,
+ O, Robin, dear!
+ And what will this poor Robin do?
+ For pinching days are near.
+
+ The fireside for the cricket,
+ The wheat-stack for the mouse,
+ When trembling night winds whistle,
+ And moan all round the house.
+ The frosty way like iron,
+ The branches plumed with snow--
+ Alas! in winter, dead and dark,
+ Where can poor Robin go?
+ Robin, Robin Redbreast,
+ O, Robin dear!
+ And a crumb of bread for Robin,
+ His little heart to cheer.
+
+
+
+
+HOW SWEETIE'S "SHIP CAME IN."
+
+A CHRISTMAS STORY.
+
+
+It will be a real honest story--of how Christmas came to a poor cold
+home, and made it bright, and warm, and glad. A _very_ poor home it
+was, up three flights of worm-eaten, dirt-stained stairs, in the old
+gray house that stood far up a narrow, crooked alley, where the sun
+never shone except just a while in the middle of the day. He tried
+hard to brighten up the place a little, but the tall houses all about
+prevented him. Still he slanted a few golden beams even into that
+wretched home away up under the eaves; for though the few small panes
+of glass in the narrow windows had been mostly broken out, and their
+places filled with boards nailed tight to keep out the wintry winds,
+and rain, and snow, still there were some left through which a feeble
+ray did sometimes creep and make glad the hearts of the children. Five
+fatherless children lived with their mother in that old garret. Night
+and day the mother sewed, taking scarcely any rest, and yet found it
+hard to keep all the little toes and knees covered, and could get only
+the poorest food for the five hungry mouths. The thought that, work
+never so hard, she could not earn enough to give them one hearty,
+satisfying meal, made her heart ache.
+
+Three boys and two girls, in one old naked room, with only their
+mother to care for them, and she so poor, that for years she had not
+had a new gown, or a new bonnet! Yet she liked pretty new clothes, as
+well as any one ever did, I know.
+
+Of these five little folks, the oldest was Harry, the newsboy; then
+came Katie, and Willie, and Fred, and, last of all, wee Jennie.
+
+Though Harry was the oldest, yet _he_ was not very old. Just
+twelve--a thin, white little fellow, with eyes that always looked as
+if they wanted more. More what? Well, more sunshine; more warm
+clothes, and bright, hot fires, and, O, very much more to eat!
+Sometimes he would make fifty cents in a day, selling newspapers, and
+then he would hurry joyfully home, thinking of the hungry little
+mouths it would help to fill. But some days he would hardly earn ten
+cents the whole long day. Then he would go slowly and sadly along,
+wishing all sorts of things--that he could take home as much meat as
+he could carry to the little ones who had not eaten meat for so long
+they had almost forgotten how it tasted; or that the gentlemen, who
+owned the clothing stores which he was passing, would say to him,
+"Come in, my little fellow, and help yourself to as many warm clothes
+as you want for yourself and your little brothers at home;" or that he
+could find a heap of money--and his mouth would water, thinking of the
+good things which he could buy and take home with some of it.
+
+The other children always knew whether it had been a good or bad day
+with Harry, by the way he came up the stairs. If he came with a hop,
+skip, and a jump, they knew it meant a good day; and a good day for
+Harry was a good evening for them all.
+
+Though Katie was really the name of the second child, she hardly ever
+was called so; for her mother, and the children, and all the
+neighbors, called her Sweetie, she was so good and so thoughtful for
+others, so sweet-tempered and kind. She did everything so gently that
+none of them could ever love her half as much as she deserved. Though
+only ten years old, and very small and pale, she did every bit of the
+housework, and kept the ugly old room and its faded furniture so neat,
+that it seemed almost home-like and pretty to them all. It was
+happiness enough for the little ones to get her first kiss when she
+came back from an errand, to sit by her at table, and, above all, to
+lie closest to her at night. Willie, and Fred, and Jennie, all slept
+with her on a straw bed in the corner; and they used to try to stretch
+her little arms over them all, so that even the one farthest off might
+feel the tips of her fingers, so dearly did they love her.
+
+They had once owned more than one bedstead, and many other comfortable
+things besides; but when their father was killed at the great factory
+where he worked, their mother was obliged to sell almost everything to
+get enough money to pay for his funeral, and to help support her
+little family; so that now she had only a narrow wooden settee for her
+bed, while Harry stretched himself on a couple of chairs, and the rest
+slept all together in the bed on the floor. Poor as they were, they
+were not very unhappy. Almost every night, when their mother took the
+one dim candle all to herself, so that she could see to sew neatly,
+Sweetie would amuse the other children by telling them beautiful
+stories about the little flower people, and the good fairies, and
+about Kriss Kringle--though how she knew about him I can't tell, for
+he never came down their chimney at Christmas.
+
+"And, when my ship comes in," Sweetie used to say, "I'll have the
+tallest and handsomest Christmas tree, filled to the top with candies
+and toys, and lighted all over with different-colored candles, and
+we'll sing and dance round it. Let's begin now, and get our voices in
+tune." Then they would all pipe up as loud as they could, and were as
+happy as if they half believed Sweetie's ship was ready to land.
+
+But there came a hard year for poor needle-women: it was the year I am
+writing about, and Sweetie's mother found it almost impossible to get
+even the necessaries of life. Her children's lips were bluer, their
+faces more pinched, and thin, threadbare clothes more patched than
+ever. Sweetie used to take the two boys, and hunt in the streets for
+bits of coal and wood; but often, the very coldest days, they would
+have no fire. It was very hard to bear, and especially for the poor
+mother, who still had to toil on, though she was so chilled, and her
+hands so numbed, she could hardly draw her needle through her work;
+and for Harry, who trudged through the streets from daylight until the
+street lamps were lighted.
+
+The day before Christmas came. People were so busy cooking Christmas
+dainties that they did not stop to sift their cinders very carefully,
+and Sweetie and the boys had picked up quite a large bag full of
+half-burnt coal in the alleys, and were carrying it home as carefully
+as if it were a great treasure--as, indeed, it was to them. Being very
+tired, they sat down to rest on the curbstone in front of an elegant
+mansion. One of the long windows was open.
+
+"Let's get close up under the window," said Sweetie. "I guess it's too
+warm inside, and may be we shall get some of the heat. O! O! don't it
+smell good?" she cried, as the savory odors of the Christmas cooking
+stole out upon the air.
+
+"What is it, Sweetie?" whispered Willie.
+
+"Coffee," said Sweetie, "and turkeys, and jelly, perhaps."
+
+"I wish I had some," sighed Freddy, "I'm so cold and hungry!"
+
+"Poor little man! he must come and sit in Sweetie's lap; that will
+make him warmer," said his sister, wrapping her shawl around him.
+
+"Yes; that's nice," said the little fellow, hugging her tight.
+
+Mr. Rogers, the owner of this fine house, had lost his wife and two
+dear children within the year. He lived here alone, with his servants,
+and was very desolate. When the children stopped under his window, he
+was lying on a velvet sofa near it, and, lifting himself up, he peeped
+out from behind the curtains just as Fred crept into his sister's
+arms; and he heard all they said.
+
+"When your ship comes in, Sweetie, will it have turkeys and jellies in
+it?" said Willie, leaning against her.
+
+"Yes, indeed," said Sweetie. "There will be turkeys almost as big as
+Jennie, and a great deal fatter."
+
+"But it's so long coming, Sweetie; you tell us every time it _will_
+come, and it never _comes_ at all."
+
+"O, no, Freddy. I don't ever say it _will_ come, but it's nice to
+think what we would do if it should come--isn't it?"
+
+"We'd buy a great white house, like this--wouldn't we, Sweetie?"
+
+"No, Willie. I'd rather buy that nice little store over by the church,
+that's been shut up so long, and has FOR SALE on the door. I'd furnish
+it all nice, and fill the shelves with beautiful goods, and trimmings
+for ladies' dresses, and lovely toys. It shows so far that everybody
+would be sure to buy their Christmas things there. It's just the
+dearest little place, with two cosy rooms back of the shop, and three
+overhead; and I'd put flour and sugar, and tea and coffee, and all
+sorts of goodies, in the kitchen cupboard, and new clothes for all of
+us in the closets up stairs. Then I'd kindle a fire, and light the
+lamps, and lock the door, and go back to the dreary old garret once
+more--poor mother would be sitting there, sad and sober, as she
+always is now, and I would say to her, 'Come, mother, before you light
+the candle, Jennie and I want you to go with us, and look at the
+lovely Christmas gifts in the shop windows.' Then she'd say,
+sorrowfully, 'I don't want to see them, dear; I can't buy any of them
+for you, and I don't want to look at them.' But I'd tease her till I
+made her go; and I'd leave Harry, who would know all about it
+beforehand, to lock up the dismal old room, and bring all the rest of
+you over to the new house. You'd get there long before we did, and the
+light would be streaming out from the little shop windows--O, so
+bright! 'Mother,' I'd say, 'let's go in here, and buy the cotton you
+wanted;' and when I got her in, I'd shut the door quick, and dance up
+and down, and say, 'Dear mother. Sweetie's ship's come in, and brought
+you this new home, and everything comfortable; and Sweetie will tend
+the shop, and you needn't sew any more day and night, for it's going to
+be--' 'A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for us--every one!'
+Harry and all of you would shout, and our dear mother would cry for
+joy."
+
+"Will it come to pass soon, Sweetie?" asked both the boys at once.
+
+"Not very, I'm afraid," answered Sweetie, in a subdued tone; but, when
+she saw their look of disappointment, she brightened up in a moment,
+and added, "It'll be all the better, when it does come, for waiting so
+long--but look here! To-night is Christmas Eve, and we've got coal
+enough here to make a splendid fire. We won't light it till dark, and
+then it will last us all the evening. And I've got a great secret to
+tell you: Harry made a whole dollar yesterday, and mother is going to
+give us each three big slices of fried mush, and bread besides, for
+supper; and, after supper, I'll tell you the prettiest story you ever
+heard, and we'll sing every song we know, and I guess we'll have a
+merry Christmas if nobody else does."
+
+[Illustration: HOW SWEETIE'S SHIP CAME IN.]
+
+"I wish it was Christmas all the time," said Freddy, faintly.
+
+"Christ was born that day," said Sweetie, softly, "and that makes it
+best of all."
+
+"Yes," said Willie; "the dear Lord who came from Heaven and, for our
+sakes, became poor, and had not where to lay his head, not even a
+garret as good as ours--"
+
+"I know," said Freddy; "he was born in a manger, and a beautiful star
+shined right over it. I can sing a hymn about it."
+
+Then they picked up their bag, and started for home, gay as larks over
+the prospect of the treat they were to have that night--fried mush and
+a fire! that was all, you know.
+
+Mr. Rogers, concealed by the heavy silk curtains, had heard every word
+they said, and his eyes were full of tears. He rang for his servant.
+
+"Harris," said he, when the man came in, "follow those children, find
+out where they live, and what their neighbors say of the family."
+
+When he was left alone again, he began to think,--
+
+"Rich as I am, I have never yet done any great good to anybody. Who
+knows but God may have sent those children under my window to teach me
+that, instead of my own lost darlings, he means me to care for these
+and other suffering little ones who live in the lanes and alleys of
+this great city!"
+
+Harris soon came back, and told his master what he had learned about
+the circumstances of the family; and he added,--
+
+"Everybody calls the oldest girl Sweetie, and they do say she's as
+good as gold."
+
+Mr. Rogers went out, and, before night, had bought the little corner
+store, for which Sweetie had longed. Then, calling his servants
+together, he related what he had overheard the children say, and told
+them how anxious he was to grant Sweetie's wish, and let her take her
+mother to her new home on Christmas Day.
+
+"But I cannot do it," said Mr. Rogers, "unless you are willing to help
+me work on Christmas Eve, for there is a great deal to be done."
+
+No one could refuse to aid in so good a cause; and besides, Mr. Rogers
+was always so considerate of his servants that they were glad to
+oblige him. They all went to work with a will, and soon the little
+house and store were put in perfect order.
+
+There were ribbons, laces, buttons, needles, pins, tapes, and, indeed,
+all sorts of useful things in the store. In the cellar were coal and
+wood, two whole hams, a pair of chickens, and a turkey. The kitchen
+pantry was stocked with sugar and flour. There was one barrel of
+potatoes, and another of the reddest apples. Up stairs the closets and
+bureaus were bursting with nice things to wear, not quite made into
+garments, but ready to be made, as soon as Sweetie and her mother got
+time.
+
+So rapidly and so completely was everything arranged, that it seemed
+as if one of those good fairies, of whom Sweetie had so often told the
+children, had been at work.
+
+"The money this has cost me," thought Mr. Rogers, "will make a family
+of six happy, and do them good all the rest of their lives. I am glad
+the thought has come to my heart to celebrate Christ's birthday in so
+pleasant a way."
+
+Late in the afternoon he picked his way through the dull, dirty alley
+to the old gray house where Sweetie lived. As he went up the worn and
+dusty stairway, he heard the children singing their Christmas songs.
+
+"Poor little things!" said he; and the tears stood in his eyes.
+"Happy even in this miserable place, while I know so many surfeited
+with luxuries, and yet pining and discontented!"
+
+Harry jumped to open the door as he knocked; and Mr. Rogers, entering,
+apologized to the children's mother for his intrusion by saying he had
+come to ask a favor.
+
+"It is but little we can do for any one, sir," replied Mrs. Lawson;
+"but anything in our power will be cheerfully done."
+
+"Even if I propose to carry off this little girl of yours for a
+while?" he asked; but, seeing the troubled look in the other
+children's faces, he hastened to explain.
+
+"The truth is," said he, "having no little folks of my own, I thought
+I'd try and make other people's happy to-day; so I set out to get up a
+Christmas tree; but I find I don't know how to go to work exactly, and
+I want Sweetie to help me."
+
+He spoke so sadly when he said he had no children of his own, that
+Sweetie could not refuse to go.
+
+"O, yes, sir," said she; "I'll go; that is, if I may come back this
+evening--for I couldn't disappoint Freddy and all of them, you know!"
+
+"They shan't be disappointed, I promise you," said Mr. Rogers, as he
+took her down stairs.
+
+"Why, I never was in a carriage in all my life," said Sweetie, as he
+lifted her into his beautiful clarence, and sat down beside her.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder if you should ride in a carriage pretty often
+now," said Mr. Rogers, "for your ship's coming in."
+
+Sweetie couldn't tell whether she was in a dream or not. Half crying,
+half laughing, her face flushed with surprise, she asked,--
+
+"How did you know?"
+
+"Know what?" said her friend, enjoying her bewilderment.
+
+"Why," she answered, "about the way I keep up the children's spirits,
+and make them forget they are hungry and cold, while I tell them about
+my ship coming in?"
+
+"A little bird told me," said he, and then was quiet.
+
+Sweetie did not like to ask any more; so she sat quite still, leaning
+back in one corner of the carriage, among the soft, crimson cushions,
+and watched the people in the street, thinking how happy she was, and
+how strange it was that little Katie Lawson should be riding with a
+grand gentleman in a splendid carriage!
+
+Suddenly, with a whirl and a turn, they stopped before a house. Mr.
+Rogers lifted her out, and led her up the broad steps; and she found
+he was taking her into the beautiful white house, under the windows of
+which she had sat with Willie and Fred the day before.
+
+"Now," said Mr. Rogers, rolling a comfortable arm-chair for Sweetie in
+front of a glowing fire, "while you are getting warm, and eating your
+dinner, I am going to tell you about my Christmas tree, and how your
+ship came in."
+
+A little table was brought in, and set between them, filled with so
+many delicacies, that Sweetie's head grew dizzy at the sight. She
+thought of her little hungry brothers and sister, and would rather not
+have eaten, but Mr. Rogers made her.
+
+"My little girl," said he, finally, "never forget this: God always
+rewards a faithful heart. If he seems to be a long time without caring
+for his children, he never forgets or forsakes them."
+
+Then he told her that he had overheard her conversation with her
+brothers under his window, and that God had suddenly put it into his
+heart to take care of some of the poor and fatherless in that great
+city. "And I am going to begin with Sweetie," said he, very tenderly;
+"and this is the way her ship shall come in. She shall have a new home
+to give to her mother for a Christmas present, and the boys shall sing
+their Christmas hymns to-night in the bright little parlor of the
+corner store, instead of the dingy old garret; and here are the deeds
+made out in Katie Lawson's own name, and nobody can take it away from
+her. But come, little woman," he added,--for Sweetie was sobbing for
+joy, and could not thank him,--"go and wash your face, for the horses
+are tired of standing in the cold, and we must go and fetch the boys,
+or I shall never get my Christmas tree set up."
+
+An old lady, with a face beaming with kindness,--it was Mr. Rogers's
+housekeeper,--then took Sweetie, and not only washed her tear-stained
+cheeks, but curled her soft brown hair, and put on her the loveliest
+blue dress, with boots to match. All the time she was dressing her,
+Sweetie, who could not believe her senses, kept murmuring,--
+
+"It's only a dream; it's too good to be true; the boys won't believe
+it, I know; it's just like a fairy story, and, of course, it's only
+pretending."
+
+"No, indeed," said the old lady; "it's really true, my dear, and I
+hope you'll be so grateful and kind to Mr. Rogers that he won't be so
+lonely as he has been without his own dear little children."
+
+Sweetie could hardly realize her own good fortune; and, when she went
+down into the parlor, she burst into tears again, saying,--
+
+"O, sir, I can't believe it. I am so happy!"
+
+"So am I, Sweetie," said Mr. Rogers; and really it was hard to tell
+which was the happier--it is always so much more blessed to give than
+to receive. Together they rode to the new home, and laughed and cried
+together as they went all over it. After they had been up stairs, and
+down stairs, and in my lady's chamber, as Mr. Rogers said, he put her
+into the carriage again.
+
+"James," said he to the coachman, "you are under this young lady's
+orders to-night, and must drive carefully."
+
+Then, kissing Sweetie, he put the key of her new home into her hand,
+and, telling her he should want her help to-morrow about his Christmas
+tree, he bade her good night.
+
+James drove Sweetie home, for the last time, to the dilapidated old
+house. She ran up stairs, Freddy said afterwards, "just as Harry
+always did when he'd had a good day." "Mother and children," said she,
+"Mr. Rogers, the kind gentleman who was here, has sent me back in his
+carriage to take you all to see something beautiful he has been
+showing me. Harry, you be the gentleman of the house, and hand mother
+and Jennie to the carriage, and I'll come right along." She stopped
+long enough--this good child, who, even in her own good fortune, did
+not forget the misfortunes of others--to run into the next room, where
+an old woman lived, who was a cripple, and whose daughter supported
+her by sewing.
+
+"Mrs. Jones," said she, hurriedly, "a kind gentleman has given us a
+new home, and we are going to it to-night, never to come back here to
+live any more. Our old room, with the rent paid for a year, and all
+there is in it, I want you to take as a Christmas present from
+Sweetie; and I wish you a Happy, happy New Year, and please give this
+to Milly;" and, slipping a five-dollar bill, which Mr. Rogers had
+given her, into the old woman's hand, she ran out, and jumped into the
+carriage. The street lamps blinked at them, like so many stars, as
+they rolled along, and the boys and Jennie screamed with delight; but
+Sweetie sat quite still.
+
+James knew where to stop. Sweetie got out first, and ran and unlocked
+the door of the little corner store. When they were all inside, and
+before any one had time to ask a question, Sweetie threw her arms
+about her mother's neck.
+
+"Mother," she cried, "Sweetie's ship's come in; but it never would
+have come if it had not been for Mr. Rogers; and it's brought you this
+pretty house and shop for your own, and, please God, we'll all have--"
+
+"A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" shouted Willie, ending her
+sentence just as she had ended the story the day before.
+
+"And all the better," said Fred, who remembered too, "because Christ
+was born that day."
+
+Mrs. Lawson, overwhelmed with joy, fainted. She soon recovered,
+however, though Sweetie insisted on her lying on the soft lounge
+before the fire, while she set the table. How pretty it looked, with
+its six purple and white plates, and cups and everything to match! How
+they did eat! How happy they were!
+
+"Now," said Mrs. Lawson, when the dishes were washed, and they all sat
+round the fire, "my little Sweetie, whose patience, and courage, and
+cheerfulness have kept up the hearts of the rest of us, and proved the
+ship that has brought us this cargo of comforts, you must tell us your
+Christmas story before we go to bed."
+
+So Sweetie told them all Mr. Rogers had said and done for her. They
+were so excited they sat up very late, and happiness made them sleep
+so soundly, that they did not wake till the sun was shining brightly
+into the little shop. People began to come in very early, to make
+little purchases. One lady bought a whole dollar's worth of toys,
+which made them feel as if they were full of business already.
+
+Later in the forenoon, Mr. Rogers sent for Harry and Sweetie to come
+and help dress his Christmas tree; and Christmas night his parlor was
+filled with poor children, for each of whom some useful gift hung on
+the tree. Milly was there by Sweetie's invitation, and Mr. Rogers sent
+her home in his carriage, with the easiest chair that money could buy
+for her old lame mother. The tears filled his eyes as Milly thanked
+him again and again for all his kindness; and, as he shut the door
+after the last one, he said,--
+
+"Hereafter I will make it always a Merry Christmas for God's needy
+ones."
+
+I am sure he did, for he had Sweetie always near him. He used to call
+her his "Christmas Sweeting;" and then she would laugh, and say he was
+her "Golden Sweeting."
+
+What is better than gold he gave the family: he found patrons for Mrs.
+Lawson, and customers for the shop, and placed Harry in a mercantile
+house, where he soon rose to be head clerk. The other children he put
+at school. Sweetie he never would let go very far out of his sight. He
+had her thoroughly and usefully educated, and no less than her mother,
+and brothers, and sister, did he bless the day when "Sweetie's ship
+came in"--
+
+ A ship which brought for every day
+ A welcome hope, an added joy,
+ A something sweet to do or say,
+ And hosts of pleasures unalloyed,
+
+ Its cargo, made of pleasant cares,
+ Of daily duties to be done,
+ Of smiles and laughter, songs and prayers,
+ The glad, bright life of Happy Ones.
+
+ MARGARET FIELD.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: NOTHING TO DO.]
+
+NOTHING TO DO.
+
+
+ I have sailed my boat and spun my top,
+ And handled my last new ball;
+ I trundled my hoop till I had to stop,
+ And I swung till got a fall;
+ I tumbled my books all out of the shelves,
+ And hunted the pictures through;
+ I've flung them where they may sort themselves,
+ And now--I have nothing to do.
+
+ The tower of Babel I built of blocks
+ Came down with a crash to the floor;
+ My train of cars ran over the rocks--
+ I'll warrant they'll run no more;
+ I have raced with Grip till I'm out of breath;
+ My slate is broken in two,
+ So I can't draw monkeys. I'm tired to death
+ Because I have nothing to do.
+
+ I can see where the boys have gone to fish;
+ They bothered me, too, to go,
+ But for fun like that I hadn't a wish,
+ For I think it's mighty "slow"
+ To sit all day at the end of a rod
+ For the sake of a minnow or two,
+ Or to land, at the farthest, an eel on the sod:
+ I'd rather have nothing to do.
+
+ Maria has gone to the woods for flowers,
+ And Lucy and Rose are away
+ After berries. I'm sure they've been out for hours;
+ I wonder what makes them stay?
+ Ned wanted to saddle Brunette for me,
+ But riding is nothing new;
+ "I was thinking you'd relish a canter," said he,
+ "Because you have nothing to do."
+
+ I wish I was poor Jim Foster's son,
+ For he seems so happy and gay,
+ When his wood is chopped and his work all done,
+ With his little half hour of play;
+ He neither has books nor top nor ball,
+ Yet he's singing the whole day through;
+ But then he is never tired at all
+ Because he has nothing to do.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: TWO GENTLEMEN IN FURS.]
+
+TWO "GENTLEMEN IN FUR CLOAKS."
+
+
+This is the name given to the bears in Kamschatka by the Laplanders,
+who think they will be offended if they are called by their real name;
+and we may give the same name to the bears in the picture. They are
+Polar bears, who live in the seas round the North Pole, and fine white
+fur coats they have of their own. They are white on purpose, so that
+they may not be seen easily among all the snow and ice in which they
+live. The head of the Polar bear is very long and flat, the mouth and
+ears are small in comparison with other bears, the neck is long and
+thick, and the sole of the foot very large. Perhaps you will wonder
+how the bear manages to walk on the ice, as nobody is very likely to
+give him skates or snow-boots. To be sure, he has strong, thick claws,
+but they would not be of much use--they would only make him slip on
+the hard ice--but the sole of the foot is covered nearly all over with
+thick, woolly hair, so the bear walks as safely as old ladies do when
+they wrap list round their boots.
+
+The Polar bear likes to eat fish, though he will eat roots and berries
+when he can get no better, and he is a very good swimmer; he can dive,
+too, and make long leaps in the water. If he wants a boat, he has only
+to get on a loose piece of ice, and then he can float about at his
+ease.
+
+This is a full-grown bear, of course. Young bears cannot do all these
+things; they have to stay with their mothers on shore, where they eat
+seals and seaweed; the seaweed is their vegetable, I suppose. When the
+young bears travel and get tired, they get on their mother's back, and
+ride there quite safely, whether in the water or on land.
+
+Bears are very fond of their young, and will do anything to defend
+them. There is a story told of a poor mother-bear and her two cubs
+which is almost too sad to tell, but it will make us think kindly of
+the bear, so I will tell it to you.
+
+Years ago a ship which had gone to the North Pole to make discoveries
+got fixed tight in the ice; one morning, while the ship was still
+unable to get loose, a man at the lookout gave warning that three
+bears were coming across the ice toward the ship. The crew had killed
+a walrus a few days before, and no doubt the bears had smelled it. The
+flesh of the walrus was roasting in a fire on the ice, and two of the
+bears ran eagerly to it, dragged out the bits that were not burnt, and
+began to eat them; they were the cubs, but were almost as large as
+their mother.
+
+The sailors threw some more of the flesh they had on board on to the
+ice. These the old bear fetched; and putting them before her cubs, she
+divided them, giving them each a large piece, and only keeping a small
+bit for herself. When she came to fetch the last piece the sailors
+shot at the cubs, killing them; they also wounded the mother, but not
+mortally; the poor mother never thought of herself, only of her cubs.
+They were not quite dead, only dying, and she crawled to where they
+lay, with the lump of meat she had fetched, and put it down before
+them, as she had done the first time. When she found they did not eat,
+she took hold first of one, then of the other, and tried to lift them
+up, moaning pitifully all the time, as if she thought it would be of
+no use. Then she went a little way off and looked back. But the cubs
+were dead now, and could not move, so she went back to them and began
+to lick their wounds. Once more she crawled away from them, and then
+again came back, and went round and round them, pawing them and
+moaning. At last she seems to have found out that they were dead; and
+turning to the ship, she raised her head and uttered a loud growl of
+anger and despair. The cruel sailors fired at her in reply, and she
+fell between her poor dead cubs, and died licking their wounds.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE FAITHFUL BOY.]
+
+CHARLIE'S ESCAPE.
+
+
+I have some boy-cousins living in the country of whom I think a great
+deal. They write me letters quite often. I can hardly tell whose
+letters give me the most pleasure, the "big boys'," who write me about
+their school, their colts and calves, their good times on the
+holidays, or the little printed letters I get from the "small boys,"
+telling me how many chickens they have and that they love me. I am
+sure I love them _all_, and hope they will grow to be good, true men.
+
+Charlie is one of the "big boys." Not _very_ big, either--just
+thirteen years old, and rather small and slight for his years. A few
+weeks ago a neighbor of his father's was going away, and got Charlie
+to do "the chores" for him during his absence--feed the young cattle,
+milk the cow and keep things in order about the barn. Charlie is an
+obliging boy, so he performed his task faithfully. If I had time,
+boys, I would just like to stop here and give you a little lecture on
+faithfulness, with Charlie for a model, for he _is_ a "faithful boy."
+But I want to tell my story. For two or three days Charlie went each
+morning to his neighbor's barn, and after milking the cow turned all
+the creatures to pasture, and every night drove them home again. One
+morning, as he stood by the bars waiting for them all to pass out, a
+frisky year-old calf--"a yearling" the farmers call them--instead of
+going orderly over the bars, as a well-disposed calf should, just gave
+a side jump and shook her horns at Charlie. "Over with you!" called
+Charlie, and waved his hand at her. Miss Yearling either fancied this
+an insult or an invitation to single combat, for she again lowered her
+head and ran at Charlie, who had no stick, and so thought best to run
+from the enemy. He started for the stable door, but in his hurry and
+fright he could not open it, and while fumbling at the latch the
+creature made another attack. Charlie dodged her again, and one of her
+horns pierced the door nearly an inch. Again she ran at him, and with
+her nose "bunted" him off his feet. Charlie was getting afraid now,
+and called out to the folks in the house, "Oh, come and help me!" and
+right then he bethought him of something he had read in his father's
+"Agriculturist" about a boy in similar danger, who saved himself by
+grasping the cow's horns that had attacked him. So just as the
+yearling was about to try again if she could push him over, he took
+fast hold of each horn. But his situation was getting _very
+unpleasant_, for he was penned up in a corner, with the barn behind
+him, a high fence on one side and the now angry heifer in front. He
+had regained his feet, but was pushed and staggered about, for he was
+fast losing his strength. No wonder his voice had a quiver in it as he
+again shouted as loud as he could, "Oh, do come quick!" The lady in
+the house was busy getting breakfast, and heard no sound. A
+lady-visitor in one of the chambers heard the first call, but thought
+it only boys at play. By and by the distressed shout again smote her
+ears, and this time she heard the words, "Help me!" She ran down
+stairs to the housekeeper, who opened the outside door and listened.
+Charlie's voice was weak and faint now, and the fear came to the lady
+that he had fallen into the barn cellar. She ran quickly to the great
+door of the barn. "Where are you, Charlie?" "Come to the stable door,"
+answered back a faint, trembling voice. She quickly ran through the
+barn to that door, but she could not open it at first, for the heifer
+had pushed herself around till she stood broadside against the door.
+But the lady pushed hard and got the door open a little way, and
+seizing the big stable broom hit the naughty animal two or three heavy
+whacks that made her move around; and as soon as she opened the door
+wide, Charlie let go her horns, and she (the heifer), not liking the
+big broom-handle, turned and ran off as fast as her legs could go. The
+lady helped Charlie up and into the house, for he could hardly stand.
+He was bruised and lame, and the breath had almost left him. But after
+resting a while and taking some good warm drink, he tried to walk
+home; and though the lady helped him, he found it hard work, for he
+was so sore and bruised. Charlie's mother was frightened enough to see
+her boy come home leaning on their neighbor's arm and looking so pale.
+She helped him undress and lie down, and then she did just what your
+mother, little reader-boy, would do if you had such an escape as
+Charlie's. She put her arms around her boy and said, "Let us thank the
+good Lord that you were not killed, my boy." And do you think Charlie
+will ever forget his escape? I don't. And I hope he will always thank
+"the good Lord" not only for the escape, but for his every blessing.
+
+
+
+
+I AM COMING!
+
+
+ I am coming! I am coming! sings the robin on the wing;
+ Soon the gates of spring will open; where you loiter I will sing;
+ Turn your thoughts to merriest music, send it ringing down the vale,
+ Where the yellow-bird is waiting on the old brown meadow-rail.
+
+ I am coming! I am coming! sings the summer from afar;
+ And her voice is like the shining of some silver-mantled star;
+ In it breathes the breath of flowers, in it hides the dawn of day,
+ In it wake the happy showers of the merry, merry May!
+
+
+
+
+DAISY'S TEMPTATION.
+
+
+"I don't think grandma would ever know it. I could just slip them into
+my pocket and put them on after I get there as e-a-sy! I'll do it;"
+and Daisy Dorsey lifted her grandma's gold beads from a box on her
+lap. She clasped them about her chubby neck and stood before the
+mirror, talking softly to herself. "How nice it will be!" she said,
+drawing up her little figure till only the tip of her nose was visible
+in the glass. "And Jimmy Martin will let me fly his kite instead of
+Hetty Lee. Hetty Lee, indeed! I don't believe she ever had any
+grandmother--not such a grandmother as mine, anyway."
+
+Then the proud little Daisy fell to thinking of the verse her mother
+had read to her that morning, about the dear Father in heaven who sees
+us always, and the blessed angels who are so holy and so pure.
+
+"And I promised mamma I would be so good and try so hard to do right
+always. No, no; I can't do it. Lie there, little pretty gold beads.
+Daisy loves you, but she wants to be good too. So good-bye, dear
+little, bright gold beads," laying them softly back in the drawer and
+turning away with her eyes like violets in the rain.
+
+Now, it so happened that good Grandma Ellis had heard every word Daisy
+had said, had seen her take the beads from their box in the drawer,
+knew just how her darling was tempted and how she had conquered pride
+and evil desire in her little heart, for she was in her bath-room,
+adjoining her chamber; and the door being ajar, she could hear and see
+all that Daisy said and did.
+
+How glad she was when she heard her say, "I can't do it. Good-bye,
+pretty gold beads!" and she felt so sorry, too, for the great tears in
+the sweet blue eyes.
+
+Daisy wore the coral beads to the picnic, and no child had a merrier
+day than she, for she had struggled with temptation, had overcome
+through the loving Father's aid, and so was happy, as we all are when
+we do right.
+
+That evening, when the harvest-moon lifted its bright face to the
+bosom of the east, Grandma Ellis sat in her old-fashioned high-backed
+chair thinking.
+
+Such a pretty picture she made, too, with her light shawl draped
+gracefully over her shoulders, her kerchief and cap so snowy, and her
+sweet face so full of God's love and his divinest peace!
+
+In her hands she held the gold beads, and there was something very
+like tears in her gray eyes, for the necklace had a history that only
+grandma knew--she and one other, whose face that night was far away
+where they need no light of the moon, nor of the sun, for God is the
+light of the place.
+
+"Come here, Daisy," she said, presently. "Come to grandma."
+
+The little creature flew like a bird, for she loved the sound of that
+dear old voice; and besides, Daisy was a happy child that night, and
+in her heart the singing-birds of content and joy kept up a merry
+music of their own.
+
+[Illustration: DAISY'S TEMPTATION.]
+
+Grandma Ellis threw the little necklace over Daisy's head as she came
+toward her, and lifting her to her knee and kissing her glad eyes
+said, speaking low and softly,
+
+"That is for my Daisy to keep always, for grandma's sake. It is not
+just the ornament for your little dear neck in these days, but keep it
+always, because grandma loved it and gave it to her darling that would
+not deceive her, even for the sake of flying Jimmy Martin's kite at
+the picnic."
+
+Then Daisy was sure grandma knew all about her sad temptation, and how
+she had coveted the bright gold beads for just one little day. Now
+they were to be hers for ever, and half for shame, half for very joy,
+Daisy hid her curly head in grandma's bosom and sobbed aloud.
+
+"Hush, darling!" grandma said; "we are all tempted to do wrong
+sometimes, and the dear Father in heaven suffers this to be that we
+may grow stronger through resistance. Now, if you had yielded to the
+voice of pride and desire this morning, do you think you could have
+been happy to-day, even with the necklace and flying Jimmy's kite?"
+
+"No, no! Oh, grandma, forgive me!" sobbed the little voice from
+grandma's bosom.
+
+"Yes, dear, as I am sure God does, who saw how you were sorely tried
+and surely conqueror. Kiss me good-night now; and when you have said
+your 'Now I lay me,' add, 'Dear Father, help grandma's Daisy to be
+good and happy always.'"
+
+An hour later, with the gold beads still about her neck, Daisy in her
+little bed was dreaming of the beautiful fields and flowers that are
+for ever fadeless in the land we name eternal; and the blessed angels,
+guarding her slumber and seeing the smile upon her happy lips, were
+glad because of Daisy's temptation, for they knew that the dear child
+would be stronger and purer and better because she had overcome.
+
+
+
+
+ANSWER TO A CHILD'S QUESTION.
+
+
+ Do you ask what the birds say? The sparrow, the dove,
+ The linnet and thrush say "I love and I love!"
+ In the winter they're silent, the wind is so strong;
+ What it says I don't know, but it sings a loud song.
+ But green leaves and blossoms and sunny warm weather,
+ And singing and loving, all come back together.
+ But the lark is so brimful of gladness and love,
+ The green fields below him, the blue sky above,
+ That he sings and he sings, and for ever sings he,
+ "I love my love, and my love loves me."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: NELLY'S GARDEN.]
+
+WHAT NELLY GAVE AWAY.
+
+
+Nelly Ray was a bright, brave-hearted little girl, whom no one could
+help loving.
+
+Singing like a lark in the morning, wearing sweet smiles on her face
+all day, cheerful even when the shadows fell, it would have been
+strange indeed if her humble home had not seemed like a bit of
+paradise, and the ground under her feet had not blossomed like the
+rose.
+
+It was a pleasant day in the early spring, when the grass was just
+lifting itself above the moist earth, when the soft south wind was
+blowing among the tender little leaves of the lilac bushes, when the
+birds were busy building their nests, when the merry little brook was
+beginning its song and the great round world looked glad and bright,
+that Nelly began to make her garden.
+
+Her father had dug the ground and made it ready for her, and so she
+took her little red basket full of seeds of different kinds, each kind
+tied up by itself and labelled, and down in the little beds she
+dropped candy-tuft, and phlox, and lady-slippers.
+
+How happy she was at her work! Her cheeks were the color of ripe
+peaches, her eyes were as sweet as twin violets, and her little mouth
+was like a fresh rosebud, but better and brighter far than the cheeks
+and lips was the light of kindness that shone in her eyes.
+
+Her sister Jennie, who sat sewing by the window, watched her with
+loving interest.
+
+"Mother," she said, at length, looking up from her work, "do you know
+what a generous little girl our Nelly would be if she was only a rich
+man's child?"
+
+"Is she not generous now, Jennie?" asked her mother.
+
+"Oh yes, surely she is. But I was thinking how much good she would do,
+and how much she would give away, if only we were not poor."
+
+She saw that her mother was smiling softly to herself.
+
+"She gives away more now, of course, than some rich children do. Just
+think how faithfully she works in that little garden, so as to have
+flowers to give away! I do not believe there is a house anywhere near
+us into which sickness or poverty comes where her simple flowers will
+not go."
+
+"Did you ever think, dear Jennie, of the other garden which Nelly
+weeds and waters every day?"
+
+"No, mother. What garden do you mean?"
+
+"The garden of her heart, my dear child. You know that the rain which
+the clouds take from the lakes and rivers comes back to refresh and
+beautify our fields and gardens; and so it is with our little Nelly's
+good deeds and kind, loving words. She gives away more than a handful
+of violets, for with them goes a bright smile, which is like sunshine
+to the sick heart. She gives more than a bunch of roses, for with them
+always goes a kind word. And doing these little things, she gets a
+large reward. Her own heart grows richer."
+
+
+
+
+A STRANGE COMBAT.
+
+
+We are told that the old Romans greatly delighted in witnessing the
+combats of wild beasts, as well as gladiators, and that they used to
+ransack their whole broad empire for new and unheard-of
+animals--anything and everything that had fierceness and fight in it.
+Those vast amphitheatres, like the Coliseum, were built to gratify
+these rather sanguinary tastes in that direction.
+
+But I doubt whether even the old Romans, with all their large
+experience, ever beheld so strange and grotesque a "set-to" (I'm
+pretty sure none of our American boys ever did) as the writer once
+stumbled upon, on the shores of one of our Northern Maine lakes--Lake
+Pennesseewassee, if you can pronounce that; it trips up editors
+sometimes.
+
+I had been spending the day in the neighboring forest, hunting for a
+black squirrel I had seen there the evening before, having with me a
+great, red-shirted lumberman, named Ben--Ben Murch. And not finding
+our squirrel, we were making our way, towards evening, down through
+the thick alders which skirted the lake, to the shore, in the hope of
+getting a shot at an otter, or a mink, when all at once a great sound,
+a sort of _quock, quock_, accompanied by a great splashing of the
+water, came to our ears.
+
+"Hush!" ejaculated Ben, clapping his hand to his ear (as his custom
+was), to catch the sound. "Hear that? Some sort of a fracas."
+
+And cautiously pushing through the dense copse, a very singular and
+comical spectacle met our eyes. For out some two or three rods from
+the muddy, grassy shore stood a tall, a very tall bird,--somewhere
+from four to five feet, I judged,--with long, thin, black legs, and
+an awkward body, slovenly clad in dull gray-blue plumage. The neck
+was as long as the legs, and the head small, and nearly bare, with a
+long, yellowish bill. Standing knee deep in the muddied water, it was,
+on the whole, about the most ungainly-looking fowl you can well
+imagine; while on a half-buried tree trunk, running out towards it
+into the water, crouched a wiry, black creature, of about average dog
+size, wriggling a long, restless tail, and apparently in the very act
+of springing at the long-legged biped in the water. Just now they were
+eying each other very intently; but from the splashed and bedraggled
+appearance of both, it was evident there had been recent hostilities,
+which, judging from the attitude of the combatants, were about to be
+renewed.
+
+"Show!" exclaimed Ben, peering over my shoulder from behind. "An old
+_hairn_--ain't it? Regular old _pokey_. Thought I'd heered that
+_quock_ before. And that creatur'? Let's see. Odd-looking chap. Wish
+he'd turn his head this way. Fisher--ain't it? Looks like one. Should
+judge that's a fisher-cat. What in the world got them at loggerheads,
+I wonder?"
+
+By "hairn" Ben meant _heron_, the great blue heron of American
+waters--_Ardea Herodias_ of the naturalists. And fisher, or
+fisher-cat, is the common name among hunters for Pennant's marten, or
+the _Mustela canadensis_, a very fierce carnivorous animal, of the
+weasel family, growing from three to four feet in length, called also
+"the black cat."
+
+The fisher had doubtless been the assailant, though both had now that
+intent, tired-down air which marks a long fray. He had probably crept
+up from behind, while old long-shanks was quietly frogging along the
+shore.
+
+But he had found his intended victim a game one. The heron had a
+character to sustain; and although he might easily have flown away, or
+even waded farther out, yet he seemed to scorn to do either.
+
+Not an inch would it budge, but stood with its long, javelin-like beak
+poised, ready to strike into the fisher's eye, uttering, from moment
+to moment, that menacing, guttural _quock_, which had first attracted
+our attention.
+
+This sound, mingling with the eager snarling and fretting of the cat,
+made the most dismal and incongruous duet I had ever listened to. For
+some moments they stood thus threatening and defying each other; but
+at length, lashing itself up to the proper pitch of fury, the fisher
+jumped at his antagonist with distended jaws, to seize hold of the
+long, slender throat. One bite at the heron's slim neck would settle
+the whole affair. But this attempt was very adroitly balked by the
+plucky old wader's taking a long step aside, when the fisher fell into
+the water with a great splash, and while struggling back to the log,
+received a series of strokes, or, rather, stabs, from the long,
+pointed beak, dealt down with wonderful swiftness, and force, too; for
+we distinctly heard them _prod_ into the cat's tough hide, as he
+scrambled upon the log, and ran spitting up the bank. This defeat,
+however, was but temporary, as any one acquainted with the singular
+persistence and perseverance of the whole weasel family will readily
+guess. The fisher had soon worked his way down the log again, the
+heron retiring to his former position in the water.
+
+Another succession of quocks and growlings, and another spring, with
+even less success, on the side of the cat. For this time the heron's
+bill wounded one of his eyes; and as he again retreated up the log, we
+could see the bloody tears trickling down over his shaggy jowl.
+
+Thus far the battle seemed favorable to the heron; but the fisher
+again rallied, and, now thoroughly maddened, rushed down the log, and
+leaped blindly upon his foe. Again and again his attacks were parried.
+The snarling growls now rose to shrieks, and the croaking quocks to
+loud, dissonant cries.
+
+"Faugh!" muttered Ben. "Smell his breath--fisher's breath--clean here.
+Always let that out somehow when they're mad."
+
+Even at our distance, that strong, fetid odor, sometimes perceptible
+when a cat spits, could plainly be discerned.
+
+"Old _hairn_ seems to be having the best of it," continued Ben. "I bet
+on him. How cool he keeps! Fights like a machine. See that bill come
+down now! Look at the marks it makes, too!" For the blood, oozing out
+through the thick fur of the cat in more than a dozen spots, was
+attesting the prowess of the heron's powerful beak.
+
+But at length, with a sudden bound upward, the fisher fell with his
+whole weight upon the back of his lathy antagonist. Old long-legs was
+upset, and down they both went in the water, where a prodigious
+scuffle ensued. Now one of the heron's big feet would be thrust up
+nearly a yard; then the cat would come to the top, sneezing and
+strangling; and anon the heron's long neck would loop up in sight,
+bending and doubling about in frantic attempts to peck at its foe, its
+cries now resembling those of a hen when seized in the night, save
+that they were louder and harsher. Over and over they floundered and
+rolled. The mud and water flew about. Long legs, shaggy paws, wet,
+wriggling tail, and squawking beak, fur and feathers--all turning and
+squirming in inextricable confusion. It was hard telling which was
+having the best of the _melee_, when, on a sudden, the struggle
+stopped, as if by magic.
+
+[Illustration: {The marten about to attack the heron}]
+
+"One or t'other has given in," muttered Ben.
+
+Looking more closely, we saw that the fisher had succeeded in getting
+the heron's neck into his mouth. One bite had been sufficient. The
+fray was over. And after holding on a while, the victor, up to his
+back in water, began moving towards the shore, dragging along with
+him, by the neck, the body of the heron, whose great feet came
+trailing after at an astonishing distance behind. To see him, wet as a
+drowned rat, tugging up the muddy bank with his ill-omened and
+unsightly prey, was indeed a singular spectacle. Whatever had brought
+on this queer contest, the fisher had won--fairly, too, for aught I
+could see; and I hadn't it in my heart to intercept his retreat. But
+Ben, to whom a "black cat" was particularly obnoxious, from its
+nefarious habit of robbing traps, had no such scruples, and, bringing
+up his rifle with the careless quickness of an old woodsman, fired
+before I could interpose a word. The fisher dropped, and after
+writhing and snapping a few moments, stretched out--dead.
+
+Leaving Ben to take off its skin,--for the fur is worth a trifle,--I
+was strolling along the shore, when upon coming under a drooping
+cedar, some six or seven rods from the scene of the fight, another
+large heron sprang out of a clump of brambles, and stalked off with a
+croak of distrust. It at once occurred to me that there might be a
+nest here; and opening the brambles, lo, there it was, a broad,
+clumsy structure of coarse sticks, some two or three feet from the
+ground, and lined with moss and water grasses. In it, or, rather, on
+it, were two chicks, heron chicks, uncouth little things, with long,
+skinny legs and necks, and sparsely clad with tufts of gray down. And
+happening to glance under the nest, I perceived an egg, lodged down
+among the bramble-stalks. It had probably rolled out of the nest. It
+struck me, however, as being a very small egg from so large a bird;
+and having a rule in my pocket, I found it to be but two and a half
+inches in length by one and a half in width. It was of a dull,
+bluish-white color, without spots, though rather rough and uneven. I
+took it home as a curiosity.
+
+On the edge of the nest I saw several small perch, a frog, and a
+meadow-mouse, all recently brought, though the place had a suspicious
+odor of carrion.
+
+All this while the old heron had stood at a little distance away,
+uttering now and then an ominous croak. I could easily have shot it
+from where I stood, but thought the family had suffered enough for one
+day.
+
+The presence of the nest accounted for the obstinacy with which the
+old male heron had contested the ground with the fisher.
+
+Both old birds are said to sit by turns upon the eggs. But the nests
+are not always placed so near the ground as this one. Last summer,
+while fishing from the "Pappoose's Pond," I discovered one in the very
+top of a lofty Norway pine--a huge bunch of sticks and long grass,
+upon the edge of which one of the old herons was standing on one foot,
+perfectly motionless, with its neck drawn down, and seemingly asleep.
+
+The artist who could have properly sketched that nest and bird would
+have made his fortune then and there.
+
+ C. A. STEPHENS.
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE HOME-BODY.
+
+
+ Little Home-body is mother's wee pet,
+ Fairest and sweetest of housekeepers yet;
+ Up when the roses in golden light peep,
+ Helping her mother to sew and to sweep.
+ Tidy and prim in her apron and gown,
+ Brightest of eyes, of the bonniest brown;
+ Tiniest fingers, and needle so fleet,
+ Pattern of womanhood, down at my feet!
+
+ Little Home-body is grave and demure,
+ Weeps when you speak of the wretched and poor,
+ Though she can laugh in the merriest way
+ While you are telling a tale that is gay.
+ Lily that blooms in some lone, leafy nook;
+ Sly little hide-away, moss-sided brook;
+ Fairies are fine, where the silver dews fall;
+ Home fairies--these are the best of them all!
+
+ GEORGE COOPER.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: NEDDY AND HIS LAMB.]
+
+NEDDY'S HALF HOLIDAY.
+
+
+"We've had a good time, Tony, old fellow, haven't we?" said Neddy
+Harris, who was beginning to feel tired with his half day's ramble in
+the fields. As he said this he sat down on some boards in the barn.
+
+Tony replied to his young master by rubbing his nose against his face,
+and by a soft "baa," which was as near as he could come to saying, "A
+first-rate time, Master Neddy."
+
+"A grand good time," added the boy, putting his arms around the lamb's
+neck and laying his face on its soft wool.
+
+"And now," he continued, "as father says we should always do, I'll
+just go back and think over what I've done this holiday afternoon; and
+if I forgot myself in anything and went wrong, it will be best for me
+to know it, so that I can do better next time.
+
+"I'm sorry about that poor squirrel," said Neddy; "he never did me any
+harm. What a beautiful little creature he was, with his bright black
+eyes and shiny skin!"
+
+And the boy's face grew sad, as well it might, for he had pelted this
+squirrel with stones from tree to tree, and at last knocked him to the
+ground.
+
+"But it was so cruel in me! Now, if I live a hundred years, I'll never
+harm another squirrel. God made these frisky little fellows, and
+they've just as much right to live as I have."
+
+Neddy felt better about the squirrel after this good resolution, which
+he meant to keep.
+
+"That was curious about the spider," he went on, trying to push all
+thoughts of the dead squirrel from his mind. Let me tell you about
+this spider. In the corner of a fence Neddy saw a large circular
+spider's web, shaped like a funnel, down in the centre of which was a
+hole. As he stood looking at the delicate thing, finer than any woven
+silk, a fly struck against it and got his feet tangled, so that he
+could not escape. Instantly a great black spider ran out of the hole
+at the bottom of the web, and seizing the poor fly dragged him out of
+sight and made his dinner off of him.
+
+Neddy dropped a piece of dry bark about the size of his thumb nail
+into the web, and it slipped down and covered the hole through which
+the spider had to come for his prey. Instantly the piece of bark was
+pushed up by the spider, who came out of his den and ran around on the
+slender cords of his web in a troubled kind of way. Then he tried to
+get back into his hidden chamber, but the piece of bark covered the
+entrance like a shut door. And now Mr. Spider was in a terrible
+flurry. He ran wildly up one side of his web and down another; then he
+tugged at the piece of bark, trying to drag it out, but its rough
+edges took hold of the fine silken threads and tore them.
+
+"You'll catch no more flies in that web, old chap," said Neddy as he
+stood watching the spider.
+
+But Neddy was mistaken. Spider did not belong to the give-up class. If
+the thing could not be done in one way, it might in another. He did
+not reason about things like human beings, but then he had instinct,
+as it is called, and that teaches animals how to get their food, how
+to build their houses or make their nests, and how to meet the dangers
+and difficulties that overtake them in life. After sitting still for a
+little while, spider went to work again, and this time in a surprising
+way. He cut a circle close around the piece of bark as neatly as you
+could have done with a pair of sharp scissors, and lo! it dropped to
+the ground, leaving a hole in the web about the size of a ten-cent
+piece.
+
+"Rather hard on the web, Mr. Landpirate," said Neddy, laughing. "Flies
+can go through there as well as chips."
+
+When he called the spider a land-pirate, Neddy was wrong. He was no
+more a pirate--that is, one who robs and murders--than is the
+woodpecker or swallow, for they feed on worms and insects. The spider
+was just as blameless in his work of catching and eating flies as was
+Neddy's white bantam when she went off into the fields after
+grasshoppers.
+
+But Neddy's laugh at the spider was soon cut short. The most difficult
+part of his work was done when he got rid of the piece of bark. As
+soon as that was out of his way he began moving backward and forward
+over the hole he had cut in the web, just as if he were a weaver's
+shuttle, and in about ten minutes it was all covered with gauzy
+lacework finer than ever was worn by a queen.
+
+"I'll give it up, old fellow," exclaimed Neddy, taking a long breath
+as he saw the work completed. "This just beats me out." Spider crept
+down into his den again to wait for another fly, and Neddy, leading
+Tony, went on his way pleased and wondering.
+
+
+
+
+THE SPARROW.
+
+
+ Thou humblest bird that wings the air, the Master cares for thee;
+ And if he cares for one so small, will he not care for me?
+
+ His eye looks on thee from above, he notices thy fall;
+ And if he cares for such as thee, does he not care for all?
+
+ He feeds thee in the sweet spring-time, when skies are bright and
+ blue;
+ He feeds thee in the autumn-time, and in the winter too.
+
+ He leads thee through the pathless air, he guides thee in thy
+ flight;
+ He sees thee in the brightest day, and in the darkest night.
+
+ Oh, if his loving care attends a bird so mean and small,
+ Will he not listen to my voice when unto him I call?
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Mrs. Pike talks to Sarah and Jane}]
+
+MRS. PIKE'S PRISONERS.
+
+A TRUE STORY.
+
+
+Early on a cloudy April afternoon, many years ago, several little
+girls were playing in a village door-yard, not far from the fence
+which separated it from a neighbor's. They were building a play-house
+of boards, and were so busily occupied, that none of them had noticed
+a lady standing at a little four-paned window in the house the other
+side of the fence, who had been intently regarding them for some time.
+The window was so constructed as to swing back like a door, and being
+now open, the lady's face was framed against the dark background of
+the room, producing the effect of a picture. 'Twas a strange face,
+sallow and curiously wrinkled, with a nose like the beak of a hawk,
+and large black eyes, which seemed to be endowed with the power of
+perpetual motion. These roved from one to another of the busy
+builders, till suddenly one of them seemed to be aware that some one
+was looking at her, and turned towards the little window.
+
+"Ah, I know you, Wealthy Robbins! Come here a minute, my little dear,"
+spoke the lady, in a shrill, quavering voice. And she beckoned to her
+with a hooked finger like a claw. But Wealthy shrank back, murmuring,
+"I don't want to," almost under her breath, and nudging with her elbow
+the nearest girl; "Hannah, Mrs. Pike wants something. See!"
+
+"Is that you, Hannah Green? Come over here, and I'll give you a piece
+of my Passover candy." And the lady waved in the air a long candle-rod
+entwined with a strip of scarlet flannel, which made it look like a
+mammoth stick of peppermint candy.
+
+This attracted the attention of all the girls, and going close to the
+fence, they peered through, while she besought them, with enticing
+promises and imploring eyes, to come around under the window, for she
+had something to tell them.
+
+"Don't let's go," whispered Mary Green, the oldest of the group.
+"Mother told me never to go near her window when she's standing there,
+for she's a crazy woman. That stick isn't candy no more than I am."
+
+"Come, Sarah; I always knew you were a kind little girl," said Mrs.
+Pike, in a coaxing tone, to the youngest and smallest of the group;
+"_do_ come here just a minute."
+
+At last, Sarah Holmes and her sister Jane went around, and stood under
+the little window. Jane said it could do no harm just to go and see
+what Mrs. Pike wanted, and if _she_ was shut up in jail, she guessed
+she'd want a good many things.
+
+"Now, you dear little lambs, you see I'm all alone in the house; and
+they've gone away, and forgotten to give me my dinner; and I'm _very_
+hungry. All I want is a little unleavened bread, for this is Passover
+Day, you know. Well, you just climb in through the dining-room window,
+little Sarah,--Jane can help you,--and unlock my door, so I can go to
+the buttery and get some bread. Then I'll bring you out a nice saucer
+mince pie, and come back here, and you can lock me in. They'll never
+know; and I shall starve if you don't take pity on me."
+
+After some whispering together, the little girls did as they were
+bidden, notwithstanding the warnings of their mates the other side of
+the fence. When they had disappeared from view, Mary Green turned
+away, and began to hammer, as though she was driving a nail into Mrs.
+Pike's head, or Jane Holmes's, or somebody's, ejaculating, "I guess
+they'll rue this day."
+
+Which prophetic words came very near being verified at the moment
+they were spoken. For no sooner had Jane unlocked the door of Mrs.
+Pike's room, than out sprang that lady, and clutched one of the little
+girls with either hand, almost shrieking, "Ah, I know you! you belong
+to that wicked and rebellious tribe of Korah. Why didn't you come over
+to the help of the mighty immediately? Now, you shall see how _you_
+like dwelling in the Cave of Machpelah for a day and a night, and a
+month and a year, until He shall come whose right it is to reign."
+
+And she thrust the trembling, awe-struck children into the room that
+had been her prison, and turned the key upon them. Then away she
+strode out of the house and up the street, a noticeable figure, truly,
+in her short yellow nankeen dress, with pantalets of the same, and
+neat white Quaker cap, with long white ribbons crossed under her chin,
+and carrying an immense umbrella over her head. It was strange that
+none of the nearest neighbors should see her pass. The front door was
+on the opposite side of the house from where the little girls were
+playing; so they did not observe her exit; and thus it happened that
+the crazy lady, who had been confined in the house for weeks, escaped
+without any check upon her triumphant progress. Busy women, seeing her
+from their windows, thought Mrs. Pike must be better again, to be out,
+and did wish her friends wouldn't let her walk the streets looking
+like a Dutch woman. Boys paused in their games almost respectfully, as
+she passed by; for notwithstanding her strange appearance and rapid
+movements, there was an air of mysterious command about the woman
+which checked any rudeness.
+
+"There goes Madam Pike," exclaimed one ragged-kneed boy, when she had
+passed out of hearing. "Got on her ascension-robe--hasn't she? Wonder
+if that umberil will help her any? I say, boys, do you suppose all the
+saints that walk the streets of the new Jerusalem look like her?"
+
+While Mrs. Pike walked rapidly on, with a keen appreciation of the
+fresh air and occasional gleams of sunshine, the little prisoners
+drooped like two April violets plucked and thrown upon the ground.
+They were so frightened and awe-struck, that the idea of calling for
+help from the open window did not occur to them; and they crouched
+upon the floor, melancholy and mute. After a while, some odd-looking
+garments, hanging in a row on one side of the room, attracted their
+attention; but they did not dare to go near them at first. Mrs. Pike
+was what was called a Second Adventist, and had read the Bible and
+Apocrypha with a fiery zeal, and an earnest determination to find
+therein proof of what she believed, and had attended Second Advent
+meetings, and exhorted wherever she could get a hearing, until her
+poor brain was crazed. But lately her husband and friends had kept her
+in doors as much as possible; and she spent most of the time knitting
+ascension-robes for the saints of the twelve tribes of the house of
+Judah. These were long garments, coming nearly to the feet, each of a
+single color, royal purple and blue being her favorites. She said that
+she must improve every moment, lest the great and dreadful day of the
+Lord should come, and she should not be ready, i. e., would not have a
+robe prepared for each of the saints to ascend in. When her son, a boy
+of twelve, died, she had him buried by the front doorstep, so, when
+the procession of saints should pass out at the door, Erastus could
+join them immediately, and not have to come from the burying-ground, a
+mile away.
+
+It was after sunset when Mr. Pike passed along the village street, on
+his way home, and was informed by a good woman, standing at her gate,
+that his wife had gone by about one o'clock, and that, not long after,
+Jane and Sarah Holmes were missed. Some little girls they had been
+playing with had seen them get into Mr. Pike's house through the
+dining-room window, and that was the last that had been seen or heard
+of them. Mrs. Holmes was going on dreadfully; for she thought that, as
+likely as not, Madam Pike had thrown them down in the well, or hid
+them where they would never be found, and then run away. The
+bewildered man hurried home to harness his horse, and go in search of
+his wife; for, with a trust in her better nature, worthy of a woman,
+he believed that she would tell him where the children were, if she
+knew. Fortunately, he found her in a tavern about a mile from home,
+preaching, as the children would say. As usual, she was exhorting her
+hearers to prepare for the great and terrible day of the Lord, etc.,
+etc.; but when her husband appeared in the doorway, the thread of her
+discourse was suddenly broken, and she turned and accosted him with,
+"Ah, Mr. Pike, have you seen my prisoners in the Cave of Machpelah?
+They belong to that wicked and rebellious tribe of Korah, you know."
+
+"Well, Mary, let's go home, and see how they are getting along," said
+he, in a confident tone; for he instantly divined who her prisoners
+were, and that the Cave of Machpelah could not be far away.
+
+Mrs. Pike was quite willing to go with him, and worried all the way
+home; for she said prisoners were always in mischief, and there were
+the robes hanging in the cave, which she had forgotten to put out of
+their reach. So when they arrived, her first act was to unlock the
+door of the children's prison. And her next was to pounce upon them
+with even more vigor than when she emerged from it in the afternoon.
+For there they lay asleep on the carpet, Jane in a purple robe, and
+Sarah in a green, their hands and feet invisible by reason of the
+great length of their garments.
+
+"Don't hurt them, Mary," said Mr. Pike. For she was hustling off the
+precious robes before the little girls were fairly awake; and they
+might have fared hardly, had not the kind man been present to see that
+justice was done; to wit, that they were compensated for their
+imprisonment by pockets full of cakes and fruit, and sent home to
+their mother without delay. That happy woman did not send them
+supperless to bed, nor say a word about punishing them, either then or
+afterwards. Perhaps she guessed that their punishment had already been
+sufficiently severe.
+
+"O, mother," said Jane, "at first we didn't dare to stir or speak, for
+fear the crazy lady was listening; and she seemed angry enough to kill
+us. I felt as if my hair was turning gray, and Sarah looked as white
+as the wall. Well, after a great many hours, we began to look about
+the room, and we saw those queer gowns she knits, hanging in a row;
+and we got up and looked at them. By and by we got so tired doing
+nothing, that we took them down and tried them on, and played we were
+the saints. We tried to fly, but the old things were so heavy and
+long, that we couldn't even jump. And after a while we were so tired
+that we lay down and went to sleep, and never woke till Mrs. Pike came
+home. O, but 'twas the lonesomest, longest, dreariest afternoon we
+ever, ever knew--wasn't it, Sarah?"
+
+This was the story, with variations, which the Holmes girls had to
+tell to their mates the next day, and the next, and so on, until it
+ceased to be a novelty.
+
+But Mrs. Pike's prisoners were heroines, in the estimation of the
+village girls and boys, for more than one year, and doubtless still
+remember and tell to their children the story of their afternoon in
+the Cave of Machpelah.
+
+ M. R. W.
+
+
+
+
+WAR AND PEACE.
+
+
+WAR.
+
+ The warrior waves his standard high,
+ His falchion flashes in the fray;
+ He madly shouts his battle-cry,
+ And glories in a well-fought day.
+ But Famine's at the city gate,
+ And Rapine prowls without the walls;
+ The city round lies desolate,
+ While Havoc's blighting footstep falls.
+ By ruined hearths, by homes defiled,
+ In scenes that nature's visage mar,
+ We feel the storm of passions wild,
+ And pluck the bitter fruit of war.
+
+
+PEACE.
+
+ The cobweb hangs on Sword and belt,
+ The charger draws the gliding plow;
+ The cannons in the furnace melt,
+ And change to gentle purpose now;
+ The threshers swing their ponderous flails,
+ The craftsmen toil with cheerful might;
+ The ocean swarms with merchant sails,
+ And busy mills look gay by night;
+ The happy land becomes renowned,
+ As knowledge, arts, and wealth increase,
+ And thus, with plenty smiling round,
+ We cull the blessed fruits of peace.
+
+[Illustration: WAR.]
+
+
+
+
+CHERRY-TIME.
+
+
+ "Oh, cherry-time is a merry time!"
+ We children used to say--
+ "The merriest throughout the year,
+ For all is bright and gay."
+
+ "Oh, cherry-time is a merry time!"
+ The air is fresh and sweet,
+ And fair flowers in the garden bloom,
+ And daisies 'neath our feet.
+
+ "Oh, cherry-time is a merry time!"
+ For hanging on the tree,
+ All round and glistening in the sun,
+ The pretty fruit we see.
+
+ "Oh, cherry-time is a merry time!"
+ Up in the tree so high
+ We children climbed, and, laughing, said,
+ "Almost into the sky."
+
+ "Oh, cherry-time is a merry time!"
+ The robins thought so too,
+ And helped themselves to "cherries ripe"
+ While wet with morning dew.
+
+ "Oh, cherry-time is a merry time!"
+ The sunshine and the showers
+ Of God's rich mercy fall on us
+ In happy childhood's hours.
+
+[Illustration: CHERRY-TIME.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The boys in the pond, fishing with rods}]
+
+THE DAVY BOYS' FISHING-POND.
+
+
+"Boys," said Mr. Davy, "how would you like to have a fishing-pond?"
+
+The five boys looked at him eagerly, to see if he were in earnest.
+
+"O, splendid, papa!" say they in chorus; "but how _can_ we have a
+fishing-pond?"
+
+"You know that hollow down in the pasture," continued Mr. Davy, "and
+what a blemish it is upon the farm. I have wondered if we could not
+make it useful in some way, and at the same time improve the looks of
+things. I think we might build an embankment upon the open side, make
+the slope steeper all round, bring the water into it from the creek,
+and so have a fishing-pond. We should have to make a race-way from the
+creek to the pond, and cut a channel through the meadow, in which the
+water could flow back to the creek again below the fall. I think it
+could be done," said Mr. Davy, after a pause, "only there would be a
+great deal of work necessary, and we could hardly afford to hire it
+done."
+
+"O, father, _we_ can do the digging," shouted five voices in chorus;
+"we can do it with our spades and wheelbarrows. School doesn't begin
+for a month yet, and we can get it all done in that time."
+
+"Hurrah for a fish-pond!" cried Percy, and in imagination he fairly
+felt the bites of the three-pound trout he was to catch before summer
+was over.
+
+Mr. Davy is a practical farmer. By that I mean that he cultivates the
+land with his own hands. He, with his men, and those of the boys who
+are old enough, are in the fields every morning in summer by five
+o'clock, ploughing, planting, sowing, or milking the cows, and, later
+in the season, haying, harvesting, or threshing. Tommy, the eldest of
+his sons, is thirteen years old; Clarence, the youngest, is five.
+
+Mr. Davy had been thinking of the fishing-pond for some time, and had
+matured the plan in his mind before speaking of it to the boys. The
+morning after the conversation of which I have told you, I saw the
+five boys standing in thoughtful silence upon the bank above the
+hollow in the pasture. I do not believe the engineer who is planning
+the bridge across the British Channel, to connect England and France,
+feels anymore responsibility than did the Davy boys that morning.
+
+"May we begin to-day, father?" said they, eagerly, at breakfast-time.
+
+"Yes; and Patrick can help you," was the reply.
+
+The horses were harnessed to the plough, and driven to the hollow.
+Patrick was instructed how to proceed. He put the reins round his
+neck, and took firm hold of the handles. "Go on wid ye, now!" he cried
+to the horses. A furrow was soon turned, and the fish-pond fairly
+begun.
+
+"Your work," said Mr. Davy to the boys, "will be to wheel away the
+earth which Patrick ploughs out. The first thing is to lay a plank
+for your wheelbarrows to run upon."
+
+Tommy and George soon brought the planks from the tool-house. Blocks
+were laid the proper distance apart to sustain them, and, after two or
+three hours' work, a line of plank, which looked to the boys as grand
+as the new Pacific Railway, stretched across the hollow. The little
+laborers went in to dinner flushed with excitement and hard work, but
+as happy, I dare say, as if they had been to Barnum's Museum, and seen
+the wax figures and wild animals.
+
+Patrick had, during the forenoon, ploughed a good many furrows, and
+now the boys were busy enough carrying away the earth. Each had a
+wheelbarrow of his own--Clarence's a toy, which, with a tiny spade,
+his father had brought from the city with a view to the work now in
+progress. It required a steady hand to keep the wheelbarrows upon the
+plank. They _would_ run off once in a while, and then all hands
+halted, and lifted them upon the track again. The earth was to be
+deposited--"dumped," the boys said--upon the site of the new
+embankment. As the first loads were overturned, Mr. Davy made his
+appearance.
+
+"This fish-pond must have an outlet, you know," said he, "at the point
+where the bottom is lowest. I will measure it off for you, and drive
+three stakes on either side. Here we will have a gate; for our pond
+will need emptying and cleaning occasionally. Fish will not live in
+impure water."
+
+The boys were delighted. All this excavating, laying out of
+earthworks, and planning of gate-way, seemed like real engineering.
+They were reenforced, after a while, by Patrick and the horses; and
+then how suddenly they became tired, his shovelfuls were so large in
+comparison with theirs--his wagon carried away so much more at a load!
+
+Pretty early that evening little Clarence crept into his mother's
+lap, and told her a marvellous story of the amount of earth he had
+wheeled away; but his tired little eyes acted as though some of it had
+blown between their lids; and soon mamma tucked him away for twelve
+hours' sleep.
+
+The hollow in the pasture, I forgot to say, was half an acre in
+extent, and appeared as though Nature had scooped it out on purpose to
+make a place for the Davy boys' fishing-pond. The creek, too, running
+nearly alongside, was there to supply it with water.
+
+"What shall we ever do with that hill?" said Percy, pointing to a rise
+of ground on one side the hollow, as he and his brothers were
+surveying their work; "we never can cart all that away, nor dig up
+those trees, either."
+
+"Let's leave it for an island," said Frank--"a _real_ island--land
+with water all round it" (he had just begun studying geography); "and
+the trees will make a splendid grove, where we can have picnics."
+
+"The island will afford a harbor for the boat, too," said Mr. Davy,
+who had just joined the children. "I suppose you will want a boat on
+your pond--will you not?"
+
+The boys could scarcely believe their ears. A boat of their own, on
+their own pond! They had never dreamed of anything half so nice.
+
+"Time to be at work!" said Mr. Davy.
+
+All the forenoon, as I watched them from my window, I saw the
+embankment growing slowly, but steadily, while the sloping sides of
+the hollow became steeper and steeper. At night a visible step had
+been taken towards a fishing-pond.
+
+I cannot tell you about every one of the days during which the Davy
+boys worked so industriously. At last, however, the excavation was
+completed, the embankment raised to the desired height. The frame for
+the gate-way stood firm between its crowding sides. Gates were in
+progress at the carpenter's, made of solid plank, a door sliding up
+and down over an open space near the bottom. This was easily worked by
+means of a handle at the top.
+
+"And now," said Mr. Davy, "to get the water into the pond. Patrick and
+Michael must build a dam a little way up the creek and the race-way
+from a point just above. We shall need a gate similar to the one at
+the outlet."
+
+The boys were glad to give way to Patrick and Michael, when it came to
+building dams and race-ways. In the mean time they assisted the mason
+who was lining the embankment on either side the gate with stone, to
+protect it against the action of the water. The stone-boat, a little,
+flat vehicle which slides over the ground without wheels, was brought
+out, for piles of stone were to be drawn from a distant part of the
+farm.
+
+"But I shall want one of you to carry the hod for me," said the mason.
+
+It was arranged that they should take turns at this; so one would stay
+and fill with mortar the queer little box which hod-carriers use, and
+bear it on his shoulders to the mason, who was fast laying the curved
+wall.
+
+"Why do you have the wall laid in this rounding shape, papa?" asked
+George. "Why not have it straight?"
+
+"Because the curve makes it stronger to resist the force of the water.
+You notice that the mason chooses stones which are larger at one end
+than at the other. He lays them so that the larger ends form the outer
+side of the curve--the smaller form the inner or shorter side, as you
+see by looking at this wall. The stones, thus wedged against each
+other, could not be as easily forced out of place as if they were
+square in shape, and laid in a straight line. Imagine the water
+pressing upon the inner side of the curve. How readily the wall would
+give way, and the water come pouring through! Have you never observed,
+children," continued Mr. Davy, "that in bridges, culverts, or any
+structure which is to sustain a heavy weight, the foundations are
+always laid in the form of an arch?"
+
+"Yes, papa," answered George; "but I never knew why it was. I see now
+that it is to make them strong."
+
+The boys had quite enough of hod-carrying and stone-quarrying before
+the wall was done. In fact, Patrick was pressed into the service
+repeatedly. The hod became too uneasy a burden for the boys'
+shoulders, even though it was padded with sheep-skin.
+
+A channel to convey the water from the pond was now the only thing
+wanting. This was speedily begun, and the little workmen found
+themselves down in a trench behind a low rampart of earth.
+
+"Let's play we are soldiers," said George. "We'll have Patrick and
+Michael for captain and lieutenant (only they must work, if they _are_
+officers), and papa for general and engineer."
+
+Each little soldier did his best. The officers worked faithfully. The
+engineer came round often, and the dark thread across the bright,
+green meadow spun out rapidly.
+
+"Let's elect Frank quartermaster," said Tommy; "then he'll go to
+headquarters, and make requisition for rations. _I_ think it's time
+for dinner."
+
+"Tell mother to send a big basketful, Frank. Soldiers get awful
+hungry," said Percy.
+
+"Tell mother we want to make coffee in the field, too," said George.
+"Real soldiers do."
+
+I fear that Patrick and Michael did most of the work after this, for
+the department of the commissary seemed to require the attention of
+all the boys.
+
+Mamma was willing to issue rations in the field. "But," said she,
+"soldiers often have only hard tack and coffee. I suppose you will
+want nothing more."
+
+This was a view of the case for which the boys were not prepared. They
+did not wish to seem unsoldierly, but they were very hungry.
+
+"You know, mother," said Percy, "soldiers had bacon sometimes with
+their hard tack."
+
+"And we are only _playing_ soldiers. We ain't _real_ soldiers," said
+matter-of-fact Clarence.
+
+His brothers were quite ashamed that he should give this as a reason
+for wanting a good dinner, yet when they saw the pies and cakes going
+into the basket, they made no remarks.
+
+While the quartermaster was at the house, Tommy and George had built a
+fire, to boil the coffee. Two crotched stakes were driven firmly in
+the ground. A stout rod lay across them, and on this hung the kettle.
+A lively fire was burning underneath, the water boiling. In a few
+moments the coffee was made.
+
+After washing carefully in the creek,--for everything must be done as
+soldiers do,--all sat down in a circle on the ground. The coffee was
+served in tin cups; but shall I confess that our soldiers were so
+unsoldierlike as to drink it with cream and sugar?
+
+Patrick and Michael partook; but as they were absent directly
+afterwards, under pretence of smoking a noon pipe, I fancy they ate
+still further rations in the farm-house kitchen. The boys, however,
+said it was the best dinner they ever ate in their lives.
+
+They were now ready for a visit from the general. "We will have these
+breastworks," said he, "smoothed down in regular shape, and sow
+grass-seed upon them, so that in a few weeks there will be a green
+slope in place of these unsightly clods."
+
+I assure you that as I look from my window while writing this story,
+those slopes appear very pretty, with the merry, sparkling stream
+flowing between.
+
+But I must hasten; for you will be anxious to know that the pond,
+gates, outlet, and all were done at last. Then came the day upon which
+the water was to be let in. A great day it was for the whole
+neighborhood. All the boys for a mile round were there to see.
+
+When everything was ready, Mr. Davy, who was up at the dam, hoisted
+the gate; the water came rushing through; in a few moments it had
+reached the end of its course, and poured over into the pond.
+
+Such a shout as rose from the throats of the forty or fifty boys! It
+must have surprised those placid meadows and the great solemn rocks
+around. And you would have thought the sleepy old hills had actually
+been startled into life, such sounding echoes they sent back in
+answer.
+
+The water spread itself thinly at first over the bottom of the pond.
+Slowly it rose; the little hollows were filled up, the slight
+elevations hidden from sight. Gradually it closed round the tiny green
+island which stood out above its surface like an emerald set in
+shining silver. By night the pond was full. The water began running
+over the top of the gate, making the prettiest little waterfall, and
+over it a light spray rose softly towards the evening sky.
+
+Bright and early the next morning there was commotion at the Davys'.
+The boys were going to Maxwell's Creek, ten miles away, fishing. Mrs.
+Davy was stirring round, preparing their lunch. George and Percy
+hurried to the stable.
+
+"Come, Brown Billy," said Percy to the favorite pony; "time to get up
+and have your breakfast. We are all going fishing to-day;" and he laid
+his hand smartly upon the pony's back.
+
+Brown Billy raised his head, opened his eyes in astonishment to see
+the boys so early in his stall; but hearing their merry voices, he
+seemed to understand the situation at once, and to be in full sympathy
+with them. An extra allowance of oats was put in the manger, and while
+the boys were eating their breakfast in the house, Brown Billy
+leisurely munched his in the stable. Then, after a draught from the
+pump, he was put into the traces. Two casks and a large basket were
+lifted in, the luncheon deposited, and soon they were on their way.
+The sun was just peeping above the horizon, spreading a crimson glory
+over every hill, and tree, and shrub; but this was so familiar a sight
+to the Davy boys, that it caused no remark, though they were not
+insensible to its beauty.
+
+The scene of their day's sport was a beautiful glen among the hills,
+through which the stream, a genuine, untaught child of the woods,
+jumped and tumbled at its own wild will, now leaping from precipices
+in the loveliest cataracts, then fretting noisily over its stony bed,
+and, a little farther on, flowing as smoothly as if it never thought
+of foaming or fretting in all its course.
+
+Tommy tied Brown Billy to a tree, giving him a long tether, that he
+might pick at the fresh grass.
+
+Trout are the most delicate of fishes, and require careful treatment.
+Indeed, they are quite the aristocracy of the finny tribe. Mr. Davy
+had given Patrick directions not to allow them to be caught with a
+hook, as it could not be taken from their mouths without causing much
+pain, and perhaps death.
+
+Patrick chose a place in the stream where the channel was narrow, but
+deep, and waded in.
+
+"Now, boys," said he, "yes all go above a little way, wade out into
+the sthrame, and bate the wather with yer fish-poles. This will drive
+thim down, and I'll see what I can do wid the basket."
+
+The boys pulled off shoes and stockings, and rolled their trousers
+above the knees. Clarence sat on the bank, paddling with his bare feet
+in the stream. Stepping out into the creek, they hopped from one mossy
+stone to another, the water pleasantly laving their feet. Standing in
+a row across the stream, they began beating rather gently, at the same
+time walking slowly forward, hoping to drive the fish before them.
+Presently Patrick brought up the basket, the water streaming from it
+as it did from Simple Simon's sieve, and in the bottom, wriggling and
+squirming, lay four fine trout. Tommy seized the basket, and in an
+instant the fish were within the cask, in their native element again,
+though in rather close quarters. The boys hung over the barrel, gazing
+at the pretty creatures with intense delight. The sun shone down into
+the water, making the bright spots on their sides look like gold.
+
+"Never mind, little trout," said Franky; "you are not going to be
+hurt--only moved to our fish-pond."
+
+Do you not think they enjoyed that day far more because there was no
+cruelty in their sport?
+
+Their amusement was varied by a delicious lunch, and an occasional
+ramble through the woods. Towards evening they drove home, elated with
+their success. The cask contained nearly as many fish as could swim.
+The second cask was filled with fresh water, to replace that in the
+first when it should no longer be fit for the use of the fish. These
+delicate little trout are so sensitive to any impurity, that they
+could not have remained in the same water during the drive home
+without suffering. Indeed, they might have died before reaching the
+pond.
+
+My young readers may not know that fish breathe an element of the
+water which is a part of air also. In fact, the same element which
+sustains us sustains them also, viz., oxygen. Only one ninth part of
+water, however, is oxygen, while of air it is one fifth. I dare say
+you have all seen goldfishes, shut up in crystal prisons, swimming
+their endless round in a quart or two of water. Perhaps you have
+observed them lifting their heads above the surface, mouths wide open,
+gasping for breath. The oxygen is exhausted from the water, and unless
+it be speedily changed their mistress will lose her beautiful pets.
+
+The trout were put into the pond--a small beginning, to be sure; but
+it _was_ a beginning. How lonely they must have been at first! What a
+boundless ocean it must have seemed to them!
+
+We will hope they found some cosy harbor in the grassy-lined sides of
+the island, where they could meet together and talk over their strange
+experience of moving. Plenty of company came soon, however; for all
+the boys in the neighborhood were interested in stocking the pond.
+
+A boat was in progress in Mr. Davy's tool-house. The boys watched
+every inch of its growth, from the shaping of the skeleton frame to
+the last dash of the paint-brush. When it was done, the seats put
+across from side to side, the coatings of white paint laid on, and
+elevated upon four stakes to dry its glistening sides, the boys
+thought nothing was ever half so beautiful; but when they saw it upon
+the pond, gently rocking from side to side, the oars hanging in the
+locks, and lazily swaying to the motion of the water, it seemed to
+them more beautiful still.
+
+This is not all a fancy sketch, dear boys and girls. Perhaps some of
+the farmer children who read it may persuade their papas to make a
+fishing-pond of some unsightly "hollow in the pasture" upon their own
+farms.
+
+ L. M. D.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE LITTLE SAVOYARD AND HIS DOG.]
+
+STORIES ABOUT DOGS.
+
+
+A Newfoundland dog belonging to a gentleman in Edinburgh was in the
+habit of receiving a penny each day from his master, which he always
+took to a baker's shop and bought a loaf of bread for himself. One day
+a bad penny was given him by a gentleman by way of frolic. Dandie ran
+off with it to the baker's, as usual, but was refused a loaf. The poor
+dog waited a moment, as if considering what to do; he then returned to
+the house of the gentleman who had given him the bad coin; and when
+the servant opened the door, he laid it at her feet and walked away
+with an air of contempt.
+
+Some dogs are fond of music, while others seem not to be affected by
+it in the slightest degree. These two anecdotes are related by the
+author of a recent volume. He is speaking of a friend: "As soon as the
+lamp is lighted and placed on the sitting-room table, a large dog of
+the water-spaniel breed usually jumps up and curls himself around the
+lamp. He never upsets it, but remains perfectly still. Now, my friend
+is very musical, but during the time the piano is being played the dog
+remains perfectly unmoved, until a particular piece is played. He will
+not take the slightest notice of loud or soft pieces, neither
+sentimental nor comic, but instantly the old tune entitled 'Drops of
+Brandy' is played, he invariably raises his head and begins to howl
+most piteously, relapsing into his usual state of lethargy as soon as
+this tune is stopped. My friend cannot account for this action of the
+dog in any way, nor can we learn from any source the reason of its
+dislike.
+
+"Again, the wife of a hotel-keeper, lately deceased, possessed a pet
+lap-dog which delighted in listening to its mistress playing on the
+piano; if the usual hour for her daily practice passed by, the dog
+would grow impatient, snap and bark, and be perfectly uneasy until the
+lady consented to gratify its wishes by sitting down to the instrument
+and playing a few tunes. During this operation the dog would sit
+motionless on a chair by her side; and when the music was ended, he
+would jump down, quite satisfied for that day."
+
+
+
+
+A CHILD'S PRAYER.
+
+
+ Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me;
+ Bless thy little lamb to-night;
+ Through the darkness be thou near me,
+ Keep me safe till morning light.
+
+ Through the day thy hand hath led me,
+ And I thank thee for thy care;
+ Thou hast warmed and fed and clothed me,
+ Listen to my evening prayer.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A man jumps from one steam locomotive to another}]
+
+JOHN STOCKS AND "THE BISON."
+
+
+One winter afternoon, as Archy Douglas sat studying his lessons, Mrs.
+Falkoner, the housekeeper, came to invite him to have tea in her room.
+While they were at the table, they heard the kitchen bell ring, at
+which Mrs. Falkoner seemed surprised, for she said the weather would
+incline few people to leave their own firesides.
+
+It turned out, however, to be a visitor for Mrs. Falkoner herself, for
+in a few minutes one of the servants came to say a person who called
+himself John Stocks wanted to see her, and John presented himself in
+the doorway without further delay.
+
+An active man, with the look, at first sight, of the mate of a ship,
+he stood gently stamping the snow off his boots on the door mat,
+laughing in a low tone, as if he was very much pleased to see the
+worthy Mrs. Falkoner, and was enjoying her stare of astonishment to
+the full.
+
+"Dear bless me, John, is it really you?" said Mrs. Falkoner, almost
+running to meet him. "Whatever wind has blown you here?"
+
+"No wind at all, Mary; nought but the snow," he said, laughing: but
+correcting himself, he added, "Ah, well, there was a wind, after all,
+for we're fairly drifted up a few miles t'other side of the Junction;
+and so I got leave to run over and see you: not often I get the
+chance--is it, now?"
+
+All this time he had been taking off his outer coat; and when he was
+fairly in the room, Archy found he was a young man, certainly not more
+than thirty. He had crisp black hair, a bold, manly face, very red
+with exposure to the weather, and at the same time expressive of great
+determination of character. But one peculiarity about his face was,
+that though so young, his forehead was not only scarred and lined, but
+round his eyes and about his mouth it was puckered and wrinkled to a
+most extraordinary degree. Archy felt a great curiosity about him,
+but was not long left in doubt, for Mrs. Falkoner took care to make
+her visitor known to the young gentleman as her youngest half brother
+and an engine-driver on the main line.
+
+A remarkably quiet man did John Stocks seem in regard to general
+conversation; he said very little about the weather, and less about
+things going on in the great world, and anything he did say on these
+topics had almost to be coaxed out of him. However, he evidently took
+great delight in giving all the family news, even to the most minute
+particular.
+
+"Of course you've heard," he said, warming one hand at the fire, "that
+Bob's come home from America. Then that old Thompson has given up the
+shop."
+
+"Yes; so I heard," said Mrs. Falkoner, pouring out another cup of tea,
+not appearing to take very great interest in them. "No accidents on
+your line lately, I hope."
+
+"Not much," was the answer, and he again went back to the family news.
+"Jenny's got a baby," he said, suddenly, with great glee, as if this
+piece of news was far before any other.
+
+This intelligence at least was news to Mrs. Falkoner, and she listened
+to all he had to say about it with great interest.
+
+But when Mrs. Falkoner was called away for a few minutes, it became
+necessary for Archy to entertain the visitor till her return.
+
+Of course Archy had many questions to put about the railway and the
+engines, and dangers and catastrophes. John was excessively civil, and
+on this subject was full of intelligence; but when he was asked if his
+own engine had broken down in the snow, he became quite horrified, if
+not indignant.
+
+"What, master, broke down?" he said. "Not a bit o't. I'd back the old
+Bison against a drift twice as heavy. But, d'ye see, when you comes
+and finds an engine and seven wagons o' minerals, and another engine,
+and wagons besides that all ahead o' ye, and stuck fast, why, I says,
+ye must give in. There ain't no use expecting yer engine to drive
+_through_ 'em, so must lie by till all's cleared, which won't be for
+five hours at least."
+
+"How is it that the line's blocked up now?" asked Archy. "There has
+been no more snow all day."
+
+"Ay, that's true, master," said the engine-driver. "But d'ye see, a
+mile from the Junction there's a bit of heavy cutting, with a steep
+sloping bank on either side. Now, this afternoon there was a slip;
+most all the snow drifted there, and part of the bank itself fell in,
+and so there is a block-up. As I said afore, the mineral train, she
+comes up first, and she sticks fast, and then we has to follow, as a
+matter in course. But had my old Bison been afront, he'd have done
+differently, I make no doubt."
+
+"Is your engine a much stronger one?" said Archy, greatly amused to
+hear how funny it was to call a train she, while he called the engine
+he, and by an animal's name, too.
+
+"It's not that he's stronger, sir, but he's got more go in him, has
+the Bison. He's an extraordinary plucky engine. I've seen him do
+wonderful things when Mat Whitelaw was driver, and me stoker to 'em.
+I'll just tell you one on 'em, and then ye can judge what sort o'
+stuff the Bison's made o'. It was one day in summer, some two years
+ago; we had just taken in water at the junction, and were about to run
+back to couple on the coaches, when an engine passed us tearing along
+at a tremendous speed on the other line o' rail, but, mark me, without
+a driver or stoker, or aught else on it. I thought my mate was mad,
+when he got up steam, and off in the same direction; but in a moment
+I saw what he was up to. The Bison was going in the chase. 'See to the
+brake, John,' was all Mat said, when off we were after the runaway at
+full speed. It seemed to me nought but a wild-goose chase; for, d'ye
+see, master, we were on another line o' rails altogether. But Mat knew
+what he was about, and it was my place to do his bidding. I was always
+proud o' the old Bison before that morning, but I never knew till then
+what a good engine was, and what was depending on it.
+
+"You would have thought he fairly snorted to his work, going at the
+rate o' forty miles an hour we were, and at last we got abreast o' the
+runaway engine, and could have passed him, but that would have been
+useless. There wasn't another driver on the whole line would have
+thought of the thing so quickly as Mat did, nor could have regulated
+the speed so nicely to a moment. The two different engines were
+running just opposite each other on the two different lines, the
+runaway being a good deal worn out now, and going much slower than at
+first, when Mat he says to me, hoarsely, 'Jump across. It'll be safer
+if I stick here to hold the regulator; but I'll go, if you'd rather
+stay.' I had such confidence in Mat Whitelaw, that I could trust my
+life with him before any mortal man; and the instant he gave the word,
+I jumped, and did it safe. We each put on our brakes, and took breath,
+and desperately hot we both were, I can assure you."
+
+"Were you not terribly afraid?" said Archy, who had been almost
+breathless during the recital.
+
+"I can't say that we were," said John, coolly; "but I'll tell you I
+was frightened enough the next moment, when Mat looked at his watch,
+and sees that the down express was due in a few minutes on his line. I
+believe that Mat thought more o' the passengers that might be
+smashed, and the risk for the Bison, than o' his own safety. He said
+it would never do to reverse the engines now; but if we kept on, he
+thought there might yet be time to run into the siding at the nearest
+station. So on we went once more at increased speed, straight on
+ahead, though it was like running into the very face of the danger.
+The telegraph had been hard at work, and the station people had been
+laying their heads together, and they were at the points. So, when
+they heard the whistle, and saw Mat putting on the brake, they at once
+opened the points,--not a moment too soon, I can tell you,--and in he
+ran into the siding. Now, what Mat did, sir, was what I call about
+equal to most generals in war, and as great a benefit to society."
+
+"He must be a brave fellow," said Archy; "and I hope you were both
+rewarded for it."
+
+"The company behaved very handsome," was the answer. "Mat got on to
+the Great Western line at once; but the worst of it is, he and I are
+parted, and the old Bison; he felt his loss as much, if not more than
+me."
+
+Mrs. Falkoner, who had come in during the latter part of the story,
+now said,--
+
+"But tell the young gentleman what you did your own self, and what the
+company thought of your conduct."
+
+"Tuts, Mary," he answered; "I did nought extraordinary; there ain't a
+man in the service but could have done the same, had they known old
+Bison as well as I did."
+
+"I should like to hear it, John," said Archy, who was standing ready
+to leave the brother and sister alone.
+
+"Well, 'cept it be to tell you how I got to be driver of the Bison
+myself, it's not worth the listening to. When Mat left, Bill Jones got
+to be my mate--the worst driver on the line; at least he couldn't
+manage the Bison. He did not understand that engine one bit, and was
+constantly getting into trouble, till I was driven almost wild. Bill
+would say, 'Bison, indeed! he ought to be called Donkey; it would suit
+his kicking ways better.' It was quite true he kicked, but he never
+did it with Mat on him, and went along the rails as smooth as oil.
+Well, at one part o' the line, there is a gradual long incline, and
+one day we were just putting on more steam to run up, when we sees at
+the top two or three coaches coming tearing down straight upon us. We
+knew there was a heavy excursion train on ahead, and we had been going
+rather slow on that account, and this was some of the coaches that had
+got uncoupled from the rest. Well, Bill, my mate, no sooner saw it
+coming, than says he, 'Jump for your life!' and out he went. But I
+knew what a quick engine the Bison was, and, moreover, I saw our guard
+had noticed the danger, too, and would work with me; so I reversed
+the engine, and ran back, until the coaches came up to us, but did no
+further damage save giving us a bit of a shake as they struck on the
+old Bison; and so we drove them afore us right up to the station. Bill
+was killed, as might have been expected, for he had no faith in the
+Bison whatever; and so the company, they came to see I understood that
+engine, and they made me driver o' him from that time."
+
+Archy now bade the worthy engine-driver good night, saying that he
+should always take a greater interest in engines than ever before, and
+that he should have liked very much to have seen such a famous one as
+the Bison.
+
+John Stocks evidently took this speech as a personal compliment, and,
+in consequence, bade Archy a friendly good by, saying, as he did so,
+"that people nowadays talked of nothing but ships and extraordinary
+guns, and what not, but to his mind a good engine was before them
+all."
+
+ MRS. GEORGE CUPPLES.
+
+
+
+
+THE CHILDREN'S SONG.
+
+
+ Merrily sang the children, as their mother softly played;
+ With eager, outstretched faces a pretty group they made;
+ Their clear and bird-like voices ran loudly through the air,
+ Till "Baby" heard the music, and crept from stair to stair,
+ That she might join the singers, and in their gladness share.
+
+ Dear, merry little warblers! I love to hear you, too;
+ Your fresh, unworldly feelings, your hearts so fond and true,
+ Give to your songs a sweetness that no other strains possess;
+ They soothe the harassed spirit when troubles thickly press,
+ And evoke the warm petition, "O GOD, OUR CHILDREN BLESS!"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS.]
+
+PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS.
+
+
+ How earnest Kate and Constance and Brother Willy look,
+ Counting up varied treasures, ship, bat and doll and book!
+
+ The three are very busy, and very happy too,
+ Trying to mend up old things to look almost like new.
+
+ The book was rather shabby, but Kate with paste and thread
+ Has made it firm and tidy, and rubbed it clean with bread.
+
+ And now, ere she resigns it, she lingers, glancing o'er
+ The pretty picture pages and well-known lines once more.
+
+ Constance has dressed the dolly--you see how nice it looks--
+ And all its things are fastened with little strings or hooks.
+
+ The ship with clean new rigging--Will's work--they eye with pride,
+ And they have quite a drawerful of other things beside--
+
+ Boxes of beads and sweeties, and many a top and ball,
+ Saved for the coming Christmas; and who's to have them all?
+
+ Not their own merry playmates, bright girl and happy lad,
+ Who'll meet for winter pastime like them well fed and clad.
+
+ No; children in close alleys, or the large workhouse near,
+ Our little friends--obeying Christ's words--will please and cheer.
+
+ And their own Christmas pleasures will seem more glad and sweet
+ For knowing such poor neighbors enjoy for once a treat.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A man stands over Que, who is asleep on his mailbag}]
+
+QUE.
+
+
+He was a wee bit of a boy to carry the United States mail on his
+back, seven miles, every day. He was only eleven years old, and as
+long, to an inch, as the mail bag, which was just three feet and
+eleven inches long. When he went along the road, you would sometimes
+see him, and sometimes the bag; that was as you happened to be on this
+or the other side of him. Many persons' hard hearts have been made to
+open a crevice, at sight of the little fellow, to let a little jet of
+pity spirt out for him. But "The Point" ran out three miles and a half
+to the south of the county road and the stage coach, and the nearest
+coach post-office; and because it was only a small point, and sparsely
+settled, it couldn't afford a horse for the short distance; and
+because it was a short distance, no man, or boy, who was able to do a
+full day's work, would break into it to walk the seven miles; and
+because it was seven miles, no one who was not well could walk so far
+every day, and the year round. So it happened that the job was up for
+bids one spring, and the person who would carry the mail from Gingoo
+to the Point for the smallest amount of money, was to have it for a
+year.
+
+One woman offered to carry it for eighty dollars; another for seventy;
+one big boy offered for sixty-five; he'd make the girls at home do the
+work, he said,--they hadn't anything else to do,--and he would give
+them each a new ribbon to pay for it: and between you and me, I am
+very glad that that boy didn't get the job.
+
+Without saying a word to his family about it, Que made up his mind
+that he would carry the mail himself. When the others sent in their
+bids he sent in his, for fifty dollars. _So_ it happened that Que was
+mail-carrier. He was so little and bow-legged, that there were not
+many things that he could do; for instance, he couldn't run. His head
+and feet were very large, and his arms and intermediate body very
+small; therefore he could dream and wonder what he should do when he
+grew up, and walk (with care) as much as he pleased, but was not a
+favorite among the boys in playing games.
+
+Of course he was not baptized into the name Que, but was called, by
+his parents and the christening minister, John Quincy Adams Pond, Jr.;
+named for his father, you see. They began to call him Que before he
+was out of his babyhood; for they had one boy named John Lee, but as
+they always called him Lee, they entirely forgot that fact till after
+the ceremony of Que's christening. And they really weren't much to
+blame, for they had nine other boys, and poor memories; and though
+both are misfortunes, they can't be helped. To avoid mixing their two
+Johns, they called one Lee and the other Que.
+
+Que looked upon seven miles a day as no walk at all, and upon fifty
+dollars a year as a fortune, and upon "United States mail-carrier" as
+a title little below "Hon." or "Esq." He had hoped, all his life, that
+he should, some fine day, have a right to one or the other of these
+titles. Probably the fact that his name already ended with a "Jr."
+excited his ambition in that particular direction. Money and dignity
+seemed to Que the two things most to be desired in life, unless I
+might add a small family.
+
+Now, we will leave Que's antecedents behind, and go on to his life
+while he carried the mail; and a very queer little life it was, as you
+will say when you get to the end of it, though I don't know when that
+will be, for Que isn't there himself yet. The mail contract was from
+July 1, 1860, to July 1, 1861, and if your mathematics are in good
+running order, you will see that that was just a year.
+
+July 1, 1860, was as fine a day in Gingoo as any day in the year; and
+Que was in as high spirits as on any day in the course of his life.
+Unfortunately the mail coach reached Gingoo exactly at forty minutes
+past eleven, unless the driver got drunk or fell asleep, which
+happened about two hundred and forty days in the year. But whether
+sober, drunk, or asleep, the four coach horses always stood before
+Gingoo office door by twelve o'clock at latest.
+
+It makes no difference to you or to me when the coach stood there; but
+it made a great deal of difference to Que, for twelve o'clock on the
+finest day in the year, and that day the first of July, is apt to be
+rather warm; and in the year 1860 it was _very_ warm. Nevertheless, at
+quarter past twelve, Que started with the bag. I, happening to be at
+the right side of him, saw only the bag start with Que.
+
+Perhaps you don't see why Que should have started right in the heat of
+the day; but if you had been Que, and could have heard all the
+Pointers clamoring for their mail, you would have started just when
+Que did. The mail-bag was made of very dark leather, and drew the sun
+tremendously. Now, as Que had on a pair of light linen pants and a
+little gray lined coat, of course he ought to have walked between the
+bag and the sun; but not being a scientific boy, he didn't think of
+that, and slung the bag over his sunny shoulder, and from that height
+it trailed to the ground.
+
+Que walked on as fast as he could, trying not to think too much of the
+heat and the weight; but the peculiar odor that the sun brought from
+the leather bag was blown up his nose, and down his throat, and into
+his ears, by a strong south wind that blew, and before Que had time to
+think whether he had better or better not, he was lying fast asleep by
+the side of the road, on the grass; rather he was lying on the
+mail-bag, and that was lying on the grass. Why didn't he fall on the
+other side? For two reasons; first, he was attracted mail-bag way by
+the sleepy odor before spoken of; and secondly, the weight was all
+that way, and as he began to sleep before he began to drop, of course
+the bag was his natural bed when he did drop.
+
+The Point road was lonesome, and it must have been quite an hour
+before any one came that way. Then a man and two horses, and a cart
+loaded high with laths, were seen coming over the hill; that is, they
+would have been seen, if Que hadn't been asleep just then.
+
+"Hollo! what's all this?" said the driver when he got opposite the bag
+and Que.
+
+"All this" neither stirred nor spoke.
+
+"Whoa! whoa, there!" called the driver to his horses.
+
+Now, if Que had been taking only a light, after-dinner nap, he would
+have been wide awake as soon as the cart stopped; for the hill was a
+long one, and the rumbling had been as long, and merely from lack of
+that lullaby, a well-conditioned boy should have wakened at once. But
+Que didn't.
+
+"I declare," said the driver, "if it ain't that bran new mail-boy!"
+Thereupon he went up and looked at him; but not being of a magnetic
+temperament, he didn't wake Que that way.
+
+"Bless the chick, if he isn't dead asleep," continued the driver,
+talking to himself. This driver had a habit of talking to himself, for
+he said, "then he was always sure of having somebody worth talking
+to."
+
+"Now, won't those Pointers growl for their mail, when it is a couple
+of hours late? The first day, too! Que'll catch it." Then he gave Que
+a little roll, so that he rolled from the bag over into the grass.
+
+"Well, I always _was_ a good-natured fellow. Guess I'll take his bag
+along for him, and save him the scolding."
+
+So the driver threw the bag on top of the load of laths, and left the
+bag-boy to sleep it out.
+
+When Que had slept half an hour longer, he started up, staring wide
+awake.
+
+"I've been asleep," said Que; and so he had.
+
+"My bag's been and gone," continued Que; and so it had.
+
+But he was a bright boy, and all the brighter, perhaps, for having
+just been asleep; so he looked round, which is a very good thing to do
+when you get into trouble, and the very thing that half the people in
+the world never think to do.
+
+"There are tracks in the grass; and there is a cart-track in the dust,
+and it had two horses, and these foot-tracks went back to it. Why, the
+lath man must have taken it;" and so he had.
+
+Que started towards the Point as fast as he could go, and
+consequently, when he got there, which was just fifty minutes after
+the bag got there, he had no breath left to ask any questions about
+it. Still he panted on to the post-office.
+
+"Who are you?" asked the postmaster.
+
+"I'm--a--bag," gasped Que.
+
+"Bag of wind!" said the postmaster, emphatically.
+
+"A--mail--bag!" said Que.
+
+"Humph! So you're the new mail boy--are you? Send your bag down by
+express, and came yourself by accommodation--didn't you?"
+
+"The lath man's got it; where is he?" Que had recovered his breath a
+little by this time.
+
+"I don't know anything about the lath man," growled the postmaster.
+
+But when Que began to cry, which he did at once, the postmaster
+couldn't stand that, for he had no children of his own, and his
+feelings, consequently, weren't hardened; so he dragged the bag from
+a corner, and threw it on Que's back.
+
+"There, take your bag, and go home, and don't be two hours late the
+first day, next time." He didn't stop to think that there cannot be
+two first days to the same thing. Que didn't stop to think of it,
+either, but started homewards as fast as his bow-legs would let him. I
+think he approximated more nearly to running, that day, than he ever
+had done in his life before.
+
+Que's nine brothers treated him with great respect, when he got home.
+The family had been to tea, but each one had saved some part of his
+supper for Que; so, though he had an indigestible mixture, there was
+plenty of it,--while it lasted.
+
+"Did you have a good time, Que?"
+
+"Was it fun?"
+
+"Did you get anything for it?"
+
+"Did you get tired?"
+
+"Going to keep it up?"
+
+"Can't I go next time?"
+
+"Do you like it?"
+
+"Did you see any boys?"
+
+"Anybody give you a lift?"
+
+How all together the questions did come! But the confusion of them
+saved Que from the trouble of answering the nine boys, and as soon as
+there was a lull, his father said,--
+
+"You were gone some time, sir; I hope you didn't stop to play on the
+road?"
+
+"O, no, sir," said Que. "I haven't played at all;" which was very
+true, you know.
+
+"Did there seem to be many letters?" asked his mother; and be it
+understood, that she asked quite as much because Que looked as if the
+bag had been heavy, as from feminine curiosity.
+
+"Didn't notice, ma'am; the bag wasn't very heavy;" and it wasn't,
+except on his conscience, and he knew his mother didn't mean that, at
+all.
+
+For several weeks after that everything went on smoothly enough. Que
+had a pretty good time, and found it some fun, and felt that he was
+getting something for it, and didn't get very tired, and kept it up,
+and never took any of his brothers with him, and liked the business,
+and saw a good many boys, and got a large number of "lifts" from
+hay-carts and wagons, and particularly from the lath man. So, in
+course of time, all the brothers' questions were satisfactorily
+answered.
+
+It is a way that the world has, to let you trip once, and then run on
+smooth ground some time, before it puts another snag in your way; and
+it made no exception in Que's favor. His drab clothes kept clean a
+long time, in spite of the leather bag, and washed well when they were
+not clean. The Gingoo postmaster took a fancy to him, and the Point
+post master refrained from tormenting him. The mails were not
+unbearably heavy nor the month of July remarkably hot after the first.
+Que had a good appetite for his supper, and plenty of supper to show
+it on, and slept long and heavily every night and a part of every
+morning, and thought that the world was a pretty good kind of place,
+after all. But that was only because he hadn't come to the second snag
+yet.
+
+One day, in the first end of August, a wind sprang up. It wasn't a
+very uncommonly high wind, only no one was expecting it, because the
+days had been muggy, and that made every one say, "Why, what a high
+wind there is to-day!"
+
+You and I can't tell why the wind should have gone on rising through
+the forenoon; but we can guess, which will answer our purpose just as
+well; for you know it is but little more than that that your father
+and his friends, and father's father and his friends, do, when they
+meet together and "express opinions."
+
+_I_ guess that the wind rose higher through the forenoon because, as
+soon as it began to play about in the morning, it caught the whisper
+of people's surprise, and thought it would take the hint, and blow
+them up a little.
+
+"What a dickens of a wind!" said Que, when he stood, or tried to
+stand, on top of the hill with his bag.
+
+Que had learned all the easy ways of carrying that bag long ago; of
+strapping it in a little roll over his shoulders when it wasn't very
+full; of carrying it on his head when it had enough inside to balance
+just right, and of strapping it round his body when it had nothing in
+it. But, as the days had been all stormless alike, he had been obliged
+to adapt himself only to the conditions of the bag, and not at all to
+the state of the weather.
+
+As the masculine mind is capable of taking in only one idea at a time,
+as soon as Que put his mind to the state of the weather, it drew
+itself away from the manner of carrying the bag.
+
+"Wish I had something between me and the wind," sighed he.
+
+Just then the wind blew off his hat, to teach him the polite order of
+mentioning two persons, of whom himself was one.
+
+Que followed after it as fast as he could, and let the bag drop beside
+him, and by chance it hung from his neck to the windward side.
+
+The wind blew very strong.
+
+"I do declare," said he, "I shouldn't wonder a bit if the wind blew me
+away."
+
+Que was a truthful boy; but he did wonder very much when he found, two
+seconds afterwards, that the wind _was_ blowing him away. But he
+didn't wonder at all, when he lay, a minute later, against a huge
+apple tree; partly because people generally get through wondering when
+they are at the end of anything, but mostly because the blow stunned
+Que, so that he didn't know anything for an hour.
+
+When he gradually came to himself, he didn't know where he was. Then a
+little wind shook a green apple down on his nose, and he concluded
+that he was under an apple tree; which was quite correct.
+
+Then he looked about to see whether he was in the United States or
+not; he saw the five juniper trees that had been standing in a row,
+half a mile from his father's house, ever since he could remember, and
+concluded that he must be; wherein he was again quite correct.
+
+Then he wondered if any one would come for him, for he felt so stiff
+and sore that he thought he never could go home alone.
+
+"They'll come for me, _I_ know; for if I've had a gale they must have
+had one; and if they have had one they'll know that I've had one. Of
+course they'll come."
+
+Que felt round for his mail-bag, and got his head on it, and waited.
+While he was lying there it occurred to him that the people down in
+the village wouldn't have been walking about with bags broader than
+themselves to windward of them, and mightn't have felt the breeze as
+he did; so his last reasoning wasn't correct at all.
+
+"I'll bet they didn't feel it a bit!" thought Que; and by this time he
+was so fully in possession of his original faculties, that his
+reasoning was quite correct again. No one else had felt the gale.
+
+Que put his head on the bag and thought that his end had come, and so
+cried himself to sleep.
+
+His family had not felt the gale very heavily; but when tea-time came,
+and Que didn't, they felt that; and when darkness came, and Que
+didn't, they felt that; and when a report came, with a growl, from
+the Point that they wanted their mail, Que's father started out with a
+lantern to find it.
+
+Que, having finished his nap, felt better, and tried to get up; but
+his ankle didn't want to move; and when he tried again it actually
+wouldn't move; so he lay down again to wait and watch. When he saw the
+lantern go by, he called, and his father came.
+
+"What are you doing here, sir?"
+
+"Nothing," said Que.
+
+"Get up, then."
+
+"I can't," said Que.
+
+"You've been asleep, sir."
+
+"Yes, sir," said Que.
+
+"What have you done with the mail-bag?"
+
+"It is the mail-bag that's done with me," said Que.
+
+Then his father took him by the collar, and stood him up, and saw at
+once what was the matter. Que had sprained his ankle.
+
+It seemed to Que, during the next four weeks, as if that ankle never
+would heal; but it did at last, and John Lee, who had carried the mail
+in the mean time, was loath to give the job to Que again. He felt for
+Que through his pain, but charged him one twelfth of fifty dollars for
+doing his work a month, and would like to do it a while longer.
+
+There isn't much more to tell of Que as a mail-boy. The end of the
+year found him the possessor of forty-five dollars and five shillings.
+
+The next year the Point afforded a horse, and Que took the mail on the
+horse's back; the year following they had a horse and wagon, and Que
+drove that; when they have a railway I have no doubt Que will be a
+conductor; and when the mail is blown through a tunnel, Que, of
+course, will blow it.
+
+Even the second snag, you see, needn't lay you a dead weight on the
+earth.
+
+ MARY B. HARRIS.
+
+
+
+
+WHAT THE CLOCK SAYS.
+
+
+ The clock's loud tick
+ Says, "Time flies quick."
+ "Listen," says the chime;
+ "Make the most of time,
+ For remember, young and old,
+ Minutes are like grains of gold;
+ Spend them wisely, spend them well,
+ For their worth can no man tell."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE SNOW-FALL.]
+
+THE SNOW-FALL.
+
+
+ Old Winter comes forth in his robe of white,
+ He sends the sweet flowers far out of sight,
+ He robs the trees of their green leaves quite,
+ And freezes the pond and the river;
+ He has spoiled the butterfly's pretty nest,
+ And ordered the birds not to build their nest,
+ And banished the frog to a four months' rest,
+ And makes all the children shiver.
+
+ Yet he does some good with his icy tread,
+ For he keeps the corn-seeds warm in their bed,
+ He dries up the damp which the rain had spread,
+ And renders the air more healthy;
+ He taught the boys to slide, and he flung
+ Rich Christmas gifts o'er the old and young,
+ And when cries for food from the poor were wrung,
+ He opened the purse of the wealthy.
+
+ We like the Spring with its fine fresh air;
+ We like the Summer with flowers so fair;
+ We like the fruits we in Autumn share,
+ And we like, too, old Winter's greeting:
+ His touch is cold, but his heart is warm;
+ So, though he brings to us snow and storm,
+ We look with a smile on his well-known form,
+ And ours is a gladsome meeting.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+STITCHING AND TEACHING.
+
+
+Will had had the croup. Then the measles took possession of him, and
+lastly, the whooping-cough, finding him well swept and garnished,
+entered in, and shook and throttled him in a manner quite deplorable.
+
+His convalescence, however, was relieved of its monotony by a headlong
+fall from a step ladder in the library, whereby he sprained his wrist,
+to say nothing of the mischief that he made, in his descent, amid the
+ink, books, and papers.
+
+Treading on a pin in the sewing-room was another diversion in his
+favor, giving him, for a while, a daily looking forward to bandages
+and poultices, and an opportunity to weigh the advantages of obedience
+in case he should ever again wish, and be forbidden, to jump out of
+bed and run barefoot amid the dressmaker's shreds in search of his
+top.
+
+Now, all this is no uncommon experience for a small boy. I simply
+mention it by way of apology for introducing Will in an unamiable
+mood. One regrets to have one's friends make an unfavorable first
+impression.
+
+This was Will's first morning at school since his recovery. He found
+that the boys had gone on in their Latin, had gone on in their French,
+leaving him far behind; they had got into decimals, and he way back
+pages; they had a new writing-master, and wrote with their faces
+turned a new way, to the great disgust of Will. They had had a botany
+excursion to Blue Hills, which he had lost. He was down at the foot of
+the class, and at the end of the morning he had made up his desperate
+mind to remain there forever. It was no use for a fellow to try to put
+through such a pile of back lessons.
+
+He came stamping up stairs, kicked at the nursery door, slung in his
+bag of books, and stood on the threshold, pouting and glaring angrily
+at his sister Emily.
+
+Emily sat in the window opposite, the sunlight sifting through the
+flickering ivy leaves on to her golden hair and fair sweet face. She
+was singing over her sewing as Will made his noisy entrance. She
+looked up at the scowling boy in the doorway, her pale cheeks flushing
+with surprise and then with pity.
+
+"What's the matter?" she asked, gently.
+
+"Matter?" roared Will; "I guess you'd ask, if you knew how old 'Crit'
+had been cramming the fellows, and me nowhere. I'll--run away to sea,
+or somewheres. I'm not going to _stand_ it."
+
+Will bounced his hand down so hard on a tea-poy, two little terra
+cotta shepherdesses bounded up from it, knocked their heads together,
+and fell clattering to the floor.
+
+"O, Will," cried Emily, rising up with a scared face, and dropping her
+pretty work-basket, "don't talk so. You are tired now, and everything
+troubles you, because you have been sick so long. By and by, when you
+are a little stronger, you will feel differently. Don't think about
+the back lessons. Just try to be glad you are well enough to go to
+school again, and be with the boys."
+
+"O, don't preach!" persisted Will, gruffly.
+
+With the cloud still hanging over his handsome face, he shook himself
+away from the caressing hand which was laid upon his shoulder, as if
+to hold him back from running away to the great, pitiless sea.
+
+"Asy! asy, now!"
+
+This was Kathleen, the nurse, calling out in cautioning tones to Will,
+who had jerked against the tray she was carrying causing the two
+saucers of strawberries to click together sharply, and the buttered
+rolls to slip over the edge of the plate.
+
+"You're tired with the school, poor craythur, an' no wonder at that
+same. Larnin's murtherin', bad luck to it! I tried it mysel oncet, a
+moonth or so, avenin's. It's myself was watchin' for ye, Master Will,
+and when ye came round the corner I had this bit sup arl ready for ye.
+'The crame--quick--Bridget!' says I, and then I ran away up the two
+flights with it; and barrin' the joggle you give it, it's in foine,
+tip-top orther an' priservation arl tegither, bless your little sowl!"
+
+Kathleen set out the crisp little rolls and the great crimson berries
+in the most tempting way she could devise, and went off, bobbing her
+head with satisfaction to see the children place themselves at table,
+and partake of her well-timed lunch.
+
+Will, as an atonement for the ungentle way in which he had come in
+upon his sister after school, offered her the nicest plate of berries,
+and insisted that she should take the crispiest roll. He suddenly
+remembered that Emily, too, had had whooping-cough and measles at the
+same time, and quite as badly as himself. But, then, she had not
+sprained her wrist or lamed her foot; so it was no wonder her temper
+had not suffered. Besides, it was expected of girls not to make a
+fuss.
+
+In view of these last circumstances, he suppressed the apology he was
+about to make for his late unpleasant remarks.
+
+"It never will do to give up too much to girls," he reasoned, draining
+the last drop of cream from the pitcher.
+
+"Your grandmamma is coming over from Brookline this afternoon in the
+carriage, to take the two of you home with her to spind the night."
+
+This was Kathleen back again at the nursery door, and wiping her face
+with her apron as she unburdened herself of this forgotten bit of
+news.
+
+"You won't run away to sea now," besought Emily, with imploring eyes.
+
+"Maybe I mightn't," shouted Will, tossing up his cap in glee at this
+unexpected prospect of fun.
+
+It was now only the middle of the long summer day. Such a tiresome
+journey as the sun had to go before it rolled quite away in the west!
+Will longed to give it a push, and to hurry up the clock to strike
+five, the hour when they should be on their way to beautiful
+Brookline.
+
+Impatient little Will! Emily kindly helped him to get through with the
+lagging time. At her suggestion, he played ball a while on the lawn,
+while from time to time she nodded encouragingly to him through the
+open window. By and by the ball bounded up into a spout, cuddling down
+among some soft old maple leaves, where Will could not see it.
+Thereupon Will came into the house in a great pet, storming about till
+he was persuaded to sit on the floor and paste pictures in his
+scrap-book.
+
+This quiet occupation did not amuse him long. His fingers, his chin,
+his cheeks, his curls even soon became stiff with mucilage. Mucilage
+on his trouser knees, mucilage on his jacket elbows--in fact, mucilage
+everywhere on and around him.
+
+Emily, after having, with great painstaking, washed her brother and
+all the surrounding furniture, proposed that he should study a Latin
+lesson. The book soon went down with a bang. "Because," as Will
+sulkily explained to his sighing sister, "it made his head buzz."
+
+Emily gently suggested a French lesson as a corrective of this
+unpleasant "buzz." The remedy soon proved to be a failure. The French
+book came down more noisily than the Latin book.
+
+Emily laid aside her drawing in despair. It was such a relief to hear
+Kathleen's heavy step in the entry, and to remember it was time now
+for Will to be dressed for dinner!
+
+Poor Kathleen had a thankless task before her. Master Will required a
+great deal of preparation. His curls were gummed and tangled; his
+fingers were inky, and suspiciously pitchy.
+
+"You've been climbin' unknownst up that pine tree again, an' you a
+told not to?" questioned Kathleen, examining the fingers keenly.
+
+"Hush up, and go ahead!" was Will's rude answer.
+
+"How _can_ you speak so?" reproved Emily, turning round upon Will,
+while she tied back her hair with a band of blue ribbon.
+
+"Fie, fie, sir!" cried displeased Kathleen, "going ahead" with great
+energy, her mouth pursed up in disapproval of Master Will's manners,
+while she washed, and combed, and curled, and took off and put on his
+apparel.
+
+"Where's your stockings, Master Will,--the blue stripes?"
+
+"Dunno."
+
+Will sat in a low chair, his stubby bare feet stuck out before him,
+and his two hands actively employed as fly-catchers. Suddenly he
+remembered having amused himself the day before in oiling his sled
+runners, using the striped stockings for wipers; but he did not
+trouble Kathleen just then with the tidings. The blue-striped
+stockings were not found. Then came a difficulty with his new boots.
+
+"Aow! they pinch!"
+
+"Where, sir?"
+
+Master Will, not being able to say exactly where, was left to get used
+to the new boots as well as he could.
+
+"Now see, here's your new suit; an' be careful with it, mind--careful
+as iver was. It's me afternoon out; and if ye go tearin' the cloos on
+ye, ye'll jist mind thim yersel, or else go in tatthers wid yer
+grandmamma."
+
+This speech had no more wholesome effect on Will than to cause him to
+stick out his tongue at Emily, while Kathleen, standing behind him,
+arranged his buttons and his drapery generally.
+
+"Now, if you could only be as good as you're purty," exclaimed
+Kathleen, wheeling Will suddenly round before his tongue was quite in
+place again, "you'd do well enough."
+
+With a few finishing touches to Emily's sash ribbon, Kathleen went off
+to make her own gorgeous toilet for her afternoon out.
+
+The dinner was next to be gotten through with. But that was not an
+unpleasant hour to Will. After dinner the children were permitted by
+their mother to amuse themselves under the shadow of the great elm
+behind the house. She knew that with Emily this permission simply
+meant liberty to sit quietly beneath the overhanging branches, gazing
+dreamily over the soft summer landscape, or listening to the sweet
+sounds that stirred the air around and above her. But with Will it
+might be more broadly interpreted into leave for frequent raids over
+fences and through bars for butterflies and beetles, or any luckless
+rover that strayed along. So she explained to her son in this wise:--
+
+"Will, dear, remember that your grandmamma is coming for you, and you
+must not soil or tear your clothes by running about. Play quietly in
+the shade. The time will not be long now."
+
+"Yes, mum."
+
+Such implicit obedience as this "Yes, mum" implied! In fact, there was
+the promise in it of every one of the cardinal virtues.
+
+The two children then went away through the long hall, whose doors
+stood wide open in the warm summer afternoon, and Will, dragging along
+the slower-footed Emily, hurried on to the elm tree.
+
+"Don't pull so, Will; I shall drop my basket, and my spool and
+thimble will roll away."
+
+"What do you want to bother with work for this beautiful afternoon?"
+inquired Will, slackening his pace.
+
+"I promised mamma I would try and finish it this week," said Emily,
+"and I like to keep my word."
+
+"I thought the machine sewed."
+
+"So it does; but mamma says I must learn just the same as if there
+were no machines."
+
+"Well, I'm glad I'm not a girl, to sit pricking my fingers, and
+jabbing needles in and out all day."
+
+Patience was not one of Will's virtues.
+
+How lovely it was out under the elm! The sweet-scented grass was warm
+with the afternoon sun, and musical with the chirp and hum of its
+insect homes. The bees fluttered in and out over mamma's rose garden,
+and all the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of the roses.
+
+Emily, seated on the great gnarled elm roots, drank in all the sweet
+scents and sounds, her forgotten work-basket lying overturned in the
+grass before her. Will spread himself out at full length on the
+ground, and kept his eyes open for chippers and spiders, and all the
+busy little things that crept, or leaped, or flitted around him. Now
+and then the afternoon hush was broken by the faintly tinkling bells
+of a horse-car turning some distant corner, the rumbling of a heavy
+team going over the dusty turnpike, or the voices of the belfry clocks
+calling the hour to each other from the steeples of the neighboring
+city.
+
+Master Will, however, soon became tired of this quiet. He scrambled
+up, and wandering away into the rose garden, lifted caressingly to his
+cheek the beautiful pink blossoms which leaned towards him from amid
+the green leaves. He was looking for a choice little bud to fasten in
+Emily's hair; and when he found it, he came whistling out into the
+clear grassy spaces again, a little bird in a bough overhead tilting,
+and twittering, and eying him askance.
+
+Will rushed up to Emily, and hung the bud in her ear; he rearranged it
+in the blue ribbon of her hair, so that it nodded sleepily over her
+nose; he dropped it, as if it were a tiny pink egg, in the soft golden
+moss of curls which he upturned on his sister's head. Then he threw it
+away, and stamped on it; for Emily had drawn a book from her pocket,
+and deep in some fairy under-world story, was unmindful of his roses
+and his pains.
+
+He ran recklessly away into the rose garden; he caught a bumblebee; he
+pursued a daddy long-leg with the watering-pot, going deeper and
+deeper all the time among the briery branches. The crashing of the
+stems caused Emily to come up from fairy-land a moment.
+
+"Have a care, Will, dear. The roses have thorns. You may tear your
+nice jacket."
+
+Crash, crash! rip, rip! The rose trees are dragging at Will with their
+prickly fingers. With great effort he burst away from them, and rushed
+out, with no worse mischance than a rent in his trousers.
+
+"Aw! aw! aw!"
+
+All the little knolls seemed to take up Will's sorrowful cry, and
+repeat it.
+
+"You must not tear or soil your clothes."
+
+Every cricket in the grass seemed to be screaming these words of his
+mother, and here was her luckless son with two green spots on his
+stockings, and a grievous rent in his new pantaloons.
+
+It was Kathleen's afternoon out; she had warned him, and there was no
+help in that direction. He looked mournfully over his shoulder at the
+damages with a vague idea that he had perhaps some undeveloped
+capacity for mending.
+
+[Illustration: "YOU'LL SEE HOW NICELY I'LL SEW IT."]
+
+"Couldn't you pin it up nicely?" he inquired, in most insinuating
+tones, of Emily, whose eye just then met his.
+
+Emily burst into a merry laugh.
+
+Will was mute with indignation, and tingling to his finger's ends,
+with this untimely mirth. His flashing eyes asked if this were a time
+for jesting.
+
+"Come here, Willy, boy, and you'll see how nicely I'll sew it, not pin
+it. Never fret about it, dear; I will explain to mamma that you were
+really not so much in fault. It was only rather a mistake to get in so
+far among the bushes. If you had been chasing the cat, or turning
+somersets, she might, perhaps, be vexed; but poh! she will excuse
+this."
+
+Will, unseen by Emily, wiped away with his thumb one big tear after
+another out of the corner of his eye.
+
+"She is a good sister, anyhow, and I am a mean fellow ever to get mad
+with her, and say rude things to her," he said to himself, as Emily
+darned, and chatted, and bade him be of good cheer.
+
+"My stockings, too, sister. There's a great green grass stain on both
+of them, and grandmamma expects us to be _so_ nice."
+
+Will coughed to choke down a sob.
+
+"Perhaps you may have time to change them, Will. I will help you. But
+we must get the pantaloons all nicely done first."
+
+So this kind sister stitched, and taught unconsciously as she
+stitched, lessons of love and patience, lessons of cheerful
+helpfulness and sweet unselfishness, which Will never forgot.
+
+More than once, in after life, when, in heedless pursuit of life's
+roses, he had been wounded by its thorns, he remembered that sweet
+face of consolation, those dear hands held out to aid him, and all the
+sunshine and the song of that sweet summer afternoon, and fresh peace
+and hope came to him with the remembrance.
+
+"It's all finished now, the very last stitch; and now for the
+stockings. Let me see the spots."
+
+Will put his two heels firmly together, turned out his toes, pulled up
+his puffy pantaloons, and stooped his head and strained his eyes to
+look for them.
+
+They were but little ones, after all, and a brisk rubbing with the
+handkerchief, and a judicious pulling down of the trouser bindings,
+almost concealed them. They were just in time with their repairs; for
+grandmamma's yellow-wheeled carriage was coming up the avenue.
+
+ E. G. C.
+
+
+
+
+OUR DAILY BREAD.
+
+
+ A little girl knelt down to pray
+ One morn. The mother said,
+ "My love, why do we ever say,
+ Give us our daily bread?
+ Why not ask for a week or more?"
+ The baby bent her head
+ In thoughtful mood towards the floor:
+ "We want it fresh," she said.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: LITTLE WILLIE.]
+
+WILLIE'S PRAYER.
+
+
+ One sweet morning little Willie,
+ Springing from his trundle-bed,
+ Bounded to the vine-wreathed window
+ And put out his sunny head.
+
+ It was in the joyous spring-time,
+ When the sky was soft and fair,
+ And the blue-bird and the robin
+ Warbled sweetly everywhere.
+
+ In the field the lambs were playing,
+ Where the babbling brook ran clear;
+ To and fro, in leafy tree-tops,
+ Squirrels frisked without a fear.
+
+ In his ear his baby-brother
+ Baby-wonders tried to speak,
+ And the kiss of a fond mother
+ Rested on his dimpled cheek.
+
+ Zephyrs from the fragrant lilacs
+ Fanned his little rosy face,
+ And the heart's-ease, gemmed with dewdrops,
+ Smiled at him with gentle grace.
+
+ Gliding back with fairy footsteps,
+ Willie, dropping on his knees,
+ Softly prayed, "Dear God, I love you!
+ Make it always happy, please!"
+
+
+
+
+SQUIRRELS.
+
+
+How pretty little squirrels look perched in the branches of a tree! I
+like to watch them as they nimbly run up the trunk or spring from
+bough to bough. One or two are generally to be seen in a clump of
+great old beeches near a house in the country where I usually spend
+some happy weeks in summer; and I will tell you a story of a little
+squirrel whose acquaintance I made there last summer.
+
+I happened to be up very early one morning, long before breakfast was
+ready or any of the family were down, and I went out into the garden
+to enjoy the fresh, sweet smell of the early day. The cows were
+grazing in the field beyond, and now and then lowing a friendly
+"good-morning" to each other. Some ducks were waddling in procession
+down to the pond, quacking out their wise remarks as they went. The
+little birds were singing lustily their welcome to the new-born day.
+Even the old watch-dog came yawning, stretching, blinking and wagging
+his tail in kindly dog-fashion to bid me "good-day" in the summer
+sunshine.
+
+As I stood under the great beech trees, taking in with greedy eye and
+ear the sights and sounds of country-life so refreshing to a Londoner,
+I heard something fall from one of the trees, then a scuffle, and
+immediately afterward a white Persian cat belonging to the house
+bounded toward me in hot pursuit of a dear little squirrel. I was just
+in time to save the poor little animal by stepping between it and the
+cat. The squirrel passed under the edge of my dress and made off again
+up another tree; so pussy lost her prey.
+
+Soon afterward, when we were at breakfast, the butler told us that one
+of the little boys of the village, who had lost a pet squirrel, had
+asked if he might look for it in the garden of the house. It had first
+escaped into some trees in the park, and he had traced it from them
+into the garden. It at once occurred to me that this must be the
+little creature I had saved from the cat. I remembered how it made
+straight toward me, as if asking me for protection from its enemy,
+which only a tame squirrel would do; and I proposed, when breakfast
+was over, that we should go out and help in the search.
+
+Little Jack Tompkins stood under the beech trees, looking with
+tear-stained face up into the branches. Suddenly I saw his face
+brighten, and he called out, "I see un, ma'am; I see un! If so be no
+one warn't by, I be sure he'd come to I."
+
+I need not say we retreated to a distance; then Jack called up the
+tree in a loud whisper, "Billee, Billee!" and in a minute down came
+the little creature on to his shoulder. I can tell you Jack was a
+happier child than he had been when he came into the garden. And when
+I told him what a narrow escape "Billee" had had from the cat, he
+said, "It would be hard if a cat eat he, for our old puss brought he
+up with her own kits." Then he told us how the squirrel, when a tiny
+thing, had dropped out of its nest and been found by him lying almost
+dead at the foot of a tree, and how he had carried it home and tried
+whether pussy would adopt it as one of her own kittens. The cat was
+kind; the squirrel throve under her motherly care, and became Jack's
+pet and companion.
+
+Now, children, in this instance it was all very well to keep a tame
+squirrel. "Billee" seemed happy leading the life he was accustomed to;
+he had been fed and cared for by human beings from his infancy, and
+might be as incapable of finding food and managing for himself in a
+wild state as a poor canary would be if let loose from its cage. But
+generally it is cruel to imprison little wild birds and animals who
+have known the enjoyment of liberty.
+
+[Illustration: THE SQUIRREL.]
+
+
+
+
+PUPPET.
+
+
+Puppet had two occupations. She had also a guitar and a half-bushel
+basket. These things were her capital--her stock in trade.
+
+The guitar belonged to one of her occupations, the half-bushel basket
+to the other.
+
+In consideration of her first employment, she might have been called a
+street guitarist. In consideration of her second, she might have been
+called a beggar--a broken-bits beggar.
+
+Puppet would have been considered, among lawyers, "shrewd;" or, at a
+mothers' meeting, "cunning;" or, among business men, "sharp." That is
+to say, she knew a thing or two. She knew that being able to sing no
+songs was a disadvantage to her first occupation, as a large hole,
+half way up her basket, was an advantage to her second.
+
+It seems odd that a hole in one's begging basket should be an
+advantage.
+
+But because of the hole, she had always behind her a crowd of dogs,
+that seemed to have been just dropped from the basket, the last one
+never having fairly got his nose out; and because of the dogs she was
+known as "Puppet" all over the city.
+
+To be known by a characteristic name is of great advantage to a
+beggar.
+
+If Biddy, looking from the basement door, says to cook, "Och, an'
+there comes up the street our little Puppet, with her dogs all behind
+her, carrying her basket," cook is much more likely to see the broken
+bits "botherin' roun' on the schalves o' the cubbid," than she would
+be if Biddy should say, "Shure, an' thir cams to us a dirty beggar, it
+is."
+
+But it is with Puppet's first occupation, and not her second, that we
+have to do. If you had not read more descriptions of faces within the
+last year than you can possibly remember in all the years of your life
+put together, I would tell you what sort of face Puppet's was; that it
+was a bright face, with blue eyes, just the color of the blue ribbon
+that went first round the guitar's neck, and then round Puppet's; that
+Puppet's teeth were as white as the mother-of-pearl pegs that held her
+guitar strings at the bottom; that her cheeks were as white as the
+ivory keys; that her hair was long, and yellow--just the shade of the
+guitar's yellow face.
+
+But that would be very much like a dozen other faces that you have
+seen; so I will only say that it was a smiling little face.
+
+It smiled as it bent over the guitar, while the little fingers picked
+their ways in and out among the strings; and it smiled yet more
+sweetly as she looked up to catch the coppers thrown from the fourth
+and fifth story, and sky-parlor windows.
+
+Puppet once lived with a man who said that he was her uncle; and she
+believed him so thoroughly, that she let him box her ears whenever he
+felt like it, till he died. Since then Puppet had lived almost
+friendless and alone.
+
+One hot July day Puppet was wandering through the streets of the great
+city, with her little guitar under her little arm. The city did not
+seem so great to Puppet as it does to some of the rest of us, because
+she was born and brought up there.
+
+"O, dear," sighed Puppet, "_what_ a mean place you are!"
+
+No one had given her a copper since the cool of the morning. People
+seemed to have a fancy for spending their coppers on soda-water and
+ice-cream.
+
+"What shall I do?" moaned Puppet. Whatever should she do? Puppet must
+have coppers, or she could not live.
+
+She sat in a cool, shaded court, close to the busy street; but she
+couldn't get away from the heat, and the noise, and the people
+sighing, like herself, "O dear, O dear!"
+
+"I'll try once more," said Puppet, tuning her guitar.
+
+She played "Home, Sweet Home," with variations. But all the people who
+heard her were suffering, because their homes in the city were rather
+hot than sweet. "Home, Sweet Home" could win no pennies from "city
+folks" in July.
+
+Then Puppet whistled to her guitar accompaniment a little "Bird
+Waltz," and whirled on the pavement in time, till I doubt if she
+herself knew whether the guitar had gone mad, and were waltzing about
+her, or she were waltzing about the guitar.
+
+A boy came dancing into the court, singing,--
+
+ "O, whistle, and I'll come to you, my lad!
+ O, whistle, and I'll come to you, my lad!"
+
+But he danced out again, without leaving a penny behind him; so it
+would have been just as well if he had never come in. Still, he amused
+himself for a few minutes, which not many people were able to do in
+that hot July midday.
+
+Puppet went from the little court, and wandered on and on. At last she
+left the city far away behind her.
+
+And out and away from the city there were green fields.
+
+Puppet had heard of green fields, but she had never seen any face to
+face before. As she looked at them, she had a dim remembrance that she
+had heard that they were covered with long, waving grass. But all
+these fields were close shaven, like the beautiful mouse-colored
+horses in the city.
+
+It was pleasant, but not very exciting to a city girl. The city girl
+presently grew tired of it.
+
+"There seem to be houses farther along," she said; "I'll go and play
+there."
+
+Puppet slung the little guitar about her little neck, and started off
+again.
+
+Presently she came to a cottage with a little green yard in front of
+it, and in the middle of the little green yard was a great green tree.
+
+Puppet sat down on the grass, leaned against the tree, and felt very
+hungry.
+
+A lady was sitting by an open window, sewing. She was sitting so that
+Puppet could see only a bit of her left cheek, and her dark hair, just
+beginning to turn gray, and her right hand as she brought the needle
+up from her work. From what she did see, Puppet thought that she would
+give her something to eat, if she could but get her attention. Surely,
+she must be often hungry herself, or why should she have so many gray
+hairs?
+
+Puppet, leaning against the tree, ran her fingers over the guitar
+frets in light harmonies; but the lady did not look.
+
+Her thoughts must be far away, in a quiet and happy place, that
+Puppet's harmonies should seem a part of that place.
+
+The guitar broke into a low, mournful minor. Still the lady gave no
+heed to Puppet.
+
+Puppet was feeling very hungry. She would play the Fandango. That
+_must_ rouse any one. She began at the most rattling part.
+
+The gray-haired lady looked round quickly. "Bless me, bless me! what's
+this?" Seeing a little girl out by the tree, she put her sewing on the
+table, and came to the door and into the yard.
+
+"Dear me! a little girl with yellow hair, and I just to have been
+dreaming of a little girl with yellow hair!"
+
+"Is anything the matter with my hair, mum?" Puppet stopped playing,
+and ran her hands through the yellow mass of uncombed locks.
+
+"Ah, no, little girl! there is nothing the matter with your hair.
+Only--" The lady was thinking how soft, and fine, and curly was the
+yellow hair of which she had been dreaming.
+
+"What do you want?" asked the lady.
+
+"I'm very hungry," said Puppet, "because of the walk, and--and--and
+all," concluded Puppet, remembering that the lady could not
+understand.
+
+"Come in, then."
+
+Puppet went in. Up in one corner of the sitting-room were a little
+tip-cart and a doll. Puppet ate her bread and meat, looking hard at
+the tip-cart.
+
+"Where is it, mum?"
+
+"Where is what, child?"
+
+"The child, mum." Puppet pointed to the tip-cart.
+
+"Gone, my dear," said the lady, softly.
+
+"Dead?" Puppet remembered that that was what they said about her uncle
+when he went away. It was the only going away that she had ever known.
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," said the lady, with a little shiver.
+
+"That's bad, mum."
+
+"No, not bad," said the lady, sorrowfully. "It is just right that it
+should be so."
+
+"But it must be lonesome like, unless there were kicks and things."
+Puppet was still thinking of her uncle.
+
+The lady wondered what the child could mean, and not knowing, said,--
+
+"What's your name? How could I have forgotten to ask your name?"
+
+"Puppet."
+
+"That's a funny name. And where do you live?"
+
+"Two or three miles away from here."
+
+"Have you walked here to-day?"
+
+"Yes, mum."
+
+"What should make the child walk so far, I wonder?"
+
+"Money, mum, and things to eat."
+
+"Have you eaten enough?"
+
+"Yes. I must go home now, or I shall be late."
+
+"Are you sure you know the way?" asked the lady, a little anxiously.
+"You're such a little thing!"
+
+"O, yes, mum! Go as I came."
+
+"Well, good by."
+
+"Good by, mum."
+
+But was Puppet _sure_ that she knew the way?
+
+ * * * * *
+
+The next morning, a man walking on a road that ran by the edge of a
+meadow, was going to his work.
+
+Hark! What did he hear? Was it a cry! was it a child's cry? And what
+was that? It sounded like a fiddle. He stopped to look around.
+
+"I declare, we've had a high tide in the night!" said he, and trudged
+on.
+
+But what was that? _That_ was certainly a child's cry.
+
+The man looked sharply about.
+
+"It can't be she," he said. "Folks from heaven wouldn't cry, even if
+they were let to come--at least, if they were little children."
+
+And so he still looked sharply about. And looking, what did he see?
+
+He saw great haystacks of meadow hay out in the meadow, with the
+tide-water all about them. Then his eyes were fixed on one particular
+haystack. On its top, with her yellow hair and smiling face in sight,
+was--it could not be, though--but it was--a little girl, and dangling
+by the side of the stack was a guitar with a yellow face. The man
+waded through the water that lay between the dry land and the stack.
+
+"Crawl down to my shoulders;" and he stood by the side of the stack
+till she was on his shoulders, with her arms about his neck.
+
+[Illustration: {Puppet, with her guitar, sitting on top of a haystack}]
+
+"How came you there?"
+
+"I went everywhere to try to get home, and it was dark, all but the
+moon; and I saw the stack, and a board went from the ground to the top
+of it."
+
+"Sure enough, the prop."
+
+"And I was so tired!"
+
+"Poor child!"
+
+"And I never saw the water come before, and it was only wet enough to
+wet my feet when I got up."
+
+"Well, well! We'll go home and get something to eat."
+
+The man walked into his kitchen with the little girl and the guitar on
+his shoulders.
+
+"Why, John, are you back? Dear me, if there isn't that same
+child--Puppet!"
+
+John went off to his work again. Puppet ate her breakfast, and told
+her story, and then said,--
+
+"Please, mum, may I play with the cart?"
+
+And because of her yellow hair, she might play with the cart.
+
+"But aren't you sick, and oughtn't you to take some medicine, and go
+to bed?" asked the lady, whose hair had grown gray over sickness and
+medicine.
+
+Puppet meditated. She felt very well. She thought that she had rather
+play with the tip-cart than to take medicine. So she played all day,
+and went to bed at night.
+
+At night John come home from his work, and, as usual, heard of all
+that had happened through the day.
+
+"I wish we could keep the little thing, John, dear. She has yellow
+hair, just like--"
+
+"Yes," said John, "I saw."
+
+"And she'd be _such_ a comfort!"
+
+"If she didn't die by and by," said John.
+
+"But, John, dear, just think of a little thing like her spending the
+night in the middle of a meadow, with the water all about her."
+
+John thought. And he thought that if she could stand that without
+being sick, she could stand their love without dying.
+
+So Puppet and the guitar live with John and the gray-haired lady.
+
+MARY B. HARRIS.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "MIKE ROLLED OVER AND OVER TO THE FOOT OF THE STEPS."
+ See p. 169.]
+
+MERRY CHRISTMAS.
+
+
+All the hill-side was green with maples, and birches, and pines. The
+meadows at its foot were green, too, with the tufted salt grass, and
+glittering with the silver threads of tide braided among its winding
+creeks. Beyond was the city, misty and gray, stretching its wan arms
+to the phantom ships flitting along the horizon.
+
+From the green hill-side you could hear the city's muffled hum and
+roar, and sometimes the far-off clanging of the bells from its hundred
+belfries. But the maples and birches seemed to hear and see nothing
+beyond the sunshine over their heads and the winds which went
+frolicking by. Life was one long dance with them, through the budding
+spring and the leafy summer, and on through the grand gala days of
+autumn, till the frost came down on the hills, and whispered,--
+
+"Your dancing days are all over."
+
+But the pines were quite different. They, the stately ones, stood
+quite aloof, the older and taller ones looking stiffly over the heads
+of the rollicking maples, and making solemn reverences to the great
+gray clouds that swept inland from the ocean. The straight little
+saplings at their feet copied the manners of their elders, and folding
+their fingers primly, and rustling their stiff little green petticoats
+decorously, sat up so silent and proper.
+
+So unlike the small birches and maples that chattered incessantly,
+wagging their giddy heads, and playing tag with the butterflies in the
+sunshine all the day long!
+
+"How tiresome those stupid old pines are! No expression, no animation.
+So lofty and so exclusive, and forever grumbling to each other in
+their hoarse old Scandinavian, which it gives one the croup even to
+listen to! Of what possible use _can_ they be?"
+
+This was what the maple said to the birch one day when the Summer and
+her patience with her sombre neighbor were on the wane--one day when
+there was a gleam of golden pumpkins in the tawny corn stubble beyond
+the wood, and the purpling grapes hung ripening over the old stone
+wall that lay between, and the maple had brightened its summer dress
+with a gay little leaf set here and there in its shining folds.
+
+The birch agreed with the maple about the pines, and the maple went
+glibly on.
+
+"I've ordered my autumn dresses--a different one for each day in the
+week. Just think of those horrid pines never altering the fashion of
+their stiff old plaiting."
+
+"We shall not be obliged to remain in this dull place much longer,"
+said the tall pines loftily to each other, looking quite over the
+heads of the maple and the birch. "We shall soon be crossing the
+ocean, and then our lives will have just begun. We simply vegetate
+here."
+
+"Ho, ho!" laughed the maple and the birch behind their fluttering
+green fans, pretending to be greatly amused at what the west wind was
+saying to them.
+
+Now, though the trees spoke a different language, yet each understood
+perfectly well what the other said; so their rudeness was quite
+inexcusable.
+
+When the summer was ended, the maple began to put on her gorgeous
+autumn dresses; but the pines looked much at the sky, and paid little
+heed to the maple. The other trees on the hill-side, quite faded with
+their summer gayeties, looked on languidly in the still autumn days at
+the maple's brilliant toilets.
+
+Soon the cold rains swept in from the sea, blurring the wood vistas;
+and when they were gone, the frost came in the midnight, with its
+unwelcome message, and later the snow lay white above all the faded
+and fallen crimson and gold of the maple and the tarnished silver of
+the birch.
+
+All the trees, brown and bare now, moaned in the wintry wind--all but
+the tall pines, and they were crossing the ocean; their lives had
+begun. The little saplings remained behind, but with their heads
+perked stiffly up above the snow; they had the air of expecting
+somebody.
+
+They were not disappointed. One sunny morning, a boy and a girl came
+singing through the wood paths, each in a pair of high-topped boots,
+and each in a faded and closely-buttoned coat, the girl with a blue
+hood pulled over her rosy face, and the boy with a fur cap closely
+tied about his ears by a red comforter. The two drew a hand-sled, and
+peered about under the tall trunks as they went stamping through the
+deep snow. How they shouted as they spied the little pine trees
+perking up their heads! How they tossed aside the snow, and worked
+away with their jackknives, hacking at the little pine trees till they
+had cut them all down, all ready to be piled up on their hand-sled.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked the giddy little birch of the pines,
+peeping out from a small window in her snow-house. Her nose was
+purple, and her fingers stiff with cold; but down under the earth her
+feet were warm, and that was pleasant, at any rate.
+
+"It is of no consequence where," said the pines, in their grimmest
+Scandinavian.
+
+The birch simply said, "O!" and drew in her little purple nose, hoping
+heartily they were all going to be burned, as that would be a good end
+and riddance of them.
+
+But the little pines were not going to be burned; they were going away
+to the city that lay misty and still beyond the frozen meadows.
+Stretched out stiffly on the hand-sled, they were jostled along out
+through the wood, over the frozen turnpike, and across the mill-dam to
+Boston.
+
+They alighted at the Boylston Market, and were ranged in a row against
+the dark brick wall.
+
+"How much happens in a very short time!" they said to each other; "all
+those gaudy, chattering trees left without a leaf to cover them, our
+own friends all gone on their travels, and we here in the city,
+wrapped in our warm winter furs."
+
+It was the Christmas week. The shop windows were gay with toys and
+gorgeous Christmas offerings; the shop doors were opening and shutting
+on the crowd that came and went through them. A bustling throng of
+people passed incessantly up and down the narrow sidewalks, and
+carriages of all descriptions blocked the crossings, or drove
+recklessly over the frozen pavement.
+
+The old woman in the quilted black hood and shaggy cape, who had
+charge of the little pine trees, drove a brisk trade that day in her
+wreaths and holly; but though many people stopped to admire the little
+pines, and even to ask their price, no purchaser had yet appeared for
+them.
+
+The old dame was rubbing her mittened hands briskly together, and
+mumbling in a displeased way at the pine trees, when a carriage drew
+suddenly up at the curbstone, and out sprang a little girl.
+
+"See, papa, how lovely! So green, and fresh, and thick!" she said,
+pointing to the row of pines.
+
+A bargain was concluded in a trice. The money was dropped into the
+eager, outstretched mitten of the old woman, and a little Christmas
+tree dragged over the sidewalk, and set up in the buggy.
+
+"We must have some of these lower branches cut off; they are in the
+way," said papa.
+
+"Hev a knife, sir?" shouted a ragged little fellow, whipping a rusty
+old knife out of his pocket.
+
+"Please, sir, lemme cut it for you. Say, where?" he cried, laying hold
+of the pine, as the gentleman in the buggy pointed to him where to
+cut.
+
+The lower branches being trimmed to the gentleman's satisfaction, the
+Christmas tree, leaning comfortably against the crimson afghan, was
+soon on its way to Meadow Home, while its lower branches and some
+jingling small coin remained in the hands of the gaping urchin on the
+curbstone.
+
+"This here's luck--fust-rate luck," remarked the small boy, stamping
+his feet, and staring stupidly after the retreating buggy wheels.
+
+"Out of the way there!" growled a man in a farmer's frock, lifting a
+pile of frozen turkeys from a wagon.
+
+The boy ducked aside, his ragged little trousers fluttering in the
+wind. Then he sat down on the market steps to count his coin.
+
+"Hi! twenty-five cents. There's a mutton stew and onions for you and
+your folks a Christmas, Mike Slattery, and all this jolly green stuff
+thrown in free gratis. That chap was a gen'leman, and no mistake.
+Won't Winnie hop when she sees me a-h'isting of these here over our
+stairs, and she a-blowin' at me for a week to bring her some sich, and
+me niver seein' nary a chance at 'em 'cept stealin's, which is wot
+this here feller ain't up to no ways whatsomever. No, _sir_. Hi!"
+
+Mike waved his Christmas boughs aloft in great glee.
+
+An old gentleman with gold-headed cane and spectacles was going up the
+steps of the market, followed by a beautiful black-and-white setter.
+The playful dog sprang at the green branches. Mike held on to them
+stoutly. The dog suddenly let go of them, and bounded away, while Mike
+rolled over and over to the foot of the steps, clutching tightly the
+pine boughs.
+
+"You'll ketch it," he muttered, setting his teeth hard together behind
+his white lips, and trying in vain to scramble up.
+
+"Yer hurt, bub?" asked a wrinkled old apple woman, turning round on
+her three-legged stool, and thrusting her nose inquiringly out of the
+folds of the old brown shawl, which was wrapped around her head.
+
+"You bet I be!" whimpered Mike, pointing forlornly with his one
+unoccupied finger to his bruised ankle.
+
+"Been playin' pitch-pennies, yer mis'ble young 'un!" grinned a tall
+boy, strolling by with his hands in his pockets, and his ferret eyes
+on the sharp lookout for mischief.
+
+In a twinkling he swooped up Mike's small coin, which had rattled to
+the pavement, and vanished with them in a struggling tangle of horse
+cars and omnibuses before Mike finished his desperate yell of, "Gim me
+'um."
+
+By this time a crowd had gathered about the prostrate Mike, who,
+faint with pain, was at last lifted into the chaise of a kind-hearted
+doctor, who was passing, and carried to his house in Bone Court.
+
+There we will leave Mike for a while, and look after the little pine
+tree on its way to Meadow Home.
+
+Such a group of round, rosy faces as were on the watch for it in the
+great bay window of Meadow Home, peering out in the red sunset,
+straining their eyes in the dim twilight, and peering still more
+persistently as the stars came out through the gathering darkness!
+
+The fire danced in the grate, and the shadows danced on the wall, and
+the four little heads danced more and more impatiently in the window
+pane, as the cold winter night settled down on the world outside of
+Meadow Home.
+
+"They're run away with and threw out. What will you bet, Mab?" shouted
+Will, turning away from the window in disgust, and indulging in a
+double somerset.
+
+"_Thrown_, Will," corrected Mabel, just now more indignant with his
+grammar than his slang.
+
+Mabel began to clear with her sleeve an unblurred peep through the
+pane, and then pressed her nose hard against the glass.
+
+"It's _my_ opinion," she said, with great pompousness, "that the
+Christmas trees are all sold. I told Ely not to put off buying till
+to-day. Don't you remember, Alice? And so papa is just coming home
+without them."
+
+Alice poh-pohed. Alice was sitting up stiffly at a table by the fire,
+stuffing a pin-cushion, assisted, or, more properly, impeded, by her
+small brother Chrissy, who had offered his services, and would not
+listen to Alice's nay. Chrissy was not handsome in any light, but by
+the flickering firelight he looked like a little ogre. He sat
+hunched up in his chair, his knees drawn up to his nose, the sharp end
+of his tongue curling out of the corner of his mouth, and his small
+eyes actually crossed in the earnestness of his work, which consisted
+in snatching chances at the stuffing with a table-spoon and a cup of
+bran.
+
+[Illustration: THE LITTLE SLATTERYS.]
+
+"I hear them," exclaimed Mabel, springing down from the window, her
+nose a spectacle.
+
+Now away down stairs flew all the four, who had been wriggling for an
+hour in the bay window.
+
+"Shut the door, Chrissy," nodded the dignified Alice to Chrissy, whose
+eyes had marvellously uncrossed, and whose tongue had disappeared at
+Mabel's announcement. Chrissy drew down his knees, and obeyed. "Spoon
+up the bran you spilled, Chrissy," directed Alice, calmly stitching at
+her pin-cushion.
+
+The reluctant Chrissy's obedience was less of a success this time. The
+noise of a great commotion in the hall below reached the quiet
+chamber. Chrissy, with his face twisted inquiringly first over one
+shoulder and then over the other, spooned at random.
+
+The sounds came nearer. Through the hurrying of eager feet and the
+clamor of glad voices was a tap-tapping on the wainscot and a thumping
+on the oaken stairs.
+
+"May be it's St. Nicholas?" questioned Chrissy, spooning very
+unsteadily, his eyes and his ears wide open.
+
+"No; it isn't time for him. He's doing up his pack now, and they are
+harnessing his reindeer."
+
+"Who? Where?"
+
+The door burst open, and in tumbled four children and the little pine
+tree. Chrissy darted forward, shrieking with delight, and fell
+headlong among the family group.
+
+"What a pretty pine!" said Alice, calmly locking up the pin-cushion
+in her work-box.
+
+Now Ely, still in her fur cap and sack, rushed in excitedly among her
+struggling brothers and sisters, and rescued the pine tree.
+
+"Sitting up so piminy there, Alice Eliot, your two hands folded, and
+the beautiful Christmas tree just going to destruction, with those
+four wretched little thunderbolts pitching into it!"
+
+Ely was purple with wrath.
+
+The four little Eliots were on their feet again in a trice, giggling
+and nudging each other behind the excited Ely.
+
+"It's a truly lovely pine," remarked Alice, composedly, shaking some
+bran from her skirt.
+
+"You might have said so, if you had gone round looking for them in the
+freezing cold, as I did, and then couldn't find one fit to be seen,
+except--"
+
+"Alice, didn't I tell her so?" interrupted Mabel, pulling Chrissy's
+fat fingers away from Ely's pocket just as they were about to grasp
+the protruding heels of a little dancing jack.
+
+Alice now lighted the gas, Ely set the pretty pine tree carefully
+against the wall, and the four little Eliots danced hand in hand
+frantically about it.
+
+Then Alice, and Mabel, and Ely went up close to the fender, and
+whispered together about the presents Ely had brought home to put in
+the children's stockings, and Mabel helped Ely empty her great
+stuffed-out pocket; and the fire laughed through the bars of the grate
+to see the parcels that came forth.
+
+By and by Mabel and Ely took the pine tree carefully down stairs into
+a beautiful room, and Alice came close behind them with a great
+covered basket. The four little Eliots followed noisily, striving to
+peep under the basket covers; but Ely thrust them all out again into
+the hall, and locked the door upon them.
+
+Now began the Christmas adorning of the little pine tree. Such
+beautiful things as were hung upon it, and folded about it, and
+festooned around it!
+
+"How charming to be a pine!" murmured the little tree, with its head
+among the frescoed cherubs on the ceiling.
+
+"Where are you, Mabel Eliot? Light up the burners now," commanded Ely
+from the top of a step-ladder.
+
+Ely crept out from under the green baize around the foot of the pine
+tree, two pins in her mouth, a crimson smoking-cap on her dishevelled
+head, and a pair of large-flowered toilet slippers drawn over her
+hands.
+
+"I crawled in behind there to see if there mightn't be a place
+somewhere for these," explained Ely, hastening for the torch, and
+proceeding to light up.
+
+The pine tree now saw itself reflected in the great mirror opposite,
+and echoed the "splendid" of the three girls, who clapped their hands
+at the gorgeous effect. Then the lights were put out. The silver key
+was turned in the door again, and the girls went away, leaving the
+pine tree in darkness indeed.
+
+The four small Eliots, after pinning up their stockings by the
+chimney, seated themselves in their night-gowns on the hearth-rug, and
+talked over St. Nicholas before they got into bed. Each agreed to wake
+the others if he "should just but catch Santa Claus coming down the
+chimney."
+
+Chrissy, squinting up his eyes till nothing but two little lines of
+black lashes were visible, was sure "he should catch him; O, yes, he
+should."
+
+So they all climbed sleepily into bed, pinning their faith on Chrissy.
+
+The night darkened and deepened, the stars moving on in a grand
+procession. Somewhere about midnight St. Nicholas was off on his ride,
+galloping over the roof-tops, and knocking at every chimney-top that
+had a knocker, just getting through at day dawn with the deal he had
+to do. The "eight tiny reindeer" had barely trotted him out of sight,
+when thousands of little children in thousands of homes began hopping
+out of bed to look in their stockings.
+
+The Christmas morning was breaking in joy and gladness, as if the dear
+Christ Child of eighteen hundred years ago were newly born that day.
+Little children, and old men, and maidens waked to give good gifts and
+greetings to each other, remembering whom the good Father in heaven
+had given to them on that first glad Christmas morn.
+
+In an attic in Bone Court, Mike Slattery, wildly staring about him,
+bolted up in bed, waked by big Winnie, and little Pat, and Jimmy
+roaring "Merry Christmas" in his ears.
+
+"Oop, Mike, an' tak' a look at Winnie's Christmas fixin's foreninst
+yer two eyes," piped Jimmy, flapping the little breeches he was too
+excited to put on at the little pine branches stuck up thickly in the
+window.
+
+"Isn't yer fut that better ye might hobble up to see what the good
+gintleman--him as brought ye home--left behind for yees and us
+arl--the Christmas things, ye'll mind?" inquired Winnie, combing her
+tangled auburn locks, and stooping compassionately over Mike.
+
+"There's the big burhd for yees," cackled little Pat, staggering up to
+the bedside with a goose hugged to his bosom.
+
+"Hooray!" cried Mike, swinging his pillow; "that thafe of a chap
+didn't do us out of our Christmas dinner, thin. Here's a go beyant
+mutton and onions."
+
+"Blissid be thim as saysonably remimbers the poor," sniffed Mrs.
+Slattery, who was down on her hands and knees washing up the broken
+bit of hearth under the stove.
+
+"That's so," chimed in the little Slatterys; and then they all fell
+again to admiring the goose.
+
+The sun had climbed a long way up the sky, and was just looking in
+through the pine branches in the Slatterys' window, when a little
+golden head, surmounted by a blue velvet hat, looked in through the
+Slatterys' door.
+
+"Merry Christmas. May I come in?"
+
+Pat looked at Jim, and Jim looked at Mike, and all three,
+open-mouthed, looked at the little golden head in the doorway.
+
+"I just came in to bring you some pretty story books of mine, and a
+cap of brother Jack's, and a nice new pair of shoes for Mike. How do
+you do, Mike, this morning? Papa--he's the doctor who brought you
+home, Mike--is coming soon to see you."
+
+She had emptied her little leathern bag, laid down her gifts on a
+chair, and vanished before Winnie got up the stairs from the
+wood-house, or Mrs. Slattery, in the closet, had finished skewering up
+the goose, or a single little Slattery had found a word to say.
+
+I cannot stay to tell you about the Slatterys' Christmas dinner, and
+Mike perched up at the table, with brother Jack's cap on his head, and
+the new pair of shoes on the floor by his side. I have just time to
+stop a minute at Meadow Home, where a little golden head, with a
+little blue velvet hat tilted atop, flits in before me at the great
+hall door. As I went quickly through the holly and under the wreaths,
+a little voice, in wheedling tones, called from the gallery above,--
+
+"Stay to dine to dinner?"
+
+At the same time a small dancing jack, dangling from somewhere
+overhead, caught by his hands and feet in my chignon, as if striving
+to pull me up. Ah, naughty Chrissy!
+
+Chrissy clapped his hands in delight, and then dropping the string of
+the little jack, ran away swiftly to hide.
+
+"Do stay to dine, aunt Clara," begged Mabel, and Alice, and Ely, all
+three springing forward at once to disengage the jumping jack from my
+hair.
+
+"Ah, do, Miss Clara; I've something to tell you about a little boy I
+saw this morning," pleaded little golden-head, peering through an
+evergreen arch. "Do stay and see the Christmas tree lighted after
+dinner," besought all four, gathering closely around me.
+
+But aunt Clara was engaged to dine at the square old house over the
+way, with the dear old lady who could not see the pine wreaths that
+made her old-fashioned parlor so sweet with their resinous, balmy
+fragrance.
+
+"They remind me of the times when my girls and boys were all about me
+so gay and happy, and the old house resounded with their 'Merry
+Christmas.' 'Tis many a year now, dear Clara, since there was a merry
+Christmas here; but happy Christmases there have been, thank God, not
+a few. A happy Christmas, dear, to you, and thanks for brightening the
+day for me," said the old lady, with a gentle sigh, as I placed her at
+the quiet table.
+
+A merry, merry Christmas to all the little "Merrys" who read this
+story. Do not forget that there are homes where live forlorn little
+Mikes and Jimmys, whom you can make glad in this glad time; and do not
+forget that there are sorrowing homes which the mere sight and sound
+of your bright young faces and voices will brighten and cheer.
+
+ E. G. C.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ANNIE.]
+
+ANNIE.
+
+
+ I've a sweet little pet; she is up with the lark,
+ And at eve she's asleep when the valleys are dark,
+ And she chatters and dances the blessed day long,
+ Now laughing in gladness, now singing a song.
+ She never is silent; the whole summer day
+ She is off on the green with the blossoms at play;
+ Now seeking a buttercup, plucking a rose,
+ Or laughing aloud at the thistle she blows.
+
+ She never is still; now at some merry elf
+ You'll smile as you watch her, in spite of yourself;
+ You may chide her in vain, for those eyes, full of fun,
+ Are smiling in mirth at the mischief she's done;
+ And whatever you do, that same thing, without doubt,
+ Must the mischievous Annie be busied about;
+ She's as brown as a nut, but a beauty to me,
+ And there's nothing her keen little eyes cannot see.
+
+ She dances and sings, and has many sweet airs;
+ And to infant accomplishments adding her prayers,
+ I have told everything that the darling can do,
+ For 'twas only last summer her years numbered two.
+ She's the picture of health, and a southern-born thing
+ Just as ready to weep as she's ready to sing,
+ And I fain would be foe to lip that hath smiled
+ At this wee bit of song of the _dear little_ child.
+
+
+
+
+IF; OR, BESSIE GREEN'S HOLIDAY.
+
+
+It seems absurd to say so, and at first sight almost impossible, that
+that one little word of only two letters could have so much power, and
+yet there is no doubt that the constant use of "_if_" spoilt Bessie
+Green's holiday and took away from it all the enjoyment and pleasure
+which she imagined a long summer day spent in the country would give.
+How she had thought about it and looked forward to it for weeks
+beforehand! Her parents were poor, hardworking people who rarely left
+home, and so the very idea of a treat like this was delightful, and
+she scarcely slept the night before, so afraid was she of not being
+ready in time. I cannot tell you how often she got up in the course of
+the night, either to see what o'clock it was or to look out of the
+window and wonder whether it was going to be a fine or a wet day, but
+it seemed to her as if morning would never come. However, long before
+six she was up and dressed, and with one last good-bye to her mother
+through the kitchen door was off to the station. And very soon the
+train went speeding away from the smoky streets of the city toward the
+green fields and shady lanes of the country.
+
+Now, if Bessie Green had been as wise as her companions, she would
+have done as they did--looked out of the window and admired all she
+saw passing by, and so have begun the enjoyment of the day; for to
+eyes unaccustomed to such scenes even the cows and sheep grazing in
+the meadows or the horses galloping off across the fields frightened
+by the train were all new and amusing sights. But our foolish little
+friend, instead of doing this, began to look first at her own dress
+and then at her neighbors', and thereby she grew discontented: "_If_ I
+only had a felt hat with a red feather in it, like Mary Jones',
+instead of this straw one with a plain bit of blue ribbon round it,
+how I should like it! and _if_ mother would buy me a smart muslin
+frock, such as Emma Smith wears, how much better it would be than the
+cotton frocks she always gets for me!" And she pouted and frowned and
+looked so miserable that her schoolfellows would have wondered what
+was the matter if they had noticed her, but they were so busy thinking
+of other things that they never saw there was anything amiss. Happy
+children! They had resolved to enjoy themselves, and they did so from
+morning till night, while unhappy little Bessie let discontent creep
+in, and so her holiday--that day she had looked forward to so
+much--was, as I said before, spoilt.
+
+Ah! I fear there are many people in this world, both young and old,
+who do as Bessie did: instead of being contented with the state of
+life in which God has placed them, and doing their best to make
+themselves and others happy, they let this little word "_if_" creep in
+on every occasion, and in too many cases spoil not _one day only_, but
+their _whole lives_.
+
+[Illustration: GOOD-BYE.]
+
+But to return to our story. The train went speeding along, miles and
+miles away from London, with its millions of people and houses and
+hot, dusty streets and courts, where almost the only green leaves were
+the cabbages on the costermongers' trucks, out into the pure, fresh,
+breezy country, where houses were as scarce as trees in the city, and
+the cornfields stretched away and away, till bounded in the far
+distance by sloping heathery hills. And what a shout of pleasure arose
+from the two hundred throats of our little travellers when at length
+they stopped at a roadside station and exchanged the train for a shady
+lane leading to a park, the kind owner of which had placed it at their
+disposal for the day! Now ought not Bessie to have begun at last to
+enjoy herself? No; foolish Bessie had seen a carriage at the station,
+and envied the ladies who got into it: "_If_ I had a carriage and
+horses, how much pleasanter it would be driving up this lane, instead
+of walking as I am obliged to do now!" And so she went along at such a
+slow, sulky pace that she was far behind when the lodge gates were
+reached, and was almost shut out when the children and teachers were
+admitted into the park. And as they had shouted for joy at sight of
+the shady lanes, how much more did they shout when they saw the
+beautiful spot in which for a whole long day they were to amuse
+themselves! There were meadows covered with hay--not such hay as is
+seen in stables, brown and hard and stiff, but soft, green and
+grassy-looking, smelling sweetly, and just the thing to roll about in
+and cover one another up with; then there was a nice level
+cricket-ground, and all ready for the boys to begin a game; there were
+shady trees under which to sit and listen to the birds' songs, and
+woody dells and valleys full of ferns and wild flowers; ponds on which
+swans swam about and came on swiftly and silently through the water in
+hopes of food, and little streams trickling along with a murmuring
+noise between the rushes and yellow flags which grew on their banks.
+Certainly this was a delightful spot to be in; and when in the midst
+of the beautiful park they saw the house and gardens--a house so large
+that it seemed a palace in the eyes of the children, while the gardens
+were filled with flowers of every color--they shouted again, all
+except Bessie, who of course began again to envy: "Oh, what a splendid
+house! _If_ I could only live there, I am sure I should never be
+unhappy again; _if_ I could stay here and not go back to London;
+_if_--"
+
+But at this point her grumbling came to a sudden stop, for at a given
+signal all the children, who had been racing over the grass, formed
+into line and marched straight up to the house to make their bows and
+curtseys to the kind lady and gentleman who lived there, and who had
+come out into the porch with her own little girls and boys to welcome
+the visitors. Of course Bessie found something fresh to be
+discontented at: "_If_ I were one of that lady's little girls, I
+should be dressed as nicely as she is, and then, _if_ I liked to play
+about here all day long, I could do so."
+
+And in this way she went on all the day. After going to the house and
+listening to a few words from the owner, and in return singing one of
+their prettiest songs, the children were sent off to play, and in a
+few minutes they were scattered in all directions, amusing themselves
+in different ways; and though Bessie joined in many games, yet that
+one word "_if_" was in her mind the whole time, and she did not play
+as merrily as usual. Dinner came, and the children, called together by
+a bugle, sat down in a tent; but though the fare provided was better
+than Bessie was accustomed to, even on a Sunday, yet this spirit of
+discontent had so possessed her that it was only because she was very
+hungry that she ate what was given her, all the time wondering what
+the people who lived at the great house were eating for their dinner,
+and thinking over and over again, "_If_ I had the chickens and other
+good things which they are sure to have, I should like it much better
+than this mutton and cherry pie."
+
+Oh, Bessie, Bessie! when you are older and know more of the world, you
+will discover that living in a grand house and having good things to
+eat do not make people happier; they in their turn may be as
+discontented as you are, and be always wishing they had something else
+which does not belong to them, and that word "_if_" may be as
+frequently in _their_ mouths as in _yours_.
+
+But now the dinner is over, and the merry troop have dispersed
+again--the boys eager to return to their game of cricket, and the
+girls to haymaking and swinging under the trees or other modes of
+spending the hours of this pleasant day; and judging by the laughter
+and shouts of joy, all are as happy as it is possible to be--indeed,
+it is a surprise to many when the bugle calls them once more together
+for tea, and they find that even a summer's day must come to an end at
+last, and that within two hours they will all be starting once more on
+their homeward journey. Very quickly did most of the children drink up
+the fragrant tea and the delicious milk, for they wanted to have a
+last look at the places where they had spent the day and picked wild
+flowers or made hay. Bessie was among the foremost of these; for now
+that she was going away so soon from it, she grew yet more
+discontented, and that little word "_if_" was used more than ever as
+she went about, not, as the others did, just to say good-bye to the
+fields and woods, but to look at them again and wish they were hers.
+
+I need not stop to tell you of the evening journey, for it was like
+the morning one, excepting that now the hopes of a pleasant day had
+been fulfilled, and the children talked of what they had done, instead
+of what they intended to do. Bessie Green wondered, as she heard them
+talking, how it was that they all seemed so much happier than she did,
+and how it was that the longed-for holiday had not been altogether a
+day of enjoyment. When she arrived at home, she had very little to say
+about what she had done or seen; but as she has since then been more
+contented, we must suppose that her wondering has had some effect, and
+that she is beginning to see what made the day so different to her and
+to her companions; in which case we may hope that the next time she
+goes into the country she will not spoil her holiday by the too
+frequent use of the word "_if_."
+
+
+
+
+THE FORCED RABBIT.
+
+A FUNNY FACT TOLD IN VERSE.
+
+
+ You have heard of forced potatoes, have you not, dear little folks?
+ Of melons forced, and cucumbers, and grapes in purple cloaks?
+ But I have seen, and handled, too--and oh, the sight was funny!--
+ A rabbit forced, a tiny one, a snow-white little Bunny.
+
+ Two little girls of ten and twelve--I love them very much--
+ Once thought a tenant they would like for their new rabbit-hutch,
+ So off to town they drove one day, and there a rabbit bought,
+ And home the furry tenant in their pony-carriage brought.
+
+ They petted, nursed and fondled it, and showed it every care,
+ And said before it went to bed its sheets of straw they'd air;
+ They also begged it very hard itself at home to make,
+ And hoped, although its bed was strange, it would not lie awake.
+
+ How happy was this Bunny white I really cannot tell,
+ But certainly it happy looked, and was extremely well;
+ Its eyes were bright, its nose was cool, its tongue a lovely pink.
+ And for its pulse--well, that was strong and regular, I think.
+
+ When summer came, the little girls were taken to the sea,
+ And left their rabbit with the groom--a youth of twenty-three.
+ They bathed and dug upon the shore, and played with Cousin Jack;
+ They heard the band upon the sand, and rode on donkey-back.
+
+ Then home they came, and went at once to see their Bunny dear,
+ To stroke his ribs, and pat his head, and feel each wiry ear;
+ But oh! alas! they found him not--the rabbit was not there!
+ His hutch, like Mrs. Hubbard's shelf, was very, very bare.
+
+ Now, where is he? They called the groom, the youth of twenty-three,
+ And said, "Oh, George, where's Bunny gone? Oh where, oh where is
+ he?"
+ "He's in the hot-house," George replied; "the gardener put him
+ there,
+ For he was growing thinner, miss, and losing all his hair."
+
+ They trotted to the garden then, and there the Bunny found,
+ And 'neath a vine beheld their pet reposing on the ground.
+ "Why, what is that?" they both exclaimed; "can that a rabbit be?
+ I never in my life before so strange a thing did see!"
+
+[Illustration: THE RABBIT.]
+
+ They were surprised, and certainly the sight was strange to view,
+ For Bunny looked so very huge, and such a bundle too!
+ Such fat he had, and lots of hair, they longed a bit to pull;
+ He was exactly like a ball of living cotton-wool.
+
+ No tailor ever did produce a coat so superfine,
+ 'Twas white as snow, and very thick on stomach, chest and spine--
+ As thick as heads of stupid boys with countenances glum;
+ And oh! the hair was very long--as long as any sum!
+
+ A host of friends and neighbors came the funny sight to see,
+ To one and all a rabbit forced was quite a novelty;
+ And everybody petted him, and loved him very much,
+ And brought him goody-goodies for the larder in his hutch.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ One day--and now my pen and ink the deepest mourning wear--
+ They let him out upon the lawn for exercise and air;
+ They turned their backs, two dogs rushed up, and one, with swelling
+ chest,
+ Seized Bunny by his woolly throat, and--you must guess the rest.
+
+
+
+
+UP AND DOING.
+
+
+ Boys, be up and doing,
+ For the day's begun;
+ Soon will come the noontide,
+ Then the set of sun;
+ At your tasks toil bravely
+ Till your work is done.
+
+ Let your hands be busy
+ In some useful way;
+ Don't neglect your study,
+ Don't forget your play;
+ There is time enough for each
+ Every blessed day.
+
+
+
+
+A DARING FEAT.
+
+
+Remarkable for its spire, the loftiest of St. Petersburg, is the
+church of St. Peter and St. Paul. An anecdote connected with this
+church, and not known, I believe, out of Russia, is worth telling. The
+spire, which rises
+
+ "Lofty, and light, and small,"
+
+and is probably represented in an engraving as fading away almost into
+a point in the sky, is, in reality, terminated by a globe of
+considerable dimensions, on which an angel stands, supporting a large
+cross. This angel was out of repair; and some suspicions were
+entertained that he designed visiting, uninvoked, the surface of the
+earth. The affair caused some uneasiness, and the government at length
+became greatly perplexed. To raise a scaffolding to such a height
+would cost a large sum of money; and in meditating fruitlessly on this
+circumstance, without knowing how to act, some time was suffered to
+elapse.
+
+Among the crowd of gazers below, who daily turned their eyes and their
+thoughts towards the angel, was a mujik called Telouchkine. This man
+was a roofer of houses (a slater, as he would be called in countries
+where slates were used); and his speculations by degrees assumed a
+more practical character than the idle wonders and conjectures of the
+rest of the crowd. The spire was entirely covered with sheets of
+gilded copper, and presented to the eye a surface as smooth as if it
+had been one mass of burnished gold. But Telouchkine knew that the
+sheets of copper were not even uniformly closed upon each other, and,
+above all, that there were large nails used to fasten them, which
+projected from the side of the spire.
+
+Having thought on these circumstances till his mind was made up,
+Telouchkine went to the government and offered to repair the angel
+without scaffolding, and without assistance, on condition of being
+reasonably paid for the time expended in the labor. The offer was
+accepted.
+
+The day fixed for the adventure arrives. Telouchkine, provided with
+nothing more than a coil of ropes, ascends the spire in the interior
+to the last window. Here he looks down at the concourse of the people
+below, and up at the glittering "needle," as it is called, tapering
+far above his head. But his heart does not fail him; and stepping
+gravely out upon the window, he sets about his task.
+
+He cuts a portion of the cord in the form of two large stirrups, with
+a loop at each end. The upper loops he fastens upon two of the
+projecting nails above his head, and places his foot in the others.
+Then digging the fingers of one hand into the interstices of the
+sheets of copper, he raises one of the stirrups with the other hand,
+so as to make it catch a nail higher up. The same operation he
+performs on behalf of the other leg, and so on alternately. And thus
+he climbs, nail by nail, step by step, and stirrup by stirrup, till
+his starting-point is undistinguished from the golden surface, and the
+spire dwindles in his embrace till he can clasp it all round.
+
+So far, so well. But he now reaches the ball--a globe of between nine
+and ten feet in circumference. The angel, the object of this visit, is
+above this ball, and concealed from his view by its smooth, round, and
+glittering expanse. Only fancy the wretch at this moment, turning up
+his grave eyes, and graver beard, to an obstacle that seems to defy
+the daring and intrepidity of man!
+
+[Illustration: THE SEA.]
+
+But Telouchkine is not dismayed. He is prepared for the difficulty;
+and the means he used to surmount it exhibits the same remarkable
+simplicity as the rest of the feat.
+
+Suspending himself in his stirrups, he girds the "needle" with a cord,
+the ends of which he fastens around his waist; and so supported, he
+leans gradually back, till the soles of his feet are planted against
+the spire. In this position, he throws, by a strong effort, a coil of
+cord over the ball; and so coolly and accurately is the aim taken,
+that at the first trial it falls in the required direction, and he
+sees the end hang down on the opposite side.
+
+To draw himself into his original position, to fasten the cord firmly
+around the globe, and with the assistance of this auxiliary to climb
+to the summit, is now an easy part of his task; and in a few minutes
+more Telouchkine stands by the side of the angel, and listens to the
+shout that bursts like sudden thunder from the concourse below, yet
+comes to his ear only like a faint and hollow murmur.
+
+The cord, which he had an opportunity of fastening properly, enabled
+him to descend with comparative facility; and the next day he carried
+up with him a ladder of ropes, by means of which he found it easy to
+effect the necessary repairs.
+
+
+
+
+THE WORLD.
+
+
+ Great, wide, beautiful, wonderful world,
+ With the wonderful water around you curled,
+ And the wonderful grass on your breast--
+ World, you are beautifully dressed.
+
+ The wonderful air is over me,
+ And the wonderful wind is shaking the tree;
+ It walks on the water, and whirls the mills,
+ And talks to itself on the tops of the hills.
+
+ You friendly Earth, how far do you go,
+ With the wheat-fields that nod, and the rivers that flow,
+ With cities, and gardens, and cliffs, and isles,
+ And people upon you for thousands of miles?
+
+ Ah, you are so great, and I am so small,
+ I tremble to think of you, World, at all!
+ And yet, when I said my prayers to-day,
+ A whisper inside me seemed to say,
+ "You are more than the Earth, though you are such a dot;
+ You can love and think, and the Earth cannot!"
+
+ _Lilliput Lectures._
+
+
+
+
+C--A--T.
+
+FOR THE VERY LITTLE ONES.
+
+
+ Be quiet, good Tabby!
+ See how still you can be,
+ For I'm going to teach you
+ To spell C--A--T.
+
+ I'll show you the way
+ Mother reads it to me:
+ She looks very sober,
+ And says C--A--T.
+
+ Fred says you can't learn,
+ But we'll show him that we
+ Can learn, if we please,
+ To spell C--A--T.
+
+ To what little May said
+ Tabby did not agree,
+ And I doubt if she learned
+ To spell C--A--T.
+
+[Illustration: C--A--T.]
+
+
+
+
+THE GIRAFFE.
+
+
+The creature which forms the subject of this paper is the giraffe, or
+camelopard (_Camelopardalis Giraffa_) noted for its wonderful and
+beautiful form and its remarkable habits.
+
+At the first sight of a giraffe, the spectator is struck by its
+enormously long neck, and will naturally ask himself how it is
+supported, and how its mobility is preserved. Every one who has the
+least acquaintance with anatomy is aware that a strong and very
+elastic ligament passes down the back of the neck, and acts as a strap
+by which the head is preserved from falling forward. In the giraffe
+this ligament (popularly called the paxwax) is of great length and
+thickness, and is divided into longitudinal halves, and proceeds, not
+only down the entire neck, but along the back, nearly to the tail. So
+powerful a band requires correspondingly large attachments; and
+accordingly we find that the vertebrae of the shoulders send out
+enormously long perpendicular processes, which give to the shoulder
+that height which is so eminent a characteristic of the animal. To
+these processes the ligament of the neck is fastened by accessory
+bands, which add both to its strength and elasticity.
+
+The natives of Southern Africa make great use of this ligament, which
+is carefully removed and dried. When the native wishes to make a
+kaross, or any other article of apparel, he soaks a piece of the
+ligament in water, and then beats it with a stone. This treatment
+causes it to split into filaments, which can be worked to almost any
+degree of fineness, and with these the native sews his leathern dress.
+I have now before me a piece of this Kaffir thread, as it is called.
+In its dry state, it is shrivelled and contracted, and no one who was
+not acquainted with it could guess the purpose to which it was
+originally devoted.
+
+Although the neck of the giraffe is so enormously long, it only
+consists of seven vertebrae, as is indeed the rule throughout the
+mammalia. It seems very remarkable that in the neck of the elephant
+and of the giraffe there should be precisely the same number of
+vertebrae. Such, however, is the case, and the difference in length is
+caused by the great length of those bones in the giraffe, and their
+shortness and flatness in the elephant.
+
+The giraffe is a swift animal, and even upon level ground will put a
+horse to its utmost mettle; but on rough and rocky ground, especially
+if the chase be directed up hill, the horse has no chance against the
+giraffe, which can hop over the stones with the agility of the goat,
+and even leap ravines which no horse will dare to face. So energetic
+is the animal when chased, and so violently is the tail switched from
+side to side, that the long, stiff hairs hiss sharply as they pass
+through the air.
+
+Sometimes, but very rarely, the giraffe will miss its footing and fall
+to the ground; but it recovers itself immediately, and is on its feet
+before much advantage can be taken of the mishap. When it lies down
+intentionally, it is obliged to pack up its legs in a manner which
+seems extremely awkward, although the animal can lie or rise with
+perfect ease; and, like the camel, it possesses callosities upon the
+knees and breast, on which it rests while reposing.
+
+The height of the giraffe is rather variable, but on an average is
+from twelve to eighteen feet.
+
+[Illustration: THE GIRAFFE.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LION ON THE THRESHOLD.
+
+
+At Rietriverspoort, South Africa, writes Lichtenstein, we came to the
+dwelling of a farmer named Van Wyk. Whilst we were resting our tired
+oxen, and enjoying the cool shade of the porch, Van Wyk told us the
+following story:--
+
+"It was something more than two years ago that here, in this spot
+where we are standing, I had to make a daring shot. My wife was
+sitting in the house near the door, the children were playing about,
+and I was busy doing something to my wagon on the other side of the
+house, when suddenly what should we see, on the doorstep, but the
+shadow of a great lion darkening the bright daylight. My wife, quite
+stunned with terror, and knowing also how dangerous it often is to try
+and run away in such cases, remained in her place, while the children
+took refuge upon her lap. Their cries made me aware of something
+having happened; and my astonishment and consternation may be imagined
+when I discovered what guest was blocking up my entrance to my own
+house.
+
+"The lion had not as yet seen me: but how was I, unarmed as I was, to
+defend my family? Involuntarily I moved along the side of the house
+towards the window, which was open; and, most happily for me, I saw,
+standing in a corner of the room near the window, a loaded gun. I was
+able to reach it with my hand, though the window, as you see, is too
+small for any one to get through. Still more providential was it that
+the room door happened to be open, so that I could see the whole
+terrible scene through the window. The lion had got into the house,
+and was looking steadfastly at my wife and children. He made a
+movement, and seemed about to spring upon them, when, feeling that
+there was no longer any time to waste in deliberating what was to be
+done, I uttered a few encouraging words to my wife, and with God's
+help, shot right across the room into the passage, where I struck the
+lion in the head, so that he could not move again. The ball had passed
+close to the hair of my little boy."
+
+[Illustration: THE LION.]
+
+The same writer, Lichtenstein, says that the lion, like a cat, takes
+its prey by springing upon it, and never attacks a man or animal which
+does not attempt to run away from him without first placing himself at
+a distance of ten or twelve paces off, and measuring his spring. This
+habit of the lion has been turned to account by hunters, who make it
+their practice never to fire at a lion until he has so placed himself:
+long practice enabling them to know exactly where and when to hit it
+with effect while the animal is preparing for his spring. If any one
+is so unfortunate as to meet a lion unarmed, the only hope of escape
+is presence of mind. To run away is certain destruction; if a man has
+the coolness to remain standing where he is, the lion will not attack
+him. He will not attempt the spring if the man stands motionless as a
+statue, and looks quietly into his eyes. The erect figure of the human
+species of itself alarms the lion, and when, in addition to this, he
+sees his antagonist calm and unmoved, the feeling of awe is increased.
+A sudden gesture, indicative of alarm, will of course disturb this
+impression; but if the man continues to show self-possession, the lion
+will at last be as afraid of the man as the man of the lion. After a
+time he slowly raises himself, looks carefully round, retreats a few
+steps, lies down again, makes a further retreat, and ends by taking
+a rapid flight, as if his desire were to get as far out of the
+presence of the human species as he possibly can. Indeed, we are told
+by the settlers at the Cape, that it is not likely that the experiment
+has been very often made. Formerly, when there were more lions to be
+seen there than at present, and when, at the same time, the settlers
+were inexperienced in lion-hunting, large numbers of hunters used to
+go in chase of the lion, whom they would endeavor to entice into the
+plain, and round whom they used to form a circle. They shot at him
+first from one side and then from another, and if the poor animal
+tried to break through the left side of the human wall, they would
+attack him from the right. At present, however, experienced
+lion-hunters generally prefer going alone after their dangerous prey,
+and sometimes pursue him to his den. Such species of sport is always
+dangerous, however, and is often attended with fatal results. We have
+heard from a reliable source that in many sports among the mountains
+near the Elephant River, lions are to be seen in such large numbers,
+that on one occasion our informant saw as many as three and twenty
+together. Most of them were young, and only eight quite full grown. He
+had just loosened his oxen on an open place, and took the rather
+cowardly than humane course of escaping to the tents of some
+Hottentots, and leaving his oxen to the mercy of the lions, without
+firing a shot.
+
+
+
+
+THE SNOW-MAN.
+
+
+ Look! how the clouds are flying south!
+ The wind pipes loud and shrill!
+ And high above the white drifts stands
+ The snow-man on the hill.
+
+ Blow, wild wind from the icy north!
+ Here's one who will not fear
+ To feel thy coldest touch, or shrink
+ Thy loudest blast to hear!
+
+ Proud triumph of the school-boy's skill!
+ Far rather would I be
+ A winter giant, ruling o'er
+ A frosty realm, like thee,
+
+ And stand amidst the drifted snow,
+ Like thee, a thing apart,
+ Than be a man who walks with men,
+ But has a frozen heart!
+
+ MARIAN DOUGLAS.
+
+[Illustration: THE SNOW-MAN.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A pair of barn swallows bring food to their nestling}]
+
+BARN SWALLOWS.
+
+
+When I was a youngster,--and that, let me tell you, young friends,
+was some time ago,--they used to say that swallows lived in the mud
+all winter, as the eels do. The books made no such stupid blunder;
+only the ignorant people, such as never seem to use their eyes or
+their reason. It was one of the popular errors of the time. Silly as
+the notion seems, it has been held by a great many respectable
+persons.
+
+Possibly the error may have arisen from the fact that the moment the
+swallows appear in any locality, in the spring of the year, they
+immediately search out some muddy place, where they can get materials
+for their nests. First they carry a mouthful of mud, then some threads
+of dry hay or straw, then more mud, and so on. These frequent visits
+to a marshy locality might readily lead an unobserving person to
+imagine that the birds came from the muddy recesses in the banks. But,
+of course, they are on a very different errand.
+
+Having commenced their nests, the swallows rest during the warmest
+part of the day, so that the sun may dry their work, and make it hard
+and strong. Then more mud is plastered on--more threads of straw; and
+so the industrious birds continue until the body of the nest is
+completed. A nice, soft lining of fine grass or hair finishes the
+whole, and makes a summer home for both birds and their young.
+
+Unlike most other birds, swallows often repair old nests, if the
+frosts and storms of winter have injured them, as they generally do;
+and sometimes the birds come back to the same locality for several
+years. They select some unexposed corner, under the eaves of a barn or
+house, if possible pretty high from the ground, and in a very few days
+the entire dwelling, lining and all, will be completed.
+
+If unmolested, barn swallows will form quite a colony in the space of
+a few years. But, if their nests are injured or torn down, or their
+young ones are stolen away or disturbed, the birds forsake the
+locality forever. Where a number of families live together, their
+chattering, when, as the evening comes on, they are catching gnats and
+flies for supper, or feeding their young ones, is very pleasant and
+diverting. And there is music in their language, too--music which a
+thoughtful person is ever glad to hear.
+
+Last summer, when business was dull, I went on a vacation, away up
+into the Granite State. While passing through the town of Unity (my
+little niece insists upon calling it _Utiny_--but she will speak
+plainer one of these years), my attention was called to a small
+village church on the wayside. Around the entire building, under the
+eaves, were brackets, some three inches in width, and perhaps as far
+apart. In the spaces thus formed were hundreds upon hundreds of
+swallows' nests. Hardly a single space was left unoccupied, while many
+contained two, and sometimes three nests. Not content with the eaves,
+the colony had commenced upon the belfry, and far up towards the spire
+every possible nook and corner seemed to be spoken for.
+
+I stopped to contemplate the very interesting spectacle. A villager
+informed me that the colony came regularly every year, and, as near as
+could be judged, the same birds; that for ten years the birds had been
+petted by the inhabitants, and protected by all, old and young. He
+said that the swallows had all disappeared in a body, about a week
+previous to my visit, adding, "You don't know what a lovely spectacle
+it is to witness the evolutions of these birds on a summer evening,
+when they are teaching their young ones to fly. They swarm around the
+building like bees, and their music is most delightful to hear."
+
+I could readily imagine the beauty of the scene, from the great number
+of nests, though I mean to see the colony at their devotions this
+year. "Yea, the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for
+herself, where she may lay her young, _even thine altars_, O Lord of
+hosts, my King and my God."
+
+It would be interesting to know where these birds go as winter
+approaches. It is very easy, and perhaps very true, to say that they
+"go south." But to what part of the south? Do they keep in a body
+there, as here? Do they have nests, and rear their young, there, as
+with us? There is a fine field for inquiry, which it is hoped some of
+our boys will go into by and by. For the present, if any of them are
+passing through Unity, let them remember the church which has its
+largest congregation on the outside.
+
+ W. WANDER.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+GRATITUDE OF A COW.
+
+
+A gentleman passing through a field observed a cow showing many
+symptoms of uneasiness, stamping with her feet and looking earnestly
+at him. At first he feared to approach her, but afterward went toward
+her, which seemed to please her much. She then guided him to a ditch
+where her calf was lying helpless; and he was just in time to save it
+from death, to the no small delight of the cow. Some days after, when
+passing through the same field, the cow came up to him as if to thank
+him for his kindness. As among the various animals with which the
+earth abounds none is more necessary to the existence of man than the
+cow, so likewise none appears to be more extensively propagated; in
+every part of the world it is found, large or small, according to the
+quantity and quality of its food. There is no part of Europe where it
+grows to so large a size as in England, whose pastures are admirably
+suited to its nature. The quantity of milk and butter varies according
+to the difference of its pasture; some cows in favorable situations
+yield twenty quarts of milk in a day.
+
+To form a just idea of the value of this animal, we ought to consider
+that there is scarcely any part of it without its utility to man. The
+skin is manufactured into leather; the hair, mixed with lime, is used
+in plastering walls and building houses; the bones serve as a
+substitute for ivory; when calcined, they are used by the refiners of
+silver to separate the baser metals; and when ground and spread over
+the fields, they form a fertilizing manure. Combs, knife-handles and
+many useful articles are made from the horns, which, when softened in
+boiling water, become pliable, so as to be formed into lanterns--an
+invention usually ascribed to King Alfred. We are furnished with
+candles from the tallow, and the feet afford an oil adapted to a
+variety of purposes. Glue is made from the cartilages, gristles and
+parings of the hide boiled in water; calves' skins are manufactured
+into vellum; saddlers and others use a fine thread prepared from the
+sinews, which is much stronger than any other equally fine. The blood,
+gall, etc., are used in many important manufactures.
+
+[Illustration: THE COW AND HER CALF.]
+
+
+
+
+MINUTES.
+
+
+ We are but minutes--little things!
+ Each one furnished with sixty wings,
+ With which we fly on our unseen track,
+ And not a minute ever comes back.
+
+ We are but minutes; use, use us well,
+ For how we are used we must one day tell.
+ Who uses minutes has hours to use;
+ Who loses minutes whole years must lose.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Uncle Godfrey wades through snow, two horses and a
+ dingo nearby}]
+
+GOING FOR THE LETTERS.
+
+AN AUSTRALIAN STORY.
+
+
+It was a bitter cold day in the end of the month of January. The
+morning had been a very unpleasant one--neither frost nor snow, a sort
+of compound of rain and sleet; but now the snow was falling fast, and
+the clear crystals were fast hiding every shrub and plant that had a
+place in the beautiful flower garden, in front of the drawing-room
+windows of Arundel Manor, while inside a roaring fire, that made the
+handsomely-furnished apartment look even more than usually snug and
+comfortable, was surrounded by a family party consisting of Mrs. St.
+Clair, the three children, and uncle Godfrey.
+
+It was the "children's hour," and his niece was trying to coax a tale
+out of "dear uncle," who did not seem much in the humor to comply with
+her request, when mamma looked up and said, "My dear, do not trouble
+your uncle so. I am sure, Godfrey, that Lydia must torment you; and if
+she does, we must send her to the nursery."
+
+Poor Lydia's face fell at once. "I am sure I did not mean to tease
+uncle."
+
+"Never mind, my pet; I know I promised to tell you a story to-night,
+and was just thinking what it was to be, when my fit of musing sent
+memory back many a long day, and revealed a scene distant many a
+thousand miles. Now that I am fairly awake, I will show you the
+picture of my waking dream. So up you jump;" and Lydia, catching hold
+of his hand, was quickly seated on her uncle's knee, her usual place
+at story time, and throwing her arms round his neck, exclaimed,--
+
+"O, you dear old pet!"
+
+"I heard," began uncle Godfrey, "some boys, who shall be nameless,
+grumbling this morning at being kept inside, for fear of catching cold
+on such a raw day, and my thoughts instantly turned to a day similar
+to this, and how I then prayed to be under the shelter of some
+friendly roof; and I also thought how thankful every one ought to be
+who is able to sit at a warm fire, when it freezes hard, or when the
+snow is covering the earth by inches every hour.
+
+"I dare say you think it fine fun to run over to the lodge and bring
+the letters from the post-boy; at least I did when as young as you
+are; but going for letters is not always the pleasantest thing
+imaginable, as I once nearly found out to my cost.
+
+"If you are all so anxious to hear the contents of letters from your
+uncle Wilfred, you may fancy how eagerly he and I used to watch for
+the arrivals of the mails at Sydney, and be sure that one or both of
+us were certain to be at the office in Kiandra on the day it reached
+there, and with what delight we read and re-read the letter which
+never failed to make its appearance monthly to one or other of us.
+
+"Our winter fall of snow generally began about the 12th of May, and
+from that date till the month of October it was a matter of no small
+difficulty to get our letters at the place where we lived, a long nine
+miles from Kiandra of a very mountainous track.
+
+"186- was an extraordinary season. May passed, no snow--June the same,
+only heavy, I may say, nearly constant showers of rain. 'A glorious
+year,' the diggers called it. 'Never such a season for work since the
+diggings broke out. Two months' work at a time when there is never any
+water. O, what a wash-up there will be in November!'
+
+"Such was the substance of the conversation when any two of the
+residents met, varied, perhaps, by remarks as to whether old
+So-and-so, who had been twenty years in the district, would be right
+in saying there was to be nine feet of snow, or whether So-and-so was
+a better judge in saying we were to have none at all?
+
+"I was then living by myself, Wilfred being away in Sydney, and was
+looking out for him every day, and hoping he might be back before the
+winter fairly set in, when it was scarcely possible to travel. As I
+said before, June had passed, and we were getting well into July, when
+I heard that our English mail would be in Kiandra on the following
+Wednesday. It was now Friday.
+
+"We had got a fine week for work, raining gently all the time, which
+is what we diggers like, and no frost, which dries up the water, and
+makes us all idle, when on Sunday the weather completely changed, and
+very suddenly, too, as, indeed, it always did there. The wind, which
+had been from north or east, without any warning chopped right round
+to the south-west, and we had a strong frost. Next day was cloudy, but
+at night frost was harder than ever, and everything with liquid in it,
+even to the tea-pot in a room where there was a fire nearly all night,
+was full of solid ice.
+
+"The thermometer was down to 18 deg. below zero in the same place; and in
+bed, in the next room, with four pairs of new blankets, I thought I
+should have been fairly frozen. We were hard at work all that day,
+which was a drizzly, snowy one, everything betokening a fall of snow;
+so, when Wednesday dawned, though not so deep as I expected, I was
+not surprised to find more than a foot of it all over.
+
+"Down the country the floods had been dreadful; nearly all the bridges
+had been washed away, and the roads turned into bogs, so that our
+mails came in very irregularly, sometimes ten days behind time. You
+may therefore imagine I was in a great worry to hear from Wilfred, my
+last letter being a month old, as well as anxious for _home_ news. So
+I donned my oil-skin over my blanket-coat, put on my thigh gum-boots,
+tied my comforter round my neck and up over my ears, and pulling my
+south-wester on, prepared to face the weather.
+
+"I found the walk into town, though very heavy, not so bad as I
+expected, and arrived safely, without any mishaps, but rather tired
+and uncomfortably moist, it being a sort of drizzle all the way; but a
+letter from Wilfred, saying he would not leave for some time, and so
+would not be caught in this storm, and the perusal of a kind one from
+'the old country' soon made me forget my discomfort, and I spent a
+pleasant evening at a friend's.
+
+"At bed-time it was a beautiful starry night; but I did not altogether
+fancy it. There was a kind of half soft feel through the frost, that
+sounded to me like a change, and the thought of the morrow's walk was
+not a pleasant one; but there was no use forestalling what might never
+be. So to bed and to sleep; but ere my eyes were well closed, the wind
+began to whistle round the corner of the house, and--hallo--what's
+that! Big drops of rain, and lumps of earth and gravel, were pelting
+the panes of glass.
+
+"A few minutes there was a lull--a dead silence--when flash!
+crash!--the room was in a blaze of light, and at the same instant the
+thunder made the very bed shake again, and also made my heart rise to
+my mouth. Listening earnestly for some time, and no further
+disturbances occurring, I began, after thanking a kind Providence for
+his protection, to think over the matter, and came to the conclusion
+that at last we were in for a downright fall, this being the third
+time that, to my knowledge, such had been preceded by a single clap of
+thunder.
+
+"Next day the snow came down in earnest; and as it was drifting in
+every direction, I took the advice of my friends, and quietly stopped
+where I was. Large, feathery flakes fell unceasingly all the
+afternoon, and by night there was fully two feet in the town; but as
+it looked a little better on Friday afternoon, and my dog, cat, and
+fowls could get nothing to eat until my return, I determined to make a
+start, though against the opinions of most of the town's people.
+
+"When I left Kiandra there was a dense fog, which shortly changed,
+first to a light, and then to a heavy snow; and by the time I dragged
+myself the mile to the top of the mountain, it was coming down, and no
+mistake!
+
+"It was impossible to see one yard in any direction, and my legs were
+already beginning to _talk_; but it was too late to think of turning.
+I had had only to fight through one extra deep drift as yet, and knew
+the road hitherto well; but now I had to turn off from where the track
+lay hid, and had not gone far when my difficulties fairly began, and I
+was quickly ploughing my way through some five or six feet of snow.
+
+"Half an hour's hard work found me clear of that, and for a couple of
+miles everything went swimmingly. The snow was here firm enough to
+bear my weight, although now and again, bump! down I went through the
+crust, nearly jerking my joints out. The nearer home the deeper got
+the snow, and, of course, so much the more tired I felt. The main
+creek to be crossed was hidden entirely; and as its exact whereabouts
+was not very easily guessed at, you may depend it was not a pleasant
+sensation to plump down and find myself up to the neck. Luckily, the
+water was no depth, and as my boots were tight and long, a hard
+scramble pulled me out of my first trouble.
+
+"A short rest, and I was again on my way; but it took me a good many
+hours to get the next three or four miles, even though I met no more
+serious difficulty than some very heavy drifts. I was getting very
+tired, and hungry, too, and you may fancy it was no joke wading the
+snow, never less than two feet, lucky if not going past the knees at
+every step; but at last I was in a mess, and how to get out of it I
+knew not. The look of the country, when a lull gave me the chance of
+seeing, showed I was off my road; and when I felt I was lost, my
+thoughts were anything but satisfactory.
+
+"I knew not which way to turn, so sat down to think it over, and was
+looking around as well as the drifting snow would permit, when coming
+along my tracks was a large yellow dog. My heart gave a bound of
+delight, and jumping up, I let a 'cooey,'[A] to tell its master that
+some one was in the same predicament, as I doubted not he was.
+
+"Slowly a minute or two passed, but no reply to my communication.
+Alas! all was silence, and I then saw, by its pointed ears and bushy
+tail, that it was a dingo, or native dog, which was running my
+footsteps. It was no use sitting where I was. So on I started in the
+direction I fancied, every minute feeling more and more fagged, and
+when at last darkness set in, was almost inclined to give up.
+
+"My yellow friend followed me for some time at a respectful distance;
+and though the dingo is a sneaking coward, still, had sleep
+overpowered me, he might have been tempted to try how I tasted, as he
+must have been hungry to come so close to me as he did. So, although I
+never had any fear of such an event actually occurring, I was not at
+all sorry when he trotted off, his tail, as usual, between his legs,
+to join some of his companions, whose unearthly howls he heard at no
+great distance; there must have been five or six.
+
+"I felt really glad they came no nearer, as a mob of them are very
+daring; and I have known them, when well starved for a week or two,
+kill calves, and even colts, when the mothers were weak and could not
+fight for them. But it was not very long before I found that they were
+not after me, as I nearly stumbled against a mare and colt belonging
+to myself, that were standing under a tree, and whinnied as I spoke.
+We had sent all our horses away two months ago but this one, as she
+could not be found, and we thought she was dead. The poor thing could
+not have tasted food for days; but what could I do but pity the pair,
+and feel that their end was to be food for the _warregals_ (native
+dogs).
+
+"As I had now been walking seven or eight hours, and hard at it all
+the time, I could see nothing for it but to yield to necessity, as
+sleep was fast overpowering me, when I distinctly heard the bark of a
+dog, which I felt confident was my old watch, 'Jack.' My spirits rose
+at once, and again I was alive, and pushed in the direction of the
+welcome sound.
+
+"At the same time I caught a glimpse of a cluster of trees, whose
+peculiar shape I had often remarked, which told me where I was; and
+this fact was also quickly proved by my plunging into an old
+prospecting hole--the only one in the neighborhood. It was about six
+feet deep, and full of snow and water. I thought I was lost, as the
+frozen slush went down my back, and that I, who had been picked out of
+the Canton River, in a dark night, when the tide ran six knots an
+hour, was fated to be drowned in a filthy pot-hole.
+
+"But, luckily, such was not my lot on the present occasion, as, after
+many a failure, I managed to pull myself out, my boots full of water,
+and my whole body nearly numb from the cold. Luckily, the house was
+only half a mile off.
+
+"I reached it in safety, and just in time, as my feet were all but
+frost-bitten, when I should have been fortunate to lose only a few of
+my toes, as I knew a man here who had _both_ legs cut off in
+consequence of a severe frost-bite.
+
+"As it was, I was a sorry figure; my clothes were like a board, my
+socks were in a similar state, while icicles hung in festoons from my
+hair and beard. But, when at last I managed to open the door, and get
+a light, one or two rough towels, and some ten minutes' hard rubbing,
+soon put a glow of heat over my whole body; and by the time I turned
+into bed, after a cup of scalding hot coffee (I was too hungry to
+eat), my misfortunes were forgotten, and all I felt was thankfulness
+for having reached my house, which seems to me, even now, to have been
+a very doubtful matter, had 'Jack' not barked when he did.
+
+"See how many things turned out all for my good--the mare and the colt
+in the snow, the dingo running after her through hunger, and my dog
+barking at it, showed me where my house was, when I was fairly lost,
+and thus saved my life, and enabled me to spin you this yarn, which I
+must now finish by saying that since that time I am always glad to
+have a warm house to shelter me in such weather as this, and cannot
+help thinking that if any boys had ever been placed in my predicament,
+they would only be too thankful to remain inside on such a day as
+this, without requiring their mother to order them to do so."
+
+"But what about the poor mare? Did she die? and did the wild dogs eat
+the colt?"
+
+"O, I almost forgot to tell you that, to my astonishment, in two or
+three days, when the snow hardened a bit, the pair found their way
+home, and I, after a deal of trouble, got them to the banks of the
+Tumut River, which, although only a couple of miles away, was so many
+hundred feet lower, that they could paw away the snow, and so got
+grass enough to live till spring when they soon got fat. The little
+colt I named 'Snowdrop,' and when she was old enough, broke her in;
+and many a good gallop we had over the place where she and her mother
+neighed to me on that dark and dismal night."
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[A] A peculiar shout, heard at a great distance, which is common among
+the Australian settlers.
+
+
+
+
+SPRING HAS COME.
+
+
+ Spring has come back to us, beautiful spring!
+ Blue-birds and swallows are out on the wing;
+ Over the meadows a carpet of green
+ Softer and richer than velvet is seen.
+
+ Up come the blossoms so bright and so gay,
+ Giving sweet odors to welcome the May.
+ Sunshine and music are flooding the air,
+ Beauty and brightness are everywhere.
+
+
+
+
+ABOUT "BITTERS."
+
+[Illustration: {Bitters being chased by a rooster}]
+
+
+Charley and Jimmie D. were playing near the barn one day, when along
+came the forlornest looking cur you ever did see. The children
+commenced calling him, and laughed loudly as the animal came towards
+them, he was _such_ an ill-looking thing.
+
+"Good fellow! nice fellow!" said Charley, patting him. "Jim, you run
+in, and get him something to eat--won't you? and don't tell mother
+yet; you know she dislikes dogs so. We'll tie him up to-night, and
+tell her to-morrow, if no one comes for him."
+
+Such another looking dog I think I never saw--scrawny and poor, as
+though he had never been more than half fed; a slit in one ear, tail
+not much to speak of, and color a dirty black and white.
+
+Jimmie soon came back from a successful forage, and gave him a good
+supper. At least doggie seemed to think so, for he gobbled it up in
+about a minute, and then wagged the stump of his tail for more.
+
+"No, sir," said Charley, "no more to-night."
+
+Then they shut him up in a little room in a corner of the barn, and
+ran to find their father, and tell him, well knowing he would not
+care, if their mother was willing.
+
+They found their father, who went with them to see him, and laughed
+long and loud as they led out the ugly beast.
+
+Then all went in to supper; the great secret almost revealing itself
+in their tell-tale looks and occasional whisperings, neither of which
+attracted their mother's attention.
+
+Supper over, they made a final visit to their pet, and then left him
+for the night.
+
+"What shall we name him?" said Jimmie, when they were alone in their
+room at night.
+
+"O, we must have a funny name, he's such a sorry looking feller!
+Wouldn't you call him 'Bitters'?" said Charley.
+
+"Bitters!" said Jim, with a laugh.
+
+"Yes, that's bad enough."
+
+So Bitters he was named; and next morning they won their mother's
+reluctant consent to keep the dog, provided he was kept at the barn,
+or away from the house, at all events.
+
+Then they fed and played with him till school time, and shut him up
+till noon.
+
+Bitters seemed to take to his new admirers, and appeared quite
+satisfied with his quarters, and was getting to look a little more
+like a respectable dog, when one morning, as he was running round a
+corner of the barn, he came suddenly upon the old rooster, who
+bristled up and showed fight. Bitters turned, and ran for dear life,
+as hard as he could go, and never has been seen or heard from, from
+that day to this, much to the boys' regret.
+
+ F. E. S.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: DOG STEPHEN.]
+
+FRED AND DOG STEPHEN.
+
+
+"Now, just one good cuddle," said little six-year-old Freddie, "and
+then I'll be ready for school;" and he curled himself up like a young
+Turk in his mother's lap, and nestled there in a very enjoyable way.
+
+She was sitting by the dining-room window; it was open, and a pitcher
+of wild phlox and pink-and-white wake-robins stood in it. While they
+sat there they saw Uncle Rube, who lives over on the hillside, coming
+along the crooked path with a basket on his arm. His head was down,
+and he was thinking so intently that he did not hear the steps behind
+him of his young dog, Stephen.
+
+Now, Rube means to make the best dog in the world of Stephen--the
+playful little puppy!--and he never permits him to follow him anywhere
+unless by special invitation. About once a week he will say to him,
+"Stevie, would you like to go to your grandfather's with me? Come on,
+then;" and here they will come, the puppy so glad that his gait is
+more awkward than ever, his fat body, twisted out of all shape,
+wriggling along, while his tail will flap about in every direction and
+his ears look like wilted cabbage-leaves.
+
+"He doesn't know Stevie is behind him, does he, ma? and now let's
+watch and see what they will both do when they find out." So they
+snugged down by the window and tittered and watched and anticipated
+rare fun.
+
+Uncle Rube was whispering to himself and nodding his head and making
+gesticulations with his open hand, while Stephen trotted with his
+little soft, careful feet behind him, smelling of the ground, and
+thinking green grass with the dew sparkling on it was just made
+purposely for dogs to admire.
+
+Just as Rube came to the big gate and stopped to unlatch it he heard a
+little whiffy breathing behind him, and then he looked and saw
+Stephen. He was very much surprised; but as he never scolded the dog,
+he simply said, in a very earnest way, "Steve, I am astonished! You go
+right back home immediately. You're a great boy, indeed, to sneak
+along without ever being invited! I didn't want you, sir, or I'd have
+told you so. Now go right back again."
+
+Oh, it was _so_ funny! Stephen just threw his head back and whirled on
+his heels, and ran with all his might down the crooked path.
+
+Then the school-bell rang, and Fred's mother kissed him
+"good-morning," and he started off with his books, and as he turned
+round the corner his white teeth showed prettily as, half laughing, he
+said to himself in wonderment, "_Dear little Stevie dog! he just ran
+back 'zactly as if he wanted to._"
+
+
+
+
+NOW THE SUN IS SINKING.
+
+
+ Now the sun is sinking
+ In the golden west;
+ Birds and bees and children
+ All have gone to rest;
+ And the merry streamlet,
+ As it runs along,
+ With a voice of sweetness
+ Sings its evening song.
+
+ Cowslip, daisy, violet,
+ In their little beds,
+ All among the grasses,
+ Hide their heavy heads;
+ There they'll all, sweet darlings!
+ Lie in happy dreams
+ Till the rosy morning
+ Wakes them with its beams.
+
+
+
+
+A RIGMAROLE ABOUT A TEA-PARTY.
+
+
+ Mrs. Dyer
+ Stirred the fire,
+ Agnes Stout
+ Poked it out,
+ Tommy Voles
+ Fetched the coals,
+ Alice Good
+ Laid the wood,
+ Bertie Patch
+ Struck the match,
+ Charlotte Hays
+ Made it blaze,
+ Mrs. Groom
+ Kept the broom,
+ Katy Moore
+ Swept the floor,
+ Fanny Froth
+ Laid the cloth,
+ Arthur Grey
+ Brought the tray,
+ Betty Bates
+ Washed the plates,
+ Nanny Galt
+ Smoothed the salt,
+ Dicky Street
+ Fetched the meat,
+ Sally Strife
+ Rubbed the knife,
+ Minnie York
+ Found the fork,
+ Sophie Silk
+ Brought the milk,
+ Mrs. Bream
+ Sent some cream,
+ Susan Head
+ Cut the bread,
+ Harry Host
+ Made the toast,
+ Mrs. Dee
+ Poured out tea,
+ And they all were as happy as happy could be.
+
+
+
+
+THE FAIRY BIRD.
+
+
+"I'm so glad to-morrow is Christmas, because I'm going to have lots
+of presents."
+
+"So am I glad, though I don't expect any presents but a pair of
+mittens."
+
+"And so am I; but I shan't have any presents at all."
+
+As the three little girls trudged home from school they said these
+things, and as Tilly spoke, both the others looked at her with pity
+and some surprise; for she spoke cheerfully, and they wondered how she
+could be happy when she was so poor she could have no presents on
+Christmas.
+
+"Don't you wish you could find a purse full of money right here in the
+path?" said Kate, the child who was going to have "lots of presents."
+
+"O, don't I, if I could keep it honestly!" And Tilly's eyes shone at
+the very thought.
+
+"What would you buy?" asked Bessy, rubbing her cold hands, and longing
+for her mittens.
+
+"I'd buy a pair of large, warm blankets, a load of wood, a shawl for
+mother, and a pair of shoes for me; and if there was enough left, I'd
+give Bessy a new hat, and then she needn't wear Ben's old felt one,"
+answered Tilly.
+
+The girls laughed at that; but Bessy pulled the funny hat over her
+ears, and said she was much obliged, but she'd rather have candy.
+
+"Let's look, and may be we _can_ find a purse. People are always going
+about with money at Christmas time, and some one may lose it here,"
+said Kate.
+
+So, as they went along the snowy road, they looked about them, half in
+earnest, half in fun. Suddenly Tilly sprang forward, exclaiming,--
+
+"I see it! I've found it!"
+
+The others followed, but all stopped disappointed, for it wasn't a
+purse; it was only a little bird. It lay upon the snow, with its wings
+spread and feebly fluttering, as if too weak to fly. Its little feet
+were benumbed with cold; its once bright eyes were dull with pain, and
+instead of a blithe song, it could only utter a faint chirp now and
+then, as if crying for help.
+
+"Nothing but a stupid old robin. How provoking!" cried Kate, sitting
+down to rest.
+
+"I shan't touch it; I found one once, and took care of it, and the
+ungrateful thing flew away the minute it was well," said Bessy,
+creeping under Kate's shawl, and putting her hands under her chin to
+warm them.
+
+"Poor little birdie! How pitiful he looks, and how glad he must be to
+see some one coming to help him! I'll take him up gently, and carry
+him home to mother. Don't be frightened, dear; I'm your friend." And
+Tilly knelt down in the snow, stretching her hand to the bird with the
+tenderest pity in her face.
+
+Kate and Bessy laughed.
+
+"Don't stop for that thing; it's getting late and cold. Let's go on,
+and look for the purse," they said, moving away.
+
+"You wouldn't leave it to die!" cried Tilly. "I'd rather have the bird
+than the money; so I shan't look any more. The purse wouldn't be mine,
+and I should only be tempted to keep it; but this poor thing will
+thank and love me, and I'm _so_ glad I came in time!" Gently lifting
+the bird, Tilly felt its tiny cold claws cling to her hand, and saw
+its dim eyes brighten as it nestled down with a grateful chirp.
+
+[Illustration: THE FAIRY BIRD.]
+
+"Now I've got a Christmas present, after all," she said, smiling, as
+they walked on. "I always wanted a bird, and this one will be such a
+pretty pet for me!"
+
+"He'll fly away the first chance he gets, and die, anyhow; so you'd
+better not waste your time over him," said Bessy.
+
+"He can't pay you for taking care of him, and my mother says it isn't
+worth while to help folks that can't help us," added Kate.
+
+"My mother says, 'Do as you'd be done by;' and I'm sure I'd like any
+one to help me, if I was dying of cold and hunger. 'Love your neighbor
+as yourself,' is another of her sayings. This bird is my little
+neighbor, and I'll love him and care for him, as I often wish our rich
+neighbor would love and care for us," answered Tilly, breathing her
+warm breath over the benumbed bird, who looked up at her with
+confiding eyes, quick to feel and know a friend.
+
+"What a funny girl you are!" said Kate, "caring for that silly bird,
+and talking about loving your neighbor in that sober way. Mr. King
+don't care a bit for you, and never will, though he knows how poor you
+are; so I don't think your plan amounts to much."
+
+"I believe it, though, and shall do my part, any way. Good night. I
+hope you'll have a merry Christmas, and lots of pretty things,"
+answered Tilly, as they parted.
+
+Her eyes were full, and she felt _so_ poor as she went on alone
+towards the little old house where she lived! It would have been so
+pleasant to know that she was going to have some of the pretty things
+all children love to find in their full stockings on Christmas
+morning! and pleasanter still to have been able to give her mother
+something nice. So many comforts were needed, and there was no hope of
+getting them; for they could barely get food and fire.
+
+"Never mind, birdie; we'll make the best of what we have, and be merry
+in spite of everything. _You_ shall have a happy Christmas, any way;
+and I know God won't forget us, if every one else does."
+
+She stopped a minute to wipe her eyes, and lean her cheek against the
+bird's soft breast, finding great comfort in the little creature,
+though it could only love her--nothing more.
+
+"See, mother, what a nice present I've found!" she cried, going in
+with a cheery face, that was like sunshine in the dark room.
+
+"I'm glad of that, deary; for I haven't been able to get my little
+girl anything but a rosy apple. Poor bird! Give it some of your warm
+bread and milk."
+
+"Why, mother, what a big bowlful! I'm afraid you gave me all the
+milk," said Tilly, smiling over the nice steaming supper that stood
+ready for her.
+
+"I've had plenty, dear. Sit down and dry your wet feet, and put the
+bird in my basket on this warm flannel."
+
+Tilly peeped into the closet, and saw nothing there but dry bread.
+
+"Mother's given me all the milk, and is going without her tea, 'cause
+she knows I'm hungry. Now I'll surprise her, and she shall have a good
+supper too. She is going to split wood, and I'll fix it while she's
+gone."
+
+So Tilly put down the old teapot, carefully poured out a part of the
+milk, and from her pocket produced a great plummy bunn, that one of
+the school children had given her, and she had saved for her mother. A
+slice of the dry bread was nicely toasted, and the bit of butter set
+by for her to put on it. When her mother came in, there was the table
+drawn up in a warm place, a hot cup of tea ready, and Tilly and birdie
+waiting for her.
+
+Such a poor little supper, and yet such a happy one! for love,
+charity, and contentment were guests there, and that Christmas eve was
+a blither one than that up at the great house, where lights shone,
+fires blazed, a great tree glittered, and music sounded, as the
+children danced and played.
+
+"We must go to bed early; for we've only wood enough to last over
+to-morrow. I shall be paid for my work the day after, and then we can
+get some," said Tilly's mother, as they sat by the fire.
+
+"If my bird was only a fairy bird, and would give us three wishes, how
+nice it would be! Poor dear, he can't give me anything; but it's no
+matter," answered Tilly, looking at the robin, who lay in the basket,
+with his head under his wing, a mere little feathery bunch.
+
+"He can give you one thing, Tilly--the pleasure of doing good. That is
+one of the sweetest things in life; and the poor can enjoy it as well
+as the rich."
+
+As her mother spoke, with her tired hand softly stroking her little
+daughter's hair, Tilly suddenly started, and pointed to the window,
+saying, in a frightened whisper,--
+
+"I saw a face--a man's face--looking in. It's gone now; but I truly
+saw it."
+
+"Some traveller attracted by the light, perhaps; I'll go and see." And
+Tilly's mother went to the door.
+
+No one was there. The wind blew cold, the stars shone, the snow lay
+white on field and wood, and the Christmas moon was glittering in the
+sky.
+
+"What sort of a face was it?" asked Tilly's mother, coming back.
+
+"A pleasant sort of face, I think; but I was so startled, I don't
+quite know what it was like. I wish we had a curtain there," said
+Tilly.
+
+"I like to have our light shine out in the evening; for the road is
+dark and lonely just here, and the twinkle of our lamp is pleasant to
+people's eyes as they go by. We can do so little for our neighbors, I
+am glad to cheer the way for them. Now put these poor old shoes to
+dry, and go to bed, deary; I'll come soon."
+
+Tilly went, taking her bird with her to sleep in his basket near by,
+lest he should be lonely in the night.
+
+Soon the little house was dark and still, and no one saw the Christmas
+spirits at their work that night.
+
+When Tilly opened the door the next morning, she gave a loud cry,
+clapped her hands, and then stood still, quite speechless with wonder
+and delight. There, before the door, lay a great pile of wood, all
+ready to burn, a big bundle and a basket, with a lovely nosegay of
+winter roses, holly, and evergreen tied to the handle.
+
+"O, mother, did the fairies do it?" cried Tilly, pale with her
+happiness, as she seized the basket while her mother took in the
+bundle.
+
+"Yes, dear; the best and dearest fairy in the world, called 'Charity.'
+She walks abroad at Christmas time, does beautiful deeds like this,
+and does not stay to be thanked," answered her mother, with full eyes,
+as she undid the parcel.
+
+There they were, the warm, thick blankets, the comfortable shawl, the
+new shoes, and, best of all, a pretty winter hat for Bessy. The basket
+was full of good things to eat, and on the flowers lay a paper,
+saying,--
+
+"For the little girl who loves her neighbor as herself."
+
+"Mother, I really think my bird is a fairy bird, and all these
+splendid things come out from him," said Tilly, laughing and crying
+with joy.
+
+It really did seem so; for, as she spoke, the robin flew to the table,
+hopped to the nosegay, and perching among the roses, began to chirp
+with all his little might. The sun streamed in on flowers, bird, and
+happy child, and no one saw a shadow glide away from the window. No
+one ever knew that Mr. King had seen and heard the little girls the
+night before, or dreamed that the rich neighbor had learned a lesson
+from the poor neighbor.
+
+And Tilly's bird _was_ a fairy bird; for by her love and tenderness
+to the helpless thing, she brought good gifts to herself, happiness to
+the unknown giver of them, and a faithful little friend, who did not
+fly away, but staid with her till the snow was gone, making summer for
+her in the winter time.
+
+ LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "AS THE NIGHT ADVANCED, THE OLD NEGRO FELT THE COLD
+ PIERCE HIS STIFFENED LIMBS." P. 216.]
+
+SAVED BY A FIDDLE.
+
+
+Among the most rapacious and dangerous animals of North America, is
+the wolf, commonly called the coyote (pronounced ky-_o_-te) in some of
+the Southern and Western States. The wolves--far more numerous in the
+United States than in Europe--are, perhaps, more horrible in aspect
+than those of the old world. Along desert paths, on the prairies or in
+the woods, the wolf, the ghoul of the animal race, presents itself to
+the traveller, with its slavering jaws and flashing eyes, uttering a
+growl, which is the usual sign of cowardice blended with impudence.
+"The coyote," says a recent writer, "is a living, breathing allegory
+of Want. He is always poor, out of luck, and friendless."
+
+It is very difficult to catch coyotes in a trap, but they are
+frequently hunted down with horses and dogs. Their coat is of a dull
+reddish color, mixed with gray and white hairs. Such is their ordinary
+condition, but like other animals they display varieties. Their bushy
+tail, black at the tip, is nearly as long as one third of their body.
+They resemble the dogs which one sees in the Indian wigwams, and which
+are certainly descended from this species. They are found in the
+regions between the Mississippi and the Pacific, and in Southern
+Mexico. They travel in packs like jackals, and pursue deer, buffaloes,
+and other animals which they hope to master. They do not venture to
+attack buffaloes in herds, but they follow the latter in large packs,
+watching till a laggard--a young calf or an old bull, for
+instance--may fall out; then they dart upon it and tear it to pieces.
+They accompany parties of sportsmen or travellers, prowl round
+deserted camps, and devour the fragments they find there. At times
+they will enter a camp during the night, and seize lumps of meat on
+which the emigrants calculated for their morning meal. These robberies
+sometimes exasperate the victims, and, growing less saving of their
+powder and shot, they pursue them till they have rubbed out the
+mess-number of several.
+
+This breed of wolves is the most numerous of all the carnivora in
+North America, and it is for this reason that the coyotes often suffer
+from hunger. Then, but only then, they eat corn, roots, and
+vegetables--in short, anything that will save them from death by
+starvation.
+
+The coyote is ignorant of any feeling of sympathy, and for this reason
+inspires none. Here is an anecdote, however, which proves that this
+quadruped thief of the wood is capable of feeling a certain degree of
+sensibility of the nerves, at any rate, if not of the heart. This
+story was told me under canvas, while we were hunting with the Pawnee
+Indians.
+
+During the first period of the colonization of Kentucky, the coyotes
+were so numerous in the prairie to the south of that state, that the
+inhabitants did not dare to leave their houses unless armed to the
+teeth. The women and children were strictly confined in-doors. The
+coyotes by which the country was infested belonged to the herd whose
+coat is dark gray, a very numerous species in the northern district,
+in the heart of the dense forests and unexplored mountains of the
+Green River.
+
+The village of Henderson, situated at the left bank of the Ohio, near
+its confluence with Green River, was the spot most frequented by these
+depredators.
+
+The pigs, calves, and sheep of the planters paid a heavy tax to these
+voracious animals. Several times in the depth of winter, when the snow
+covered the ground, and the flocks were kept in the stalls, the
+starving coyotes attacked human beings; and more than one belated
+farmer, returning home at night, found himself surrounded by a raging
+pack, from whose teeth he had great difficulty in defending himself.
+
+Among the many startling adventures I have heard narrated, not one
+made a greater impression on me than that of which Richard, the old
+negro fiddler, was the hero, and which I will tell you.
+
+Richard was what is called a "good old good-for-nothing darky." The
+whole district allowed that he had no other merit beyond that of
+sawing the fiddle; and this merit, which is not one in our own eyes,
+was highly valued, however, by all the colored people, and even by the
+whites who lived for a distance of forty miles round. One thing is
+certain--that no festival could be held without Fiddler Dick being
+invited to it.
+
+Marriages, christenings, parties prolonged till dawn, which are called
+"break-downs" in the United States, could not take place without the
+aid of his fiddle; and though the negro minstrel was old, and a good
+deal of his black wool was absent from the place where the wool ought
+to grow, still Richard was no less welcome wherever he presented
+himself, with his instrument wrapped up in a ragged old handkerchief
+under his arm, and a knotted stick in his hand.
+
+Old Richard was the property of one of the Hendersons, a member of the
+family that gave its name to this Kentucky county and village. His
+master had a liking for him, owing to his obedient and original
+character, and the slave, instead of tilling the soil, was at liberty
+to do whatever he thought proper. No one raised any objection to this
+tolerance, for Richard, whom his master was used to call a necessary
+evil, had before all the talent of keeping the negroes of the
+plantation in good humor by means of his fiddle.
+
+Richard, who understood all the importance of his exalted functions,
+knew nothing but his duty, and was remarkably punctual whenever those
+who honored him with their confidence let him know that his services
+were required. In this respect the merest trifle irritated him, and
+any vexation or disturbance rendered him ferocious.
+
+Despite the proverbial timidity attributed to geniuses, old Dick
+displayed a touch of the hyena whenever, at any of the negro festivals
+presided over by him, anything or anybody offended etiquette or the
+proprieties. As for Dick, he never forgot himself in the slightest
+degree, and whenever he was called upon to undertake the duties he
+performed so well, he had never once kept the company waiting. And yet
+one day--poor Dick! The following narrative will show that it was not
+by his own fault that he arrived too late at his appointment.
+
+A wedding of colored people was about to come off on a plantation
+about six miles from the one where the fiddler lived. In order that
+the feast might be perfect, old Dick had been invited, and he was
+unanimously appointed master of the ceremonies. It was during the
+winter; the cold was excessive, and the snow, which had fallen
+incessantly for three days, covered the ground to a depth of several
+feet.
+
+While all Mr. Henderson's negroes, with their master's previous
+permission, hastened to the spot where pleasure called them, the ebony
+Apollo was arranging his toilet with peculiar delight. A white shirt,
+a collar as immoderately long in front as it was high in the neck,--so
+that Dick's head resembled a block of coal in a sheet of white
+paper,--a blue coat with gilt buttons, and long tails that reached to
+his heels,--a present from his master,--a red silk cravat fringed at
+the ends, a green waistcoat ornamented with an orange patch at the
+spot where the watch-pocket formerly was, boots which had seen their
+best days, and a wide-awake hat,--such was the elegant and excessively
+fashionable attire of Dick, the old black fiddler, who, when dressed
+in these rags, believed himself as handsome as Adonis.
+
+After taking a parting glance at the piece of looking-glass held by
+three nails on the wall of his bedroom, and favoring himself with a
+smile that expressed a personal satisfaction, Richard took his fiddle
+under his arm and set out.
+
+The moon was shining over his head, the stars sparkled--to use the
+fiddler's picturesque expression--like "gilt nails driven into the
+ceiling of the firmament by an audacious upholsterer." No sound could
+be heard, save the crackling of the snow beneath Richard's feet, as he
+put them down with the heaviness of old age. The road he had to follow
+was very narrow; its complicated windings passed through a dense
+forest which the axe had not yet assailed, and whose depths were still
+as entirely unknown as at the period when the Redskins were the sole
+owners of the territory. This track could only be followed by a
+pedestrian; no cart road existed for several miles round.
+
+The profound solitude of this road must infallibly produce its
+effect--that of fear or apprehension--on a being belonging to the
+human race; but at this moment the old man was so deeply plunged in
+thought that nothing could make him forget the anxiety he felt at not
+arriving in time at the place where he was expected. He doubled his
+pace as he thought of the furious glances that would be bestowed on
+him by those whose joys his absence retarded, and he regretted the
+time he had spent in giving an extra polish to his coat buttons and in
+pulling up the two splendid points of his shirt collar.
+
+While thinking of the reproaches that menaced him, old Dick looked up,
+and the moon shining above his head proved to him that he was even
+more behindhand than he had supposed. His legs then began moving like
+the wheels of a locomotive, so as to keep him constantly ahead of
+certain black shadows which seemed to be following his every footstep
+on the forest path.
+
+They were coyotes, horrible coyotes, that cast these shadows, and from
+time to time gave a snarl of covetousness or impatience; but old Dick
+paid no attention to them. Ere long, however, he was obliged to devote
+his entire attention to what was going on behind him. He had walked
+half the distance, and already saw through the forest arcades the
+clearing which he must cross to reach the spot where he was expected.
+The angry barks of the wolves had increased during the last quarter of
+an hour, and the sound of their paws making the snow crackle inspired
+the old man with an indescribable terror. The number of animals
+seemed momentarily to be augmented; it resembled an ant-heap seen
+through the magnifying-glass of a gigantic microscope.
+
+Wolves, in all parts of the world, look twice before attacking a man;
+they study the ground, and wait for the propitious moment. This was
+what was now happening, very fortunately for old Dick, who was more
+and more perceiving the greatness of the danger, and doubled his speed
+in proportion as his pursuers grew more daring, brushed past his legs
+with gnashing teeth, and joyously strove to get ahead of each other.
+Dick was thoroughly acquainted with the habits of his enemies, and
+hence carefully avoided running; that would have been giving the
+signal of attack, for coyotes only rush on persons who are frightened.
+
+The only chance of salvation left him was to prolong this dangerous
+walk to the skirt of the forest. There he hoped the coyotes, as they
+do not dare venture into an open plain, would leave him and allow him
+to continue his walk at peace. He also remembered that in the centre
+of the clearing there was a deserted cabin, and the thought of
+reaching this refuge restored him a portion of his courage.
+
+The daring of the coyotes increased with each moment, and the hapless
+negro could not look around without seeing bright eyes moving in all
+directions, like the phosphorescent fireflies in summer. One after the
+other the quadrupeds tried their teeth on old Dick's thin legs, and as
+he had dropped his stick he had recourse to his fiddle to keep his
+foes aloof. At the first blow he dealt the springs produced a sound
+which had the immediate effect of putting to flight the coyotes, which
+were surprised by this unusual music.
+
+Dick, an observer naturally and by necessity, then began strumming his
+fiddle with his fingers; and the carnivorous animals at once
+manifested fresh marks of surprise, as if a charge of shot had
+tickled their ribs. This fortunate diversion, repeated several times,
+brought Dick to the skirt of the forest, and taking advantage of a
+favorable moment, he darted on, still striking the strings, and going
+in the direction of the hut.
+
+The coyotes halted for a moment, with their tails between their legs,
+looking at their prey flying before them; but ere long their ravenous
+instinct gained the upper hand, and with a unanimous bark they all
+rushed in pursuit of the unfortunate negro. Had the wolves caught up
+to old Dick in this moment of fury, he might have appealed in vain to
+his fiddle. By running he had destroyed the charm, and the coyotes
+would not have stopped to listen to him even had he played like
+Orpheus in the olden times, or Ole Bull in ours.
+
+Fortunately, the old man reached the cabin at the moment when the
+coyotes were at his heels. With a hand rendered doubly vigorous by the
+imminence of the danger, he shut the door of the protecting cabin, and
+secured it with a beam he found within reach. Then he hoisted himself,
+not without sundry lacerations of his garments, on the ruined roof,
+the beams of which alone remained, supported on blocks of wood at the
+four corners of the walls.
+
+Old Dick found himself comparatively out of danger; but the coyotes
+displayed a fury which threatened to become terrible. Several of them
+had entered the cabin, and conjointly with those outside they leaped
+at the legs of the minstrel, whom rapid movements and repeated kicks
+scarce protected from numerous bites.
+
+Old Dick, in spite of his agony, had not forgotten his fiddle, which
+had saved his life in the forest. Seizing his bow with a firm hand, he
+drew from the instrument a shrill note, which overpowered the
+deafening barks of the coyotes, and silenced them as if by
+enchantment. This silence henceforth continued, only interrupted by
+the hysterical sounds which the fiddle produced under the
+fear-stiffened fingers of the old negro performer.
+
+This inharmonious music could not satisfy the starving animals for
+long, and from the efforts which they soon made to reach their prey,
+old Dick comprehended that noise was not sufficient to enchant the
+wolves. They dashed forward more furiously than ever to escalade the
+wall. He considered himself lost, especially when he noticed, scarce
+half a yard from his trembling legs, the enormous head of a coyote,
+whose large, open eyes seemed to flash fire and gleam.
+
+"The Lord ha' mussy on all!" he cried; "I am an eaten man!"
+
+And without knowing what he was about, he let his trembling fingers
+stray over the fiddle, and began playing the famous air of "Yankee
+Doodle." It was the chant of the swan singing its requiem in the hour
+of death.
+
+But suddenly--O, miracle of harmony!--a calm set in round the negro
+minstrel. Orpheus was no fable: the animals obeyed this new
+enchantment; and when Dick, on recovering from his terror, was unable
+to understand what was going on around him, he saw himself surrounded
+by an audience a hundred fold more attentive to the charms of music
+than any which had hitherto admired his execution. This was so true
+that so soon as his bow ceased moving, the coyotes dashed forward to
+renew the battle.
+
+Dick now knew what his means of preservation were. He must play the
+fiddle till some help arrived. Ere long, yielding to the fascination
+of the art, the musician completely forgot the danger he incurred.
+Indulging all the fancies of his imagination, he gave his four-footed
+audience a concert in which he surpassed himself. Never had he played
+with more taste, soul, and expression. Hence he forgot, in the
+intoxication of his triumph, the wedding and the brilliant company,
+the whiskey-punch and supper smoking hot on the board, that awaited
+him no great distance off.
+
+But alas! every medal has its reverse in this world, and all days of
+pleasure have their to-morrow of woe. As the night advanced, the old
+negro felt the cold pierce his stiffened limbs. In vain did he try to
+rest; if the bow left the fiddle strings, the coyotes rushed against
+the walls of the cabin; if, on the contrary, he continued to wander
+along the paths of harmony, these _dilettanti_ of a novel sort
+squatted down on their hams, with their tails stretched out on the
+snow, ears pricked up, tongues hanging from their half-opened jaws,
+and they followed, with a regular movement of the head and body, all
+the notes produced by old Dick's fiddle.
+
+While this fantastic scene, illumined by the moonbeams, was taking
+place in the clearing, the negroes, who were awaiting their comrade to
+begin the fun, were growing sadly impatient, and did not know what to
+think of the delay of their musician, who was usually most punctual.
+At last six of them, tired of waiting, left the house to make a voyage
+of discovery; and on reaching the cabin, on the top of which Dick was
+perched, they noticed some thirty coyotes in the position I have
+described. The old player was still continuing his involuntary
+concert, with his eyes fixed on his deadly foes.
+
+At the moment when the six negroes raised a simultaneous shout, the
+whole band of coyotes thought it high time to bolt. In a twinkling
+they disappeared, and the fiddler, frozen and numbed, fell fainting
+into the arms of his rescuers. His woolly hair, which, in spite of his
+great age, was perfectly black at the time when he performed his
+toilet, had turned white in the space of two hours.
+
+ SIR LASCELLES WRAXALL.
+
+
+
+
+THE BIRD'S NEST.
+
+
+ Deep in a leafy dell we found,
+ When early Summer wove her crown,
+ A bird's nest on the mossy ground,
+ From blooming bough blown down.
+
+ Five pretty eggs, quite warm and white,
+ Were waiting for the brooding wing,
+ That from each shell there might take flight
+ A bird, to trill and sing.
+
+ The mother sat and grieved apart;
+ Her song had no rejoicing note.
+ The sorrow of her wounded heart
+ Seemed sobbing in her throat.
+
+ She thought of all the summer days,
+ With their sweet sunshine, yet to come;
+ Of fledgelings echoing God's praise,
+ While only hers were dumb.
+
+[Illustration: THE BIRD'S NEST.]
+
+
+
+
+THE YOUNG ARTIST.
+
+
+"Well done, little one! A very pretty tune, and very nicely sung!"
+
+The speaker was a stranger who had just come in sight of the pretty
+cottage where Robbie and Maria Barnes lived with their widowed mother,
+and outside of which the little singer sat nursing the baby, while
+Robbie chopped wood at a little distance.
+
+The widow, hearing a stranger's voice, came to the door, and seeing
+that he appeared to have been walking far invited him to come in and
+take a rest. This he very gladly did; and while she dusted a chair for
+him, Mary brought a mug of fresh milk, and they were soon on very
+friendly terms with him.
+
+He said that he was an artist, and that he had come to that part of
+the country for a time to take sketches of the scenery around; that he
+was at present staying at the village inn, but that he would be very
+glad if they could arrange to let him live with them for a few weeks.
+This was agreed upon, and on the next day Mr. Page--for that was the
+stranger's name--took up his abode in the widow Paul's cottage.
+
+Very pleased Robbie and Maria were with him; and when he came home
+from his rambles and sat under the shade of the large tree by the side
+of the house finishing the sketches he had taken, they would stand
+looking on with wondering interest. Robbie especially, who had never
+seen any other pictures than those in his spelling-book, was rapt in
+amazement as he saw hills, rivers, flowers, trees and animals start up
+into seeming life under the artist's hand. Mr. Page, seeing how
+interested the boy was in what he saw, invited him to accompany him in
+his rambles. Robbie did so, and many valuable things he learned in
+these pleasant wanderings.
+
+When the time came for Mr. Page to leave these simple cottagers, he
+was as sorry to go as they were to part with him; and he promised that
+if he lived and prospered, he would endeavor to do something for his
+favorite, Robbie.
+
+This visit of the artist to their humble abode became the
+turning-point in Robbie's life. An idea had taken possession of the
+boy's mind. Why should he not learn to be an artist like Mr. Page? He
+had watched very carefully the manner in which that gentleman
+proceeded when taking sketches of the objects around him; he had begun
+himself to look upon those objects with very different eyes from what
+he had been accustomed to, and felt sure that with patience and
+perseverance he could master the art of drawing and painting himself.
+
+His first attempt was a rough sketch of grandma on his slate. It was
+done with a few strokes of the pencil, but there was really some
+likeness to the dear old lady in it, and mother felt sure her boy
+would some day be an artist.
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG ARTIST.]
+
+Several weeks passed away, and at length he thought he might attempt
+the portrait of his little dog, "Pink," and, if he could succeed to
+his satisfaction, he determined that he would carry it home and
+surprise his mother with it. After much patient labor he finished his
+task, and showed the sketch first of all to his friend Thomas, who
+being much pleased with it, they hastened at once to Robbie's home
+with it. Watching their opportunity, they stood the picture unobserved
+against the wall, and waited to see the effect it would produce.
+Little Maria was the first to notice it. "Oh, mother," she cried,
+"here's a picture of Pinky! Do come and look at it! Isn't it real?"
+
+The widow turned from her work to look.
+
+"Why, so it is," she exclaimed. "Who painted it, Robbie? Where did you
+get it from?"
+
+"Robbie did it himself," cried Thomas, unable to keep the secret any
+longer.
+
+"Robbie did it?" echoed the widow, with a look of bewilderment. "_You_
+painted it, Robbie?"
+
+"Yes, mother," laughed Robbie, enjoying her perplexity; "I did it all
+myself. I have been learning unknown to you. If I can learn to paint
+as well as Mr. Page, mother, eh! Sha'n't I be able to help you then,
+mother?"
+
+She smiled and kissed him. His cleverness was pleasing to her, but his
+loving ambition to be of service to her was still more grateful to her
+mother's heart.
+
+The famous Benjamin West said his mother's kiss made him a painter.
+Robbie Barnes might have said the same thing, for from that moment he
+was more than ever determined to persevere. A few weeks after this,
+Robbie and Thomas were out in the woods together. It was a holiday
+with them both, and Robbie had determined to spend the time in
+sketching a certain landscape he had in view. They had brought their
+dinner with them; and while Robbie was drawing, Thomas laid out the
+provisions. Having got it all ready, he went off to the brook to fetch
+a mug of water, and as he returned called to Robbie to come to dinner.
+But what was his annoyance, as he came near, to see the mischievous
+dog munching the last piece of cheese? In sudden passion he caught up
+a stick and gave chase to Pink, who scampered off with the cheese in
+his mouth. Robbie was so amused at the comical scene that he thought
+he would attempt a painting of it, and this idea set Thomas laughing
+as heartily as himself. It was weeks before he had finished the
+sketch; but when it was completed, it made a striking picture for a
+boy of his age.
+
+Years passed, and Robbie worked faithfully at his painting, and made
+such progress that Mr. Moring urged him to go with him on a visit to
+the neighboring city, where he could see some gentlemen who might be
+able to assist him in his desire of becoming a painter. Robbie was
+unwilling to leave his mother, but she was resolved he should not lose
+the opportunity for her; and shortly afterward Robbie, with Thomas and
+Mr. Moring, was on his way to the great city, which he had never seen
+before. Arrived there, Mr. Moring took him to an exhibition of
+pictures, and there introduced him again to his old friend Mr. Page.
+The artist, to whom Mr. Moring had already showed the painting of the
+dog running off with the dinner, was exceedingly surprised that a boy
+so entirely self-taught should have made such progress, and was
+pleased indeed to see him again. His judgment of the merits of
+Robbie's work was such that Mr. Moring undertook to have the boy
+instructed by one of the best teachers of drawing, and so put him in a
+fair way of attaining that upon which his heart was set--the becoming
+a painter like Mr. Page. Robbie's mother, though sad to part with him,
+gratefully consented to his leaving his home for a time for this
+purpose; and though Robbie was much troubled to think what his mother
+would do without the little help he had been able to render her, he
+was persuaded that the best way to serve her was to improve himself.
+He had not been long away before a message came to his mother telling
+her that he could earn enough by the sale of his little drawings to
+pay one of the village-lads to fetch wood and water, and to do other
+little things for her; that he was improving very fast, and that he
+had good reason to hope that he should one day be able to earn enough
+to keep them all in comfort.
+
+Little Maria was busy braiding straw when this message came.
+
+"I shall not want Robbie to work for me, mother," she said. "I shall
+soon be able to earn my own living, and I will help to support our
+dear mother when she grows old."
+
+"God bless you, my child!" said the happy mother. "With such dutiful
+children as you and your dear brother, no mother need fear to grow
+old."
+
+
+
+
+ You're starting to-day on life's journey,
+ Along on the highway of life;
+ You'll meet with a thousand temptations;
+ Each city with evil is rife.
+ This world is a stage of excitement;
+ There's danger wherever you go;
+ But if you are tempted in weakness,
+ Have courage, my boy, to say NO!
+
+
+
+
+THE RUSTIC MIRROR.
+
+
+ Sadie's boudoir is a meadow,
+ Carpeted with blue-eyed grass;
+ Slender birches, rounded maples,
+ Frame her inlaid looking-glass.
+
+ Curtains woven up in cloud-land
+ Trail their fringes over all,
+ Shifting shadows gray and purple,
+ Which aerial elves let fall.
+
+ Hither Sadie, morn and evening,
+ Comes for water from the spring,
+ Pausing ere she fills her pitcher
+ Where the greenest mosses cling,--
+
+ Pausing where, as in a mirror,
+ She a wistful face beholds;
+ Magic mirror, for within it
+ Many a vision fair unfolds.
+
+ When the April clouds are driven
+ Over depths of azure skies,
+ Windows open into heaven,
+ And she sees her mother's eyes.
+
+ When she binds upon her forehead
+ Wreath of daisies twined with wheat,
+ She is queen, and wears a jewelled
+ Crown, with slippers on her feet.
+
+ When the glories of October,
+ Crimson maple, golden birch,
+ Make her mirror finer, richer,
+ Than stained windows of a church,--
+
+ She of golden-rod and aster
+ Weaves a garland for her hair,
+ Leans above the magic mirror,
+ Murmuring, "Mother called me fair."
+
+ But 'tis best when clouds are flying
+ O'er the clear blue April skies,
+ And through dreamy depths she gazes
+ Into heaven and mother's eyes.
+
+ M. R. W.
+
+[Illustration: THE RUSTIC MIRROR.]
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD.
+
+
+ Come back, come back together,
+ All ye fancies of the past,
+ Ye days of April weather,
+ Ye shadows that are cast
+ By the haunted hours before!
+ Come back, come back, my childhood;
+ Thou art summoned by a spell
+ From the green leaves of the wildwood,
+ From beside the charmed well,
+ For Red Riding-Hood, the darling,
+ The flower of fairy lore.
+
+ The fields were covered over
+ With colors as she went;
+ Daisy, buttercup and clover
+ Below her footsteps bent;
+ Summer shed its shining store;
+ She was happy as she pressed them;
+ Beneath her little feet;
+ She plucked them and caressed them;
+ They were so very sweet;
+ They had never seemed so sweet before
+ To Red Riding-Hood, the darling,
+ The flower of fairy lore.
+
+ How the heart of childhood dances
+ Upon a sunny day!
+ It has its own romances,
+ And a wide, wide world have they--
+ A world where Phantasie is king,
+ Made all of eager dreaming;
+ When once grown up and tall--
+ Now is the time for scheming--
+ Then we shall do them all!
+ Do such pleasant fancies spring
+ For Red Riding-Hood, the darling,
+ The flower of fairy lore?
+
+[Illustration: LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD.]
+
+ She seems like an ideal love,
+ The poetry of childhood shown,
+ And yet loved with a real love,
+ As if she were our own--
+ A younger sister for the heart;
+ Like the woodland pheasant,
+ Her hair is brown and bright;
+ And her smile is pleasant,
+ With its rosy light.
+ Never can the memory part
+ With Red Riding-Hood, the darling,
+ The flower of fairy lore.
+
+ Did the painter, dreaming
+ In a morning hour,
+ Catch the fairy seeming
+ Of this fairy flower?
+ Winning it with eager eyes
+ From the old enchanted stories,
+ Lingering with a long delight
+ On the unforgotten glories
+ Of the infant sight?
+ Giving us a sweet surprise
+ In Red Riding-Hood, the darling,
+ The flower of fairy lore?
+
+ Too long in the meadow staying,
+ Where the cowslip bends,
+ With the buttercups delaying
+ As with early friends,
+ Did the little maiden stay.
+ Sorrowful the tale for us;
+ We, too, loiter 'mid life's flowers,
+ A little while so glorious,
+ So soon lost in darker hours,
+ All love lingering on their way,
+ Like Red Riding-Hood, the darling,
+ The flower of fairy lore.
+
+ LAETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Maggie runs to rescue the child from the bull}]
+
+HOW MAGGIE PAID THE RENT.
+
+
+Presence of mind is one of the rarest, as it is one of the most
+enviable of endowments. It is the power of instantaneously forming a
+judgment, and acting upon it, and includes not only moral courage, but
+self-possession. No matter how brave a man may be in the face of
+expected peril,--if he lacks presence of mind, he is helpless in a
+sudden emergency. But, as this quality is an ingredient of the highest
+courage, the bravest men invariably possess it. The presence of mind
+of one man has often saved thousands of lives in sudden peril, on sea
+or land. This is naturally enough regarded as a distinctively
+masculine virtue; but it is one that both sexes may profitably
+cultivate, as is shown by the following story. Girls as well as boys
+should be taught self-reliance--to depend on themselves, to think
+quickly and act promptly. Perhaps no emergency will arise in their
+lives in which the importance of such mental training shall be
+illustrated; but it is well to be prepared "for any fate," and the
+discipline which produces this virtue gives strength and symmetry to
+the whole intellectual organism.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+"Is supper nearly ready, Maggie? It is time for Jack to return from
+his work."
+
+The speaker was an elderly woman in a widow's garb, and the person she
+addressed was her granddaughter, a pleasant-looking girl, who might
+perhaps have been fourteen years of age.
+
+"Yes, grandmother, it is just ready, such as it is," replied Maggie;
+"but I could wish poor Jack had a better meal after his hard work
+than what we are able to give him."
+
+"Ay, ay, child, I wish it as much as you can; but what is to be done?
+Wishing will never make us rich folk, and we may be thankful if worse
+troubles than a poor supper do not come upon us soon."
+
+So spoke the grandmother, and taking the spectacles from her nose, she
+wiped their dim glasses with her apron.
+
+"Why, grandmother, what do you mean?" cried Maggie, looking up in
+alarm. "What worse troubles can be coming, think you?" And eagerly and
+anxiously she fixed her bright blue eyes upon her grandmother's face.
+
+"Well," replied the old woman, "the truth is just this, Maggie: I hear
+that the new landlord is going to make some changes among his tenants;
+the cottages are all to be repaired, and the folks who can pay higher
+rents will stay, while those who cannot must find lodging elsewhere.
+And how can we ever pay a higher rent, Maggie? Even now, every penny
+of poor Jack's earnings is spent at the end of the week, and yet we
+live as cheaply as ever we can."
+
+For a moment or two the girl's face was as perturbed and downcast as
+that of her grandmother's, and she bent over her knitting in silence;
+but by an evident effort she quickly assumed a more cheerful aspect.
+And advancing to the old lady's side, and placing a gentle hand on her
+shoulder, she said,--
+
+"Don't fret, dear grandmother; God has cared for us so far, and he
+will never suffer us to want, if we put our trust in him. That's what
+father used to say, and what he said up to the very day of his death."
+
+So saying, Maggie stooped and kissed the withered cheek of that
+father's mother, thereby enforcing, as it were, her encouraging words.
+
+"God bless you, my child!" sobbed the old woman, returning the kiss.
+"You remind me of what I am too apt to forget. Yes, Maggie, your
+father's God is our God, and he will never forsake his people. I will
+wipe away these tears, and put faith in him for the future." And the
+grandmother dried her eyes, and rising from her low seat, said
+cheerfully, "Maggie, dear, go to the gate, and watch for your brother
+Jack. When you see him coming across the field, let me know, and I
+will dish up the supper, so as to have it ready."
+
+Maggie put down her work, and passing through the low doorway of the
+cottage, stood presently at the little gate that separated the tiny
+garden from the meadow of a neighboring farmer, who turned his cattle
+out there to graze.
+
+Opening the gate, Maggie leaned against it, while with one hand she
+shaded her eyes from the yet dazzling beams of the sinking sun, which
+bathed with its parting radiance the western horizon, and crimsoned
+the landscape around.
+
+A moment or two she thus stood, but Jack did not appear; and wondering
+why he should be so late, Maggie was about to retrace her steps in
+order to fetch her knitting, when, from that corner of the field which
+by a stile communicated with the landlord's grounds, she saw a little
+child emerge, dressed in a bright red frock and jacket, and running
+heedlessly along, nearer and nearer to the cattle, which hitherto had
+been grazing quietly in the centre of the field.
+
+Now, however, as the little one approached, directing her steps so as
+to pass them closely, they raised their heads, and a huge bull, the
+king and guardian of the herd, attracted doubtless and enraged by the
+color of the scarlet dress, bounded away from his companions, and with
+his savage head bent, and his tail raised, gave chase to the child,
+who, frightened at the bellowing of the angry beast, quickened her
+pace, and fled screaming towards the cottage gate, at which Maggie was
+standing. But the utmost speed of which the little one was capable was
+nothing to the long gallop of the bull, and in the first moment that
+Maggie witnessed the child's danger, her quick presence of mind and
+tender heart resolved to do what many strong men, less self-forgetful,
+would not have dared to attempt.
+
+Tearing from her head a colored kerchief, which she had thrown over it
+before she came out, she sprang through the gateway into the meadow,
+and bounding lightly over the turf, in another minute she had placed
+herself between the fierce animal and the child. On in his headlong
+fury came the gigantic brute, and was about to pass Maggie, seeing
+only the scarlet frock just beyond, when the intrepid girl, springing
+forward, dashed the kerchief across his eyes, and before he had time
+to recover himself and recommence his pursuit, she had turned,
+snatched up the little one, and was running towards the cottage gate.
+Close behind the fugitives followed the bull, now recovered from his
+momentary astonishment; but Maggie's feet were winged, for she felt
+that through God's help she should save the child.
+
+A few more rapid steps, and the gate was reached and barred, while
+Maggie tottered into the house, still carrying the child, and in the
+reaction of the fearful excitement, fell fainting on the floor.
+
+Maggie's fainting fit, however, did not last long; and she was fully
+restored, and had told her grandmother the whole story, before Jack
+arrived, half an hour later.
+
+He, too, had something to recount. On his way home from the landlord's
+grounds, where he had been working, he was overtaken by a young woman,
+who seemed in a great state of alarm. She told Jack that she was the
+nursery maid, and that while that afternoon she was sitting at work
+beneath one of the trees, with the children playing around her, one of
+them--little Gertrude, a child about six years old--must have slipped
+away from her brother and sisters unobserved; and when tea time came,
+and the nurse rose to bring the children home, she was nowhere to be
+found. The nurse had taken the other three little ones home, and had
+now come in search of Gertrude, fearful lest she should fall into
+danger of any kind.
+
+Jack would not stop to eat his supper, after telling his own story and
+hearing Maggie's, but announced his intention of at once carrying the
+little truant lady back to her home.
+
+So the kind-hearted youth took Gertrude in his arms, and soon conveyed
+her safely to the landlord's house, where she astonished every one by
+the childish recital of her own danger and Maggie's courage.
+
+The next morning Gertrude's mother came down to the cottage to thank
+Maggie for the preservation of her darling's life, and to bring a
+message from her husband.
+
+This message consisted of his grateful acknowledgments, and of the
+promise that Jack should be promoted to the office of assistant
+gardener as soon as that post was vacant (which would be in the course
+of a few weeks). But, best of all, the promise included also this,
+namely, that the widow and her grandchildren should hold the cottage
+rent free for the remainder of their lives.
+
+Thus was averted, by means wholly unforeseen, the trial of poverty and
+want so dreaded by the old widow in her thoughts of the future; and
+never again was she heard to repine, or even to express a fear for
+herself or for those whom she loved.
+
+
+
+
+DECLAMATION--FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH;
+
+OR, THE SENTRY OF HERCULANEUM.[B]
+
+
+ "Dark's the night, dun's the sky with smoke;
+ Never more my guard they'll change;
+ Three hours ago I could crack my joke,
+ And now e'en the thought seems strange.
+
+ "Hark! the thunder bellows loud,
+ And the night's come down apace,
+ And the lava flame, through its sulphurous cloud,
+ Is ruddy on my face.
+
+ "With a crash did yon temple fall;
+ But ever, through all the din,
+ Shrill rose a death-wail o'er all,
+ The vestals' screams within.
+
+ "Men are running, away, away,
+ With tight zones up yonder street;
+ But a soldier of Rome must stay
+ At his post, as seems him meet.
+
+ "I remember my levying morn--
+ I remember my sacred vow;
+ And I'd hold it matter of scorn
+ In death's teeth to break it now.
+
+ "Jove! lava is all around--
+ It nears me with scorching breath;
+ It hisses along the ground
+ To my feet, and the hiss means--death.
+
+ "I've fought as a soldier should
+ 'Neath many an alien sky,
+ And at home at my post I've stood
+ Amidst cowards, and now, to die.
+
+ "Great Mars, give me heart of grace
+ _Triarii_,[C] over the bowl
+ Say, 'He died with a smile on his face,
+ And glory in his soul'!"
+
+ W. B. B. STEVENS.
+
+[Illustration: THE FAITHFUL SENTRY.]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[B] Overwhelmed, together with Pompeii, by a lava eruption, A. D. 79.
+
+[C] The Roman _Triarii_ were old soldiers, of approved valor, who
+formed the third line in a legion--hence their name.
+
+
+
+
+VACATION.
+
+
+ O, master, no more of your lessons!
+ For a season we bid them good by,
+ And turn to the manifold teachings
+ Of ocean, and forest, and sky.
+ We must plunge into billow and breaker;
+ The fields we must ransack anew;
+ And again must the sombre woods echo
+ The glee of our merry-voiced crew.
+
+ From teacher's and preacher's dictation--
+ From all the dreaded lore of the books--
+ Escaped from the thraldom of study,
+ We turn to the babble of brooks;
+ We hark to the field-minstrels' music,
+ The lowing of herds on the lea,
+ The surge of the winds in the forest,
+ The roar of the storm-angered sea.
+
+ To the tree-tops we'll climb with the squirrels;
+ We will race with the brooks in the glens;
+ The rabbits we'll chase to their burrows;
+ The foxes we'll hunt to their dens;
+ The woodchucks, askulk in their caverns,
+ We'll visit again and again;
+ And we'll peep into every bird's nest
+ The copses and meadows contain.
+
+ For us are the blackberries ripening
+ By many a moss-covered wall;
+ There are bluehats enough in the thickets
+ To furnish a treat for us all;
+ In the swamps there are ground-nuts in plenty;
+ The sea-sands their titbits afford;
+ And, O, most delectable banquet,
+ We will feast at the honey-bee's board!
+
+ O, comrades, the graybeards assure us
+ That life is a burden of cares;
+ That the highways and byways of manhood
+ Are fretted with pitfalls and snares.
+ Well, school-days have _their_ tribulations;
+ Their troubles, as well as their joys.
+ Then give us vacation forever,
+ If we must forever be boys!
+
+ BEVERLY MOORE.
+
+[Illustration: "ESCAPED FROM THE THRALDOM OF STUDY,
+ WE TURN TO THE BABBLE OF BROOKS."]
+
+
+
+
+UNCLE JOHN'S SCHOOL-DAYS.
+
+
+This picture reminds me, children, of some funny stories that I have
+heard your uncle John tell, when he and I were boy and girl together,
+of his exploits as a schoolboy. According to his account, not only he,
+but most of his schoolfellows, used to lead merry lives enough at
+school. They had what they called the "Academy Band," and grand music
+it made, with a hat-box for a drum, cricket-bat for violoncello, and
+paper flute and trumpets. You would not recognize Uncle John, whom you
+know only as a man six feet high, in that little lad on the left side
+of the picture with a battledore for a fiddle. They had a great deal
+of what he called excellent fun, though I am afraid it sometimes
+bordered upon mischief or naughtiness. I used to consider that he and
+his schoolfellows were regular heroes as I listened to his stories
+when he came home for the holidays; and even now I must confess I
+cannot help laughing when I think of some of his naughty pranks.
+
+Uncle John first went to a large school when he was eleven years old,
+and I remember now the tremendous hamper of good things he took with
+him. The boys who slept in his bedroom were so pleased with the
+contents of his hamper that they determined to make a great feast. To
+add to their enjoyment, they imagined themselves to be settlers in the
+backwoods of America or Australia. They built a log hut with bolsters,
+and had a sort of picnic. One of them mounted on the top of the log
+hut to look out with his telescope for any approaching savages, while
+the others enjoyed their suppers in and about the hut. When their fun
+was at its height, the door softly opened, and in walked Dr. Birchall,
+spectacles on nose and cane in hand. What followed may be imagined.
+
+You know that Uncle John is an engineer now, and even as a little boy
+he had a great turn for mechanical inventions. Well, he pondered over
+some means by which such a sudden interruption to the enjoyment of
+his schoolfellows might be prevented in future; and I will tell you
+what he did.
+
+It happened that the large room in which he slept formed the upper
+floor of a wing of the house which had been added to it when it became
+a school; and there was no access to this room from the principal
+staircase of the house. You had to pass through the room below and go
+up a little separate staircase to reach to the floor above. The lower
+room was also a bedroom for the boys, and Uncle John's little scheme
+was this:
+
+He made a hole with a gimlet in the frame of one of the windows of his
+bedroom, passed a piece of string through the hole, and carried it
+outside the wall of the house down to a similar hole in a window-frame
+of the room below. To the end of the string in the upper room was
+fastened a small rattle, while the other end of the string--that in
+the room below--was taken into the bed of a boy who slept near the
+window.
+
+This admirable little invention once in order, there was more rioting
+in the upper room than ever; and the master, disturbed by the noise,
+soon went, cane in hand, to stop it. The instant he set foot in the
+lower room the boy there who held the string in bed gave it a little
+pull: the rattle sounded--ting! ting!--in the room above, and in an
+instant every boy was in bed and snoring. Perhaps they had been
+playing at leap-frog the moment before, but as Dr. Birchall entered
+the room--and he crept up the staircase very quietly, that he might
+catch them unawares--he found some twenty boys lying in bed, seemingly
+sound asleep, though snoring unnaturally loud.
+
+The doctor was so disconcerted by this unexpected state of things that
+he retired at once, fancying perhaps that his ears had deceived him
+when he thought he had heard a noise in the room. The same thing
+happened two or three times; the doctor was puzzled, and the
+invention appeared a complete success; but at last all was
+discovered.
+
+[Illustration: THE ACADEMY BAND.]
+
+The boys one evening began imprudently to play at "tossing in the
+blanket" before they were undressed. The rattle sounded, and they had
+just time to hide away the blanket. But the doctor coming in, and
+finding they were only then beginning to undress, knew they must have
+been at some mischief, and began questioning one after another.
+Unluckily, while he was in the room the rattle sounded again by
+accident; perhaps the boy in the room below had pulled the string by
+moving in bed. The doctor looked about, found the rattle hanging just
+below the window, saw the string, opened the window and traced its
+course outside, went down into the room below, and understood the
+whole arrangement. Then he put the rattle in his pocket and went away
+without saying a word. The boys declared he had such difficulty in
+keeping himself from laughing that he was afraid to speak lest he
+should burst out.
+
+However, next day every boy in that room had a slight punishment, and
+so the matter ended.
+
+Now I will tell you another of Uncle John's pranks at school. There
+was a large tree in the playground, the upper branches of which spread
+out very near to the windows of the bedroom I have been describing.
+One evening Uncle John got hold of a large hand-bell which was used
+for ringing the boys up in the morning; and climbing up the tree, he
+fastened it by a piece of string to a branch near the top. Then
+another boy threw him the end of a long string from a window of the
+bedroom into the tree, and he fastened it to the bell in such a way
+that when it was pulled in the bedroom it made the bell ring in the
+tree. Having accomplished this arrangement, he came down from the tree
+and went to bed.
+
+At ten o'clock at night the household was disturbed by the loud
+ringing of this bell. The master, in his dressing-gown, came out into
+the playground, and soon discovered where the sound came from, but of
+course supposed that some boy had climbed up into the tree, and was
+ringing the bell there. It was the middle of summer, and a beautiful
+moonlight night, so the boys could see from the windows all that took
+place. Dr. Birchall stood at the foot of the tree, looking up, and
+exclaimed, angrily,
+
+"Come down, you naughty boy! Come down, I say, directly! Oh, I'll give
+you such a flogging! Stop that horrible noise, I tell you, and come
+down!"
+
+The bell still went on ringing. At last the string--being pulled too
+hard, I suppose, in the excitement of the fun--broke, and the bell
+tumbled down from the top of the tree, falling very near the old
+schoolmaster. This was worse than all.
+
+"What!" he exclaimed; "you throw the bell at me? Why, if it had hit me
+on the head, it might have killed me. Oh, you wicked boy! I'll expel
+you, sir. I'll find out who you are if I stop here till morning."
+
+At last, however, his patience was exhausted, and he went away, but
+left an old butler to watch the tree all night. The boys from the
+windows could see this man settle himself comfortably on a seat which
+was at the foot of the tree. He lighted his pipe, and prepared to
+carry out his master's orders and watch till daylight. By three
+o'clock in the morning the dawn broke; then the man began to look up
+occasionally into the tree. Now and then he walked a little distance
+away, first in one direction, and then in another, to look into parts
+of the tree that he could not see from underneath. He kept this up
+till the sun had risen and it was broad daylight; then at last he
+became convinced that it was impossible there could be a boy in the
+tree. He walked slowly into the house, still smoking his pipe, with a
+puzzled expression on his face.
+
+And I suspect he was not the only person who felt puzzled. The next
+day the boys were going home for the holidays, so that no further
+inquiry could be made. I wonder if Dr. Birchall ever found out how it
+had been managed?
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE ENGLISH MASTIFF.]
+
+FAITHFUL FRIENDS.
+
+
+The dog has sometimes been called the "friend of man." This is
+because, of all animals, it is the one whose attachment to mankind is
+purely personal. It is found in almost every part of the world,
+sharing every variation of climate and outward lot with the human
+race. There are only a few groups of islands in the Southern Pacific
+Ocean where this valuable creature is wanting. Without its aid, how
+could men have procured sustenance among tribes to whom the art of
+tilling the land was not known? or how could they have resisted the
+attacks of the beasts of prey that roamed in the forests around them?
+
+Anecdotes of dogs, when they are well attested, are always welcome;
+and I will therefore relate a few.
+
+There were some time ago two families, one living in London, the other
+at Guildford, seventeen miles distant. These families were very
+friendly with each other, and for several years it was the custom of
+the one residing in London to pass the Christmas with the one at
+Guildford. It was the visitors' uniform practice to arrive to dinner
+the day before Christmas day; and they were accompanied by a large
+spaniel, which was a great favorite with both families.
+
+These visits were thus regularly paid for seven years. At the end of
+that time an unfortunate misunderstanding between the friends caused
+the usual Christmas invitation from the country to be omitted. About
+an hour before dinner, on the day before Christmas day, the Guildford
+gentleman, who was standing at his window, exclaimed to his wife,--
+
+"Well, my dear, the ----s have thought better of it. I declare they
+are coming as usual, though we did not invite them; here comes Caesar
+to announce them."
+
+Sure enough, the dog came trotting up to the door, and was admitted,
+as he had often been before, to the parlor. The lady of the house gave
+orders to prepare beds; dinner waited an hour; but no guests arrived.
+
+Caesar, after staying the exact number of days to which he had been
+accustomed, one morning set off for home, and reached it in safety.
+The correspondence which this visit of the favorite spaniel
+occasioned, had the happy effect of renewing the intercourse of the
+estranged friends. As long as Caesar lived, he paid the annual visit,
+in company with his master and mistress, to Guildford.
+
+"A Frenchman named Chabert, who, from his wonderful performances with
+fire, was known as the 'Fire King,' was the owner of a very beautiful
+Siberian dog, which, when yoked to a light carriage, used to draw him
+twenty miles a day. Chabert sold him for nearly two hundred pounds;
+for the creature was as docile as he was beautiful. Between the sale
+and the delivery, the dog happened to get his leg broken. Chabert, to
+whom the money was of great importance, was almost in despair,
+expecting that the lamed animal would be returned, and the price
+demanded back. He took the dog by night to a veterinary surgeon, and
+formally introduced them to each other.
+
+"'Doctor, my dog; my dog, your doctor.'
+
+"He next talked to the dog, pointed to his own leg, limped around the
+room, and then requested the surgeon to apply bandages to his leg;
+after which he walked about the room sound and well. Chabert then
+patted the dog on the head, who was looking by turns at him and the
+surgeon; desired the surgeon to pat him, and to offer him his hand to
+lick; and lastly, holding up his finger to the dog, and gently shaking
+his head, quitted the room and the house. The dog immediately laid
+himself down, submitted to have the fracture set, and to have a
+bandage put on the limb, without a motion beyond once or twice licking
+the operator's hand. He was afterwards submissive, and lay all but
+motionless day after day, until, at the end of a month, the limb was
+sound and whole once more. So perfect was the cure, that the purchaser
+never knew the dog had sustained any injury."
+
+I will finish my paper with a story of a dog that saved the life of a
+French soldier who was wounded in one of the terrible battles that
+have been lately fought in France:--
+
+"The man had been struck by a ball in the chest, near the village of
+Ham, and lay on the ground for six hours after the fighting was over.
+He had not lost consciousness; but the blood was flowing freely, and
+he was gradually getting weaker and weaker. There were none but the
+dead near him; and his only living companion was an English terrier,
+which ran restlessly about him, with his master's _kepi_, or military
+cap, in his mouth.
+
+"At last the dog set off at a trot; and the wounded soldier made sure
+that now his last friend had deserted him. The night grew dark, the
+cold was intense, and he had not even the strength to touch his
+wounds, which every instant grew more and more painful.
+
+[Illustration: {The terrier, carrying a kepi, tries to get help for
+ his master}]
+
+"At length his limbs grew cold, and, feeling a sickly faintness steal
+upon him, he gave up all hope of life, and recommended himself to
+the mercy of God. Suddenly he heard a bark, which he knew belonged to
+only one little dog in the world, then felt something lick his face,
+and saw the glare of lanterns. The dog had wandered for miles till he
+arrived at a road-side _cabaret_, or country wine-shop. The people had
+heard the cannonading all day, and seeing the _kepi_ in the dog's
+mouth, and noticing his restless movements, decided to follow him. He
+took them straight to the spot--too straight for a little cart they
+had brought with them to cross fields and hedges--but just in time.
+When the friendly help arrived, the man fainted; but he was saved.
+There were honest tears in the man's eyes when he was telling me,"
+says the narrator; "and I fully believed him. The dog, too, had been
+slightly touched in the leg by a ball in the same battle, and has
+since been lame. He got him, when a puppy, from an English sailor at
+Dunkirk, and called him 'Beel;' very probably the French for Bill."
+
+This little terrier showed something more than instinct--some share,
+at least, of common sense. At all events, he deserves to be
+immortalized; so here you have his portrait, with the cap in his
+mouth, begging the people whom he has found in the way-side inn to
+come to the help of his wounded master.
+
+ X.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE ERL-KING.]
+
+[Illustration: {Flowers}]
+
+THE ERL KING.
+
+
+ Who rideth so late through the night-wind wild?
+ It is the father with his child;
+ He has the little one well in his arm,
+ He holds him safe, and he folds him warm.
+
+ "My son, why hidest thy face so shy?"
+ "Seest thou not, father, the Erl King nigh?
+ The Erlen King, with train and crown?"
+ "It is a wreath of mist, my son."
+
+ "Come, lovely boy, come go with me;
+ Such merry plays I will play with thee!
+ Many a bright flower grows on the strand,
+ And my mother has many a gay garment at hand."
+
+ "My father, my father, and dost thou not hear
+ What the Erl King whispers in my ear?"
+ "Be quiet, my darling, be quiet, my child;
+ Through withered leaves the wind howls wild."
+
+ "Come, lovely boy, wilt thou go with me?
+ My daughters fair shall wait on thee,
+ My daughters their nightly revels keep,
+ They'll sing, and they'll dance, and they'll rock thee to sleep."
+
+ "My father, my father, and seest thou not
+ The Erl King's daughters in yon dim spot?"
+ "My son, my son, I see, and I know
+ 'Tis the old gray willow that shimmers so."
+
+ "I love thee; thy beauty has ravished my sense;
+ And willing or not, I will carry thee hence."
+ "O, father, the Erl King now puts forth his arm--
+ O, father, the Erl King has done me harm."
+
+ The father shudders, he hurries on;
+ And faster he holds his moaning son;
+ He reaches his home with fear and dread,
+ And lo! in his arms the child was dead.
+
+ _From the German of Goethe._
+
+
+
+
+THE SILLY YOUNG RABBIT.
+
+TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN.
+
+
+ There was a young rabbit
+ Who had a bad habit--
+ Sometimes he would do what his mother forbid.
+ And one frosty day,
+ His mother did say,
+ "My child you must stay in the burrow close hid;
+ For I hear the dread sounds
+ Of huntsmen and hounds,
+ Who are searching around for rabbits like you;
+ Should they see but your head,
+ They would soon shoot you dead,
+ And the dogs would be off with you quicker than boo!"
+
+ But, poor foolish being!
+ When no one was seeing,
+ Looking out from his burrow to take a short play,
+ He hopped o'er the ground
+ With many a bound,
+ And looked around proudly, as if he would say,
+ Do I fear a man?
+ Now catch me who can!
+ So this young rabbit ran to a fine apple tree,
+ Where, gnawing the bark,
+ He thought not to hark
+ The coming of hunters, so careless was he.
+ Now, as rabbits are good
+ When roasted or stewed,
+ A man came along hunting rabbits for dinner;
+ He saw little bun,
+ Then raised his big gun,
+ And there he lay dead, the foolish young sinner.
+
+[Illustration: THE SILLY RABBIT.]
+
+
+
+
+NINO.
+
+
+The rain was just beginning to fall in a thin, chilling drizzle, and
+the cold air nipped sharply any unwary toe that showed itself, as Nino
+played a little air full of thoughts of birds and flowers. His thin
+jacket was no protection, and his dark eyes looked as if a shower
+might drop from them; but the clouds had been over his life too long,
+and there were no tears left to fall. He was not so old that this must
+be the case; but he stood alone in the wide street, and no one spoke
+to or noticed him. One friend he had--his guitar; and now he put that
+under his jacket, lest the rain should hurt it.
+
+"_Ah, carissima!_" he murmured, as he hugged it under his arm; "you
+are never hungry or tired, and you shall not be wet. One of us shall
+be happy."
+
+The guitar gave a little whisper as his jacket rubbed against it, and
+Nino smiled and nodded in answer. Now the rain was falling rapidly,
+and he stepped under an awning, to wait until it held up. There was a
+lady standing there, her skirts held high, and her cloak drawn
+closely, and Nino stood one side; for why should he be near any one?
+He well knew no one wanted him. He watched the water run by in the
+gutter, and looked into the barrel of apples at his side--large, rosy
+apples, that would be so good; and he glanced up to see if any one saw
+him. Why not take one? He could hide it, and eat it afterwards. The
+grocer had so many; he had none, and it was days since he had eaten
+anything but dry bread. He knew it was not right to take what belonged
+to another; but he heard so little of right, and hunger and want
+pressed him every day.
+
+As he stood thinking, not quite resolved to take one, there was a
+patter of little feet, a merry laugh, and a bright vision stood by
+his side.
+
+Was she a fairy? She looked as he always felt his guitar would look if
+it could take a human form--slender, active, fair. A shower of golden
+hair, not pale, but bright, like the summer sun; eyes as deep and blue
+as the distant sky; a face of which one would dream. Nino held his
+breath, and as the blue velvet coat brushed his ragged arm, drew a
+sigh, and stepped back.
+
+"Did I frighten you, little boy?" asked the child. "It was raining so
+hard, and nursey had to run."
+
+"Come, stand in here, where it does not drip," cried the nurse,
+drawing her away.
+
+Nino peeped under his coat, to be sure his guitar had not been
+transformed, and then stepped aside under the eaves. It seemed as if
+he ought to be wet when such a lovely being was obliged to endure the
+discomfort of standing there. As she chattered, he drew near again,
+and wondered whether angels did not look like that. She was certainly
+more beautiful than those in churches. He had forgotten that he was
+cold, and was feeling very happy, when the intentness of his gaze
+attracted the child's attention. She was whispering to her nurse, when
+a harsh voice cried out,--
+
+"Boy, go away from there! I can't watch those apples all the time."
+
+Nino had thoughtlessly laid his hand on the barrel, and when the
+grocer spoke, moved hastily away.
+
+"Here, little boy," cried the silvery tones of the child; "don't go; I
+want to give you an apple." Then she said to the grocer, "A big one,
+please."
+
+"Yes, miss; I did not notice you were there; but those boys are so
+bad!"
+
+Nino's face flushed, and his eyes glittered; but when the child
+handed him the apple, he smiled, touched his hat, and said,--
+
+"Thankee, little lady."
+
+As he walked away, he did not notice the falling drops, but laid his
+cheek against the apple, and smoothed its plump rosiness before he
+tasted its rich juiciness.
+
+Nino had no associates among the rough boys in the streets; he had a
+pride that kept him above their coarse ways. As he played and sang the
+songs he learned in Italy, dim memories of a better life came to him,
+and his music seemed a holy spirit. He would have died but for that,
+his life was so cold, hard, and bare.
+
+He had been brought over by a sea captain, who dealt in boys; and as
+he was very ill on the voyage, the captain let an old woman take him
+for a small sum. She thought his thin, sad face would move the
+passers, and in pity they would give him money. For this reason she
+sent him out day after day, in storm or shine, ill clad and weary,
+giving him but little food. But nature helped him. In spite of this
+treatment, he became stronger, and after a time ran away from her.
+Then he joined himself to a party of boy musicians, and by their help
+got his guitar. But they were unkind to him; for he was yet weak and
+timid, and the leader, a large boy, sometimes beat him if he refused
+to play. One night Nino ran away from them, his precious guitar under
+his arm; and since then he had played and sung through the streets,
+sometimes begging, sometimes in despair, with thoughts of stealing.
+
+His chief delight and comfort was to lie in the sun on a fair day. He
+was always hungry, almost always cold, and when the wind did not blow,
+and the sun was hot, he liked to bask on a step, and dream of good
+dinners, pretty clothes, and a soft bed. The sun was the only thing he
+could find in the cold northern climate which was like his old home.
+In this way he would be nearly happy; but when storms came, he was
+chilled within and without. The world then was gray; he could not even
+play on his guitar, which in sunny days brought him pleasant pictures
+of green fields, dancing water, and leafy vines, loaded with purple
+grapes.
+
+His guitar was his only companion, and he treated it as if it was
+alive; he talked to it, cared for and loved it with a tenderness which
+was of no value to the instrument, but was of service to the
+friendless boy, in giving him an unselfish motive.
+
+The autumn was fast advancing when he met the golden-haired child; and
+as the days became colder, he cherished the thought of her, and it
+made him warm when the sky was cloudy, as if she was a ray of
+sunlight. He had generally slept on steps or any spot where the police
+would leave him unmolested; but now the nights were so chill, that he
+tried hard with a few cents to pay for a lodging.
+
+With this purpose in his mind, he stopped before a house in a private
+street one evening just after dark. The gas was already lighted; but
+the curtains were not drawn, and Nino could see the table bountifully
+spread, and a servant moving about, adding various articles to it. A
+dancing figure passed and repassed the window, now peeping out, and
+again running back. Nino's voice trembled as he saw this light and
+warmth; and as he sang of "love and knightly deeds," he thought of
+himself out in the cold, with nothing to love but his guitar, and he
+felt very sad.
+
+In a moment the door opened, and out sprang the child he had thought
+of so long. The light seemed to follow her, and she cried,--
+
+"Here are some pennies." Nino removed his ragged hat, and held it out,
+and she said, "O, you're the same little boy! Wait a minute, and I'll
+get you a cake."
+
+[Illustration: NINO.]
+
+Nino stood with his hat off until she returned and gave him a cake.
+
+"You play such pretty tunes! and I know you now; for I've seen you
+twice," she said, folding her hands, and looking at him.
+
+Nino murmured,--
+
+"Thankee, pretty lady," and looked at her as if she was a being from
+another world.
+
+"What is your name?" she asked.
+
+"Nino."
+
+"Come, darling; don't stand out there," called her mother from the
+house.
+
+"My name's Viola. Good by," she cried, as she ran in.
+
+Nino sang one more song, and then kissing his hand to the little form
+at the window, went on his way happy. The money brought him a night's
+lodging and permission to leave his guitar. In the morning--for the
+following day was Sunday, and if he carried it with him, the police
+might arrest him for trying to play--he made a light breakfast on a
+roll, and went to the street where Viola lived, to see if he could
+meet her. As the bells were ringing, she came down the steps with her
+parents, and Nino followed at a respectful distance, until they went
+into church. Nino attempted to go in also; but the sombre sexton at
+the door frightened him with a severe look, and he wandered on. After
+a time he came to a mission church, where, by a sign, all were invited
+to enter. Taking a back seat, and trying to understand the preacher,
+he fell asleep. When he awoke, the preacher was gone; but the room was
+full of ragged children, and for the first time Nino found himself in
+a Sunday school.
+
+The teacher nearest to him was a sweet-faced lady, who spoke gently to
+the boys of being kind to others, and patient with those who had not
+the chance to learn that they had; she told them stories, to show them
+how kindness would return to them, and how happy it made them to have
+others gentle with them. Nino listened, and thought of Viola; and when
+all sang some hymns while a lady played the piano, a new life stirred
+in him.
+
+When the services were over, the teacher gave him a paper, and asked
+him to come again. He sat on the steps after all were gone, looking at
+the pictures, and when he returned to his lodging went around by
+Viola's house, and was rewarded by seeing her sitting in the window
+with a book. When he reached the wretched place where he had spent the
+night, and looked for his guitar, he could not find it. Asking the
+woman about it, she said she was cleaning up, and it was somewhere on
+the floor. Nino's heart began to swell, and when he found it in one
+corner, snapped and broken, his grief and anger burst forth in a
+volley of Italian. He hugged it, and sobbed over it, called the woman
+a beast, and pointed to the ruin of his favorite in angry despair.
+
+In the midst of this tumult of feeling the paper he had received
+dropped out of his bosom, and striking his feet, recalled the
+teacher's words and Viola sitting quietly by the window. Nino stopped,
+and for a moment was silent, then saying, "You didn't mean to," picked
+up the paper, folded his jacket over the guitar, and left the house.
+His anger had vanished; but his grief remained. He spent the evening
+in tears and wretchedness, alternately gazing at his guitar, stroking
+it, and then giving way to passionate crying. At last he slept, curled
+up in one corner, and in the morning awoke with a cough which hurt his
+side.
+
+Now he had only his singing to depend on; he had not been taught any
+useful employment, and did not know how to work. He wandered about in
+the most disconsolate manner, his cough getting worse, and his grief
+for his guitar, which he always carried with him, still tormenting
+him. Sometimes, when people saw the poor boy crouching in a corner,
+hugging a broken guitar, and crying bitterly, they would give him a
+few cents. He would not beg; something held him back, and the thought
+of Viola would not let him steal.
+
+On the Saturday after he had been to Sunday school, as he was sitting
+on a step, sadly thinking, he saw Viola and her nurse crossing the
+street towards him. At that moment a carriage with wildly running
+horses turned the corner. Men on the sidewalk shouted and waved their
+arms. Viola, confused by their cries, turned back, and the horses,
+startled, dashed in the same direction. Nino threw aside his guitar,
+and sprang forward, drew Viola out of danger, but fell himself, and
+the carriage passed over his foot, crushing it, while in falling he
+hit his head against the pavement, and lay insensible. Some of the men
+ran after the horses, some helped the nurse carry Viola home,--for she
+was crying and trembling with fright,--and a policeman took Nino away.
+
+When Viola was restored, she began to ask for Nino.
+
+"It was Nino, mamma, and I want to see him," was her constant cry.
+
+Her father and mother were also anxious to reward the brave boy who
+had saved their only child, and made many inquiries to find him. The
+policeman had taken him to the station-house, and there no one
+remembered anything about him.
+
+"There are so many of those children brought in, madam, you have no
+idea. We don't pretend to keep track of them all," was the only
+information they could get.
+
+At last they were obliged to give up their search; but Viola was much
+dissatisfied.
+
+About a week after the accident Viola's mother was invited by a lady
+friend to visit one of the city hospitals. She took Viola with her,
+and as they walked by the white beds, the child held her mother's hand
+tightly, and felt quite subdued at the pale, sick faces about her. But
+suddenly she bounded away, and climbing on a little bed, cried,--
+
+"O, I've found him! here he is--my dear Nino."
+
+Nino--for it was he--shrank back into his pillows, and covering his
+face with his hands, cried aloud. From the station-house he had been
+taken to the hospital, where his foot had to be amputated, and he had
+lain for several days, with a bandaged head, in great pain. His guitar
+was lost, and he had been so lonely, though the nurses were kind, that
+at the sight of Viola his fortitude gave way.
+
+"Don't cry, and don't be frightened," said Viola, kissing him, and
+taking her handkerchief to wipe his tears. "I love you, dear Nino, and
+now I've found you."
+
+"Is this your Nino, Viola?" asked her mother, while the nurses and
+other patients looked on with surprise.
+
+"Yes, mamma; is he not pretty?" and she tried to remove his hands.
+
+When he was a little more composed, Viola's mother thanked and praised
+him for saving her daughter's life, and persuaded him to tell her what
+he knew about himself. And the nurses told how patient he had been,
+and she gave him some fruit, and promised to come again. When Viola
+bade him good by, she put her arms about his neck and kissed him, and
+they left him quite happy.
+
+A few days after they came again, and Viola cried when she saw him.
+
+"You are going to come and live with us, and be my brother."
+
+"If you would like to," said her mother; and Nino's eyes sparkled with
+joy at the thought.
+
+Then he was carefully laid in the carriage, and taken to his beautiful
+new home. More than he had ever dreamed, or fancied, came to
+him--books, pictures, toys, kind care, love, and a fine new guitar,
+with the promise of learning to play it better. An artificial foot was
+to help him walk, and the wonders and delights of his home ever
+multiplied.
+
+Best of all was his sister Viola. He almost worshipped her; and it was
+a long time before he could bring himself to treat her with any
+familiarity. When she caressed him, which was often,--for she loved
+him dearly, and he was a lovable boy,--he always kissed her hands. One
+day she shook her head at this, and said,--
+
+"Nino, that is not the way; kiss me good;" and she turned her face,
+with its rosy mouth, towards him.
+
+With reverence, as if he was saluting a queen, Nino leaned towards
+her, and then with a sudden impulse, caught her in his arms, and
+kissed her heartily. That was the seal of their affection, and from
+that time Nino assumed all a brother's pride, care, and tenderness.
+After he had recovered, they were constantly together, and their
+mother was never so content as when Nino had the charge of Viola. He
+never spared himself to serve her, and she was ever an impulse to
+goodness and truth, shining before him like a star, as she had from
+the first time he saw her. And she clung to him with the same love she
+had first felt, proud of her brother, who developed a noble character;
+and they all learned to thank the accident which had brought them so
+happily together.
+
+ SARA CONANT.
+
+
+
+
+COMMON THINGS.
+
+
+ The sunshine is a glorious thing,
+ That comes alike to all,
+ Lighting the peasant's lowly cot,
+ The noble's painted hall.
+
+ The moonlight is a gentle thing;
+ It through the window gleams
+ Upon the snowy pillow where
+ The happy infant dreams;
+
+ It shines upon the fisher's boat
+ Out on the lovely sea,
+ Or where the little lambkins lie
+ Beneath the old oak tree.
+
+ The dewdrops on the summer morn
+ Sparkle upon the grass;
+ The village children brush them off,
+ That through the meadows pass.
+
+ There are no gems in monarchs' crowns
+ More beautiful than they;
+ And yet we scarcely notice them,
+ But tread them off in play.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: SALLY SUNBEAM.]
+
+SALLY SUNBEAM.
+
+
+This is not her real name. Her real name is Sally Brown. Why, then,
+have I called her Sally Sunbeam? Why, because everybody else calls her
+so.
+
+The reason is this: she is such a pleasant, happy, kind,
+sweet-tempered child that wherever she comes she comes like a sunbeam,
+gladdening and brightening all around her. It was her uncle Tom who
+first gave her her new name. He was spending a few days with the
+family for the first time for some years, for he lived a long way off
+and had not seen Sally since she was a baby. Sally became very fond of
+him at once, and so did he of Sally. As soon as he came down of a
+morning, there was Sally with her merry, laughing eyes to greet him.
+Whatever he wanted done, there was Sally with her ready willingness to
+do it for him. Wherever he went, there was Sally with her merry chat
+and her pleased and happy face to keep him company.
+
+And when the evening came, and Sally, with an affectionate kiss, had
+bidden him good-night and gone away to bed, he felt as though a cloud
+had cast its shadow over the house. So one morning, when Uncle Tom was
+going out for a walk and wanted Sally to go with him, he said, "Where
+is my little sunbeam? Sally Sunbeam, where are you? Oh, here you are!"
+laughing as she came skipping in from the garden.
+
+"But my name is not Sally Sunbeam, uncle," she said. "My name is Sally
+Brown."
+
+Her mamma smiled. "It is only your uncle's fun," she said.
+
+"Well, it is only my fun," said Uncle Tom. "But it's a very proper
+name for her, for all that. She is more like a sunbeam than anything
+else. So come along, Sally Sunbeam. Let us go and have a nice walk."
+
+And from that time Uncle Tom never called her by any other name. And
+other people came to call her by it too, and everybody felt that it
+was as true and fitting a name for her as ever a child could have.
+
+Here she is in our picture, hanging up her doll's clothes, that she
+has just washed. How bright and happy she looks! Uncle Tom may well
+call her Sally Sunbeam. But it is not only her cheerfulness and
+playfulness that makes her worthy of her name. This, of itself, would
+not be sufficient to make her loved as she is loved. Oh no! It is the
+kindness of her heart, the gentleness of her disposition, the delight
+she takes in trying to make everybody happy. This is what makes
+everybody love her.
+
+Only the other day a group of several children passed the garden gate
+on their way from school. There was one poor little thing amongst them
+whose dress was so shabby and whose shoes were so bad as to make it
+evident that her parents must be very, very poor.
+
+Sad to say, her schoolfellows were jeering her and teasing her about
+her appearance. One of these especially was taunting her very cruelly,
+and the poor child was crying. Sally ran out to her, and putting her
+arm lovingly round her said,
+
+"What is the matter, dear? What do you cry for?"
+
+"Because they keep on laughing at me so," sobbed the child.
+
+"Well, who can help laughing at her?" cried the girl who had been
+teasing her the most. "Look at her shoes! Do you call those shoes?"
+
+And at this the children all burst out laughing afresh.
+
+"You ought to be ashamed of yourselves," said Sally, "to laugh at the
+poor child and make her cry. It is very cruel of you. Suppose _you_
+could not get good shoes, how would _you_ like to be laughed at?"
+
+And there was something so serious and pitying in her tone that the
+children _were_ ashamed of themselves, and went off without saying
+another word.
+
+"Never mind what they say," said Sally to the child. "Come into my
+garden till they have gone right away. There! sit down on that seat
+for a minute," she said, leading her to one. "I will be back again
+directly."
+
+And she ran to her mamma, and in a great hurry told her all about it,
+and when the story was finished said, "I've got a boxful of money,
+mamma, that I have saved to buy toys with. May I buy the little girl a
+pair of new boots with it?"
+
+"I must go and speak to her first," said her mamma.
+
+So Sally's mamma came to the child and asked her a few questions, and
+found that the little thing had no father, and that her mother was
+ill, and that she had several brothers and sisters, and the good lady
+judged from all this how poor they must be.
+
+Having satisfied herself that the child's mother was not likely to be
+offended by the gift of a pair of boots to her little one, she said,
+"My little daughter here would like to buy you a new pair of boots.
+Would you like to have a pair?"
+
+"Buy _me_ a new pair of boots!" said the child, with a look of
+astonishment. "Oh, but they'll cost a lot of money. Mother has been
+going to buy me some for ever so long, only she hasn't been able to
+get money enough."
+
+"But I've got ever so much money that I was going to buy toys with,"
+said Sally, "only I would rather buy you a pair of boots if you would
+let me. And then those naughty girls won't be able to tease you about
+your shoes any more, you know. So come along, and we'll buy them at
+once. May we, mamma?"
+
+"Yes, if you like." And away they all went together to the
+bootmaker's, and the money that Sally had thought to buy herself all
+sorts of toys with was expended upon a nice warm pair of boots for the
+stranger-child.
+
+Don't you think that Sally must have seemed like a sunbeam to that
+poor little one?
+
+But this is only one of the instances of her kindness and sympathy and
+goodness of heart. She has learned of Him who all his life "went about
+doing good," and every day tries to follow his blessed example. She
+has her faults, of course, like the rest of us, and these she has to
+fight against. But it is her virtues, not her faults, that she is
+known by--her brightness, her good temper, her sweetness of
+disposition, her kindness, her unselfishness; and this is how it is
+that everybody agrees to call her Sally Sunbeam instead of Sally
+Brown.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {A monkey is in the window behind Aunt Thankful}]
+
+AUNT THANKFUL.
+
+
+She was our school teacher, a little bit of a woman, hardly larger
+than a good-sized doll. She had moved into our village years before I
+was born; for so I heard the folks say, I don't know how many times.
+Nobody seemed to know where she came from. She had no relatives--at
+least, none called to see her or to visit her. Once or twice, as I
+grew older, I heard dark hints whispered about Aunt Thankful, about
+her having left her early home to get away from unpleasant memories,
+but no whisper against her character. She was a good woman, a
+Christian woman--only the people called her _odd_.
+
+But everybody loved her. In sickness or health, in trouble or joy, in
+prosperity or adversity, everybody was sure they could depend upon
+assistance and sympathy, if needed, from Aunt Thankful. She was always
+ready to extend her helping hand, always ready to do a generous act.
+She was ever true to herself as well as to her neighbors. Perhaps that
+was the reason why the world called her _odd_. If so, how earnestly I
+wish there were a great many more odd folks!
+
+Aunt Thankful lived many years in the village before she began to keep
+school. I remember how funny she used to look as she came down the
+street towards the school-house. She was so small that I should not
+have been astonished to see her driving a hoop to school.
+
+Then she wore her spectacles in such a funny way! What use they were
+to her, I never could discover. If she looked at the scholars in the
+school-house, she looked _over_ the glasses; if she was reading or
+writing, she looked _under_ them. I have often heard boys, who were
+considered truthful, declare that on no occasion was she ever known to
+look _through_ them.
+
+But what made Aunt Thankful so popular with the children was her kind
+manner and her kinder words. Somehow or other she used to like the
+poor and the friendless children the best. That was quite a puzzle to
+me at first. We usually pay most attention to such as are well off,
+and prosperous, and dressed nicely. But not so was it with Aunt
+Thankful. She took sides always with the weak and the down-trodden. I
+have seen her mend many an apron, many a torn dress worn by a poor
+scholar, during school hours. She did it, too, in such a kind way,
+that it made one forget that they were poor. That was because she was
+ODD, you know.
+
+As I grew up, I began to understand more of this good lady's character
+than I ever dreamed when I went to school. I saw things in a different
+light, as it were. And for her many good acts, from the fact that she
+was about my first school teacher, I do not think I shall ever forget
+her.
+
+There is another reason why I shall never forget Aunt Thankful.
+Perhaps I had better tell you about it. She kept our village school
+one summer; I think it must have been the second or third year I went
+to school. Anyhow, I was in one of the lower classes.
+
+The school-house was a little box of a thing, hardly bigger than a
+decent-sized shed. There was only one room in the building. The
+teacher sat upon a small platform on one side, while the seats for the
+scholars were raised, one above the other, on the opposite side. Over
+the teacher's desk was a little square window, looking out upon the
+horse shed in the rear.
+
+It was a hot summer forenoon, and the windows were all open; the
+morning lessons had been completed. Aunt Thankful sat writing at her
+desk, now and then casting her eyes round the school-room, to see
+that everything was in order. But there was mischief brewing. The
+children were waiting impatiently for noon recess, and more than one
+of them were having a quiet whisper or giggle all by themselves.
+
+All at once some of the children saw the mischievous face of a monkey
+peeping in at the little back window behind the teacher's desk. Of
+course those who saw such an unusual sight laughed outright, greatly
+to the astonishment of Aunt Thankful.
+
+Rap! rap! rap! went her ruler upon the desk, as a signal for quiet. At
+the noise the monkey dodged out of sight in a moment, and soon the
+children were restored to order. Aunt Thankful went on writing.
+
+To explain so unusual a sight, I ought to say that a strolling organ
+man, with a monkey, had been in the village that day. He had stopped
+in the shed behind the school-house to eat his dinner. Accidentally,
+he had fallen asleep; and his monkey, being of an inquisitive turn,
+had got loose, and was exploring on his own account. He carried a part
+of his chain upon his neck all the while, and somehow or other he had
+climbed up to the little square window, as related.
+
+Aunt Thankful went on writing. But soon the monkey appeared again over
+her head, turning his funny little face to one side and the other,
+showing his teeth, grinning, and going through other performances.
+This time the laughing was louder than before, because more children
+saw the show. I must record here that a funnier sight I never have
+witnessed.
+
+The teacher looked up once more, and rapped on her desk quite
+indignantly. "James Collins," she said, with severe authority, "come
+here, this moment. If you cannot sit in your seat without laughing,
+come and stand by me. You, too, Walter, and Solomon. And you, Martha
+Hapgood. I am astonished at your conduct."
+
+The recusant children ranged themselves before the teacher, who seemed
+to think she had now quenched the rebellion. I noticed that they
+managed to stand so they could have a good view of the window, as if
+they expected, or even hoped for, another occasion for laughing.
+
+And they didn't wait long, either. In a minute or two the monkey
+appeared for the third time; and on this occasion he came wholly into
+sight, chain and all, and began to dance up and down in his peculiar
+way, bowing and nodding to the spectators. By this time all the
+children had found out--by the usual school telegraph, I suppose--what
+was going on, and joined in a loud and universal laugh.
+
+"Sakes alive!" exclaimed Aunt Thankful, jumping up and seizing her
+ruler; "what's got into the children?" Whether the monkey thought the
+flourish which the teacher's ruler took was a signal for a fight or
+not, I never knew; but certain it is he began to scream and shake his
+chain. The children laughed louder than ever. Aunt Thankful turned
+round, saw what the trouble was, and raised her hands. The monkey
+construed this as an act of war, and with a single jump landed on the
+desk. Here for a few moments he made the papers fly pretty nimbly. He
+upset the inkstand, scattered the sandbox and pens, screaming all the
+while like mad. After he had experimented long enough, he gave
+another jump out of the window; and that was the last we saw of him.
+
+Aunt Thankful looked as white as a sheet. She was taken by surprise,
+and seemed really frightened.
+
+"Marcy on us," she said, as soon as she could find words, "what a
+dreadful creature! You may go to your seats, children; I guess you can
+be excused for laughing."
+
+The poor lady proceeded to pick up her papers, and set matters to
+rights. It was quite a task. The ink had run over all her papers and
+into her desk. For years after, that ink spot was pointed out by the
+children to the new comers, and the story of the monkey had to be
+related.
+
+Before noon the organ grinder had wakened from his after-dinner sleep,
+and finding out that his monkey had been into mischief, concluded that
+it was best to be off. He was not seen in the village any more.
+
+Aunt Thankful kept school afterwards for several years, and then age
+compelled her to give up her office. About that time, and just when
+she wanted it most, one of the inhabitants of our village left her
+three thousand dollars in his will, as a "mark of his esteem." Surely
+never was charity more properly bestowed, or more gratefully received.
+I don't think there was a person in the world who envied her the gift,
+or thought it undeserved.
+
+ M. H.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The children at the bottom of the basement steps}]
+
+HOW A GOOD DINNER WAS LOST.
+
+
+Ting a ling ling! a ling ling! ling ling! ling! So went the dinner
+bells--first mamma's, then Mrs. Green's, Mrs. Brown's, Mrs. White's,
+and all the other neighbors' with colored names. It was everybody's
+dinner hour; and by the way, is it not funny how everybody gets hungry
+together?
+
+Dinner was to be eaten at the healthy, good old-fashioned hour of
+noon, between the two sessions of school. The children were just fresh
+from slates, with long, crooked rows of hard figures, and heavy
+atlases, with unpronounceable towns and rivers that would not be found
+out. There were chickens and dough-balls for dinner. The smell of them
+made the children ravenous; and they very nearly tripped up Maria and
+her platter in their haste to reach the table.
+
+Mamma looked around to see if they were all there, and counted on her
+fingers,--
+
+"Baby, Jelly, Tiny--Tiny, where's Bunch?"
+
+"Why, I thought she was in the kitchen," said Tiny, looking wistfully
+at the tempting drumsticks. "Papa, won't you please help us little
+folks first--just to-day? 'cause we're so awful hungry."
+
+[Illustration: {A bunch of poppy heads}]
+
+"Tiny, I do believe that Bunch has gone down to the Midgetts'. You
+must go and find her before you eat your dinner; and hurry, now."
+
+"O, dear! can't she hear the dinner bell just as well as I can?" and
+off flew Tiny, with the streamers of her jockey standing straight out
+behind her, and her new buttoned shoes spattering water from every
+mud-puddle in her way.
+
+We were not invited; so we can't stay to dinner; but perhaps we will
+have time to learn something about the little ones while Tiny is
+hunting her tardy sister Bunch.
+
+Her name was not really Bunch; that is, she was not christened so. At
+school she answered "Present" at roll-call to the prettier name of
+Florence; but uncle Tim--he's such a jolly fellow!--said, when he
+first held her in her delicately-embroidered blankets, that she was
+such a bouncer, so red and so dumpy, that she would never be anything
+but a bunch; and so dubbed, she carries the name to this day. But did
+not she disappoint him, though! for, in some unaccountable way, she
+daily stretched long, and flattened out, and became thin and bony. Her
+collar-bone grew to be a perfect shelf, and her stockings got a very
+awkward fashion of wrinkling about her ankles.
+
+Soon after, when Tiny's little red face began to screw and squint at
+uncle Tim, she was such a mite that he was sure to be right this time
+if he nicknamed her Tiny; and she was so little, that an ordinary
+pillow made her a bed of a comfortable size; and all the old cronies
+in the village whispered that the new baby would either die off pretty
+quick, or live to be a second Mrs. Tom Thumb. But Tiny lived, and
+spited them, and waxed fat and bunchy, while Bunch astonished them all
+by waning lean and tiny.
+
+Jelly's name came no one knew how. Some mischievous sprite probably
+whispered it to her; for she persisted that it was her name; and so
+she was indulged in it.
+
+Near their home was a vacant lot--vacant, excepting for a one-story
+shanty, with a cellar, piles of broken crockery, old shoes, dislocated
+hoop skirts, and bushes of rank stramoniums, with their big, poisonous
+blossoms. Cows strayed in the lot, munching the ugly snarls of grass,
+and the neighbors' pigs and fowls made a daily promenade through the
+wilderness of refuse.
+
+Although it seemed a very unattractive place for a neat little girl to
+visit, now especially, since a pipe of the great sewer had overflowed,
+and had deluged parts of the ground. But to that miserable shanty
+mamma believed her little Bunch to have strayed; and there Tiny found
+her, seated on a log of wood in the corner of the largest room, with
+her apron thrown over her face and the Midgett girls--there were two
+of them--first staring at her, and then winking at each other.
+
+"Bunch," said Tiny, "Bunch, mamma says to hurry right straight home;
+and guess what there is for dinner. Chicken pot-pie, and it's my turn
+to have the wish-bone! Why, Bunch, what's the matter with you? What a
+baby! You're always forever a-crying about something or other. Come on
+now. I'm going right home; and you'll get an awful punishing for
+coming here!"
+
+The eyes of the Midgett girls glared at her and the insult.
+
+"O, dear! O, dear!" sobbed Bunch, just peeping from one corner of her
+apron at the outer door.
+
+"O, dear, what?" snapped Tiny, in such a hurry for a drumstick.
+
+"Tiny, did you see anything on the front stoop when you came in?"
+asked Bunch, her eye still peeping at the outer door.
+
+"Any what?"
+
+"O, any--any cats--any wildcats?"
+
+"Wildcats--what are they?"
+
+"O!" said the Midgetts, shouting together; "wildcats! dreffle ones!
+my! yes! green eyes! awful cats, that spit fire out o' their mouths,
+and claws that'll scratch yer to death;" imitating the clawing with
+their long dirty fingers quite in the face of poor Bunch, who
+immediately retired to the seclusion of her apron, and continued her
+frightened sobs.
+
+"O, where? where?" asked Tiny, excitedly, opening wide her big blue
+eyes, and glancing uneasily in every corner.
+
+"Why, jist out o' there, hid under the stoop; an' when yer go out,
+they'll pounce onto yer."
+
+"O," said Tiny, bravely, "'tain't so! I don't believe it. There wasn't
+any there when I came in."
+
+"That's because they was asleep, then," said Ann Matilda. She had red,
+fiery red hair, was freckled, and had tusks for teeth. "They've just
+got woke up now; and they're hungry, too."
+
+"So am I," said Tiny. "Come, Bunch, let's hurry past, and they can't
+touch us; besides, you know no wild animals live about here nowadays."
+
+"O, but these ones are what comes up out of the sewer," instructed
+the Midgetts.
+
+Tiny's courage began quickly to ooze away, and every bit of it
+deserted her when she and Bunch just put their noses outside of the
+door, and heard a most ferocious ya-o-o-ing from--well, they could not
+tell where.
+
+Of the Midgett tribe, there was no one at home but the two girls.
+There was no Mr. Midgett, but there was a Mrs. Midgett, who was out
+washing. The children had seen her plunging her hard, red arms into
+the soap suds, over their mother's wash-tub. She probably had a hard
+time managing a living. They were very poor. Sometimes the girls got
+employment as nurse girls or as extra help in the neighbors' kitchens;
+but no one cared particularly to employ them, they were so vulgar,
+indolent, and slovenly. So they subsisted on the odd bits of broken
+victuals which they begged from door to door in baskets. Some people
+said they always gathered so much, that they must keep a
+boarding-house to get rid of the stuff; but I always regarded this as
+a fine bit of sarcasm. The Midgett mansion was a forbidden haunt of
+the children; but on this day Bunch had gone, for the last time, on
+special business of her own.
+
+On Christmas last, Santa Claus had visited their home, and left for
+each a pretty doll of the regulation pattern, with blue eyes, and
+golden crimpy hair, dressed in billowy tarleton, and the height of
+fashion, the beauty of which dolls quite bewildered the unaccustomed
+eyes of the Midgetts when the children took their young ladyships for
+an airing. And so one day the Midgetts borrowed them for a minute,
+while the children neglected their responsibilities, leaving them on a
+door stone, while they crowded for a closer peep at the mysterious
+dancers in a hand-organ. From that day to this the whereabouts of the
+dollships has remained a solemn secret from the knowledge of all but
+the Midgetts. And it was to them Bunch had gone for a clew to her
+treasure.
+
+"O," said Keziah Jane, "while we was a-standin' a-waitin' for yous two
+to git away from the music, and give us a chance to peek in at the
+dancin', the black feller what lives down the sewer come, and snatches
+'em away; and we chases him like fury, and he run; and we never seed
+those ere dolls agin--nor him nor the dolls."
+
+"Sh! sh!" cautioned Ann Matilda. "Who's that a-knockin' at the door?
+Run quick in the bed-room, and hide under the bed. Maybe it's that ere
+black feller, or those wildcats."
+
+Scramble under the dirty bed went the two little girls while the door
+was opened. Only Jelly; no black man, nor wildcats, either. Jelly, and
+unharmed; Jelly sent from mamma to escort her naughty sisters home,
+but who was readily frightened into remaining with them; and so there
+were three little entertainers for the Midgett ogresses that
+afternoon.
+
+In the course of a half hour came another rapping at the door. What a
+reception the Midgetts were having! Keziah Jane pushed the children
+under the bed, while Ann Matilda opened the door. This time it was the
+grown-up sister Rosa.
+
+O, how the children's hearts throbbed when they heard Rosa's pleasant
+voice! but they dared to speak never a word; for Keziah Jane crawled
+down on the floor close beside the bed, and looked hard at them with
+her wicked black eyes, and said,--
+
+"Wildcats!"
+
+"Are my little sisters here?" asked Rosa.
+
+O, how they wished she was just near enough so they might pull her
+dress!
+
+"O, no, mem!" said red-headed Ann Matilda, with the door opened on a
+most inhospitable crack. "O, no, indeed! they haven't been here in a
+month. I seed 'em a-goin' to school with their books jest as the town
+clock struck'd two."
+
+"How strange!" thought Rosa. "They wouldn't have gone back to school
+without their dinners."
+
+And when she reached home, she told uncle Tim that she half believed
+they were there, though what could entice them to the horrible hut she
+could not imagine.
+
+"O my! how cramped up my neck is!" said Bunch.
+
+"O, O, how hungry I am!" cried Tiny, remembering the drumsticks.
+
+"I don't like it here, and I want to go home," sobbed Jelly.
+
+"Well, get up, then, and le's hev dinner," said the Midgetts.
+
+Dinner! There were old baked potatoes, and a mess of turnips, and a
+bite of fried beefsteak, all mixed in a heap in a rusty tin pan on the
+table; and Tiny whispered to Bunch that there was "a piece of the very
+codfish balls which were on mamma's breakfast table." Her appetite had
+deserted her, Bunch had cried hers away, and Jelly had left hers at
+her own bountiful table. But the Midgetts ate, and enjoyed.
+
+"Now," said they, "if you'll be real good, and mind, we'll give you a
+gay old treat. Want to go a-swimmin'? We dunno as we mind a-givin' yer
+a little pleasure, pervidin' yer'll mind, and not go near the closet
+where the black snake lives."
+
+"O," shouted the children, "we don't want to go near any snakes!"
+
+"Besides, we can't swim," said Tiny.
+
+"Well, we'll show yer how," said Keziah Jane; "besides, yer all look
+jest's if a good bath wouldn't hurt yer--don't they, Ann Matilda?"
+
+Ann Matilda laughed, and said yes, looked down at her own bare feet,
+and bade the children to "be a-takin' off their shoes and stockin's."
+
+"Now, then, foller me," said Keziah Jane, opening the door which led
+to the cellar stairs.
+
+The children looked down into the black hole, and shrank back with
+fear. The stairs ended in a pool of black, muddy water, in much the
+same way that they do in a _bona fide_ swimming-bath. You will
+remember that a pipe of the sewer had burst, and the dirty water had
+overflowed the Midgetts' cellar. To wade about in this had been the
+recreation of the Midgetts for days.
+
+"Come on now," said they; "lift up your dresses, and come along."
+
+The cellar was growing every minute lighter the longer they were in
+it; and soon the children lost their fear, and began to paddle about
+with their naked feet, taking excellent care to steer clear of the
+closet containing the black snake.
+
+"It's getting awful, awful dark," said Jelly.
+
+"That's so," said Bunch, wondering, and looking up to see why the
+small window gave so little light. Something outside moved just then.
+The window was opened, and there were two faces looking down at
+them--two faces full of astonishment. They belonged to Rosy and uncle
+Tim.
+
+"Children, get right out of that filth, and go up stairs," ordered
+Rosy.
+
+Up stairs they went, one hanging behind the other, and entered the
+room from the cellar just as Rosy came in at the front door. Can you
+imagine how they must have looked, drenched and spoiled with the
+impure water from the dainty ruffles at their throats to the very
+nails of their toes? Like drowned rats! Rosy only said, with a
+withering glance at the Midgetts,--
+
+"Never come to our house again for cold pieces."
+
+Then bidding the children gather up their stockings and shoes, she
+marched them off barefooted between herself and uncle Tim. Tiny's new
+buttoned shoes had found a watery grave; for, as the bathers came up
+stairs, one of the Midgett feet pitched them gracefully into the
+cellar.
+
+"Tiny," said Bunch, as they walked mournfully home, amid the
+astonished gaze of the returning school children. "I don't believe
+there was a wildcat there any of the time."
+
+"No, nor a black man in the sewer," said Tiny.
+
+"Nor a black snake in the closet," said Jelly.
+
+But there were a hot bath and clean clothing at home for them, and
+warm beds. Whether there was anything more severe than a good lecture,
+I will leave you to guess; for mamma said they were old enough to know
+better than to believe in any such ridiculous nonsense, all excepting
+little Jelly.
+
+I should be ashamed to finish the conclusion of the affair; for what
+do you think, children? It all actually happened, once upon a time, to
+myself and two of my sisters.
+
+ FANNIE BENEDICT.
+
+
+
+
+ Mirth is a medicine of life:
+ It cures its ills, it calms its strife;
+ It softly smooths the brow of care,
+ And writes a thousand graces there.
+
+
+
+
+LAME SUSIE.
+
+
+"Children," said Miss Ware to her little band of scholars, "Susie Dana
+is coming to school next Monday. She is lame, and I want you to be
+kind and thoughtful toward her. She does not show her lameness until
+she commences to walk, and then you can see that one of the fat little
+legs is longer than the other, which makes her limp. So do not watch
+her as she walks. Be sure not to run against her in your plays, and
+don't shut her out from them because she cannot run and jump as you
+do, but choose, some of the time, plays in which she can take part.
+Remember, I make this rule: When you leave the room at recess or after
+school, wait, every one of you, in your places till she has passed
+out; then she will not be jostled or hurt in any way. Her lameness is
+a hard trial for a little girl. She would like to run and dance as
+well as any of you, and I do hope you will feel for her, and at least
+not make her burden heavier. How many, now, will promise to try to
+make her happy?"
+
+Every hand was instantly raised, and the children's clear, honest eyes
+met their teacher's with a look which was a promise.
+
+You have read stories, no doubt, of lame, blind or deformed children,
+and poor ones in patched clothes, who met treatment from others harder
+to endure than their poverty, privation or pain. Sometimes their
+schoolmates have been foolish and cruel enough to shun them, cast them
+out from their plays and pleasures, brush roughly against them, talk
+about, and even ridicule, them. But I hope it is not often so. In this
+case it was by far the reverse.
+
+These children remembered their pledge, and they made Susie so happy
+that she almost forgot her lameness. She was a cheerful, pleasant,
+good little girl, and her schoolmates, who had begun by pitying her
+and trying to help her, soon loved to be with her.
+
+"May I sit with Susie, Miss Ware?" became a frequent request.
+
+"Susie dear, here's a cake I've brought you," one would say at recess.
+
+"Take half my apple, Susie."
+
+[Illustration: NOTHING SHALL HURT YOU.]
+
+One day, as Susie was on her way to school she met a large drove of
+oxen. Poor little girl! she was very much frightened, and the big blue
+eyes were fast filling with tears when Harry Barton, one of the
+school-boys, stepped up before her and said, "Don't cry, Susie. I will
+take care of you. Nothing shall hurt you while I am here." And right
+bravely he stood before her until the last one had passed, and then
+took Susie to school, kindly helping her over the rough places.
+
+So the seasons wore on, and Susie, who, though she ardently desired to
+learn, had dreaded going among other children, was always happy with
+them. She loved her teacher and schoolmates, and made such progress as
+she could not have done had these things been different.
+
+The summer vacation was over. The glorious days of early autumn, with
+sunshine glinting through the crimson foliage, dropping nuts and
+golden harvests, passed swiftly away, and cold weather came.
+
+The school-room was pleasant still with its cheery fire and bright
+faces. One day, when all were busy as usual, a cry rang out,
+
+"Fire! Fire! The school-house is on fire!"
+
+Books and pens dropped from trembling hands, little faces paled, and
+eager, appealing eyes turned instantly to the teacher.
+
+"Run, children!" she said, hurriedly.
+
+Only one moved--lame Susie. She limped along as fast as she could, and
+all the rest, frightened as they were, remained in their places till
+she was safe outside the walls. Then with a rush they cleared the room
+almost in an instant. Even in that time of peril and dread they
+remembered their duty and kindness toward her, and gave her the
+richest proof in their power of their thoughtful love. Not mere
+obedience to a rule could have prompted this unselfish act, and as
+such a proof she must have felt it.
+
+It is a beautiful illustration, as it is a _true_ one, of God's love
+for all living and for all times.
+
+"As ye would they should do to you, do ye to them."
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Pepper the dog is told a secret}]
+
+THE SECRET.
+
+
+ Pepper Baker, don't you tell!
+ If you ever do, I'll-- Well,
+ I'll do something you'll remember
+ Till the last day of December.
+
+ Pepper, look me in the eye!
+ You must be as shy, as shy--
+ Play, you don't know where I'm going,
+ Don't know anything worth knowing!
+
+ When the bell for breakfast rings,
+ I will bring you cakes and things;
+ Don't go down till Ben calls, "Pupper,
+ Pupper; come and 'ave your supper!"
+
+ What I've told you no one knows,
+ Only you, and I, and Rose
+ (Maybe she has told her kitty),
+ No one else in Boston city.
+
+ Pepper, look at me, and say
+ With your eyes,--look straight this way,--
+ With your teeth, and mane so shaggy,
+ With your ears and tail so waggy,--
+
+ "I will never, never tell.
+ They may tie a ding-dong-bell
+ To my little tail so waggy,
+ Singe my ears and coat so shaggy.
+
+ "They may drown me in the well,
+ All because I will not tell."
+ That will do, you grim old Quaker!
+ I can trust you Pepper Baker.
+
+ MARY R. WHITTLESEY.
+
+
+
+
+SILVER AND GOLD.
+
+
+ Silver or golden, which is the best--
+ Which with God's love is most richly blest?
+ Which is the fairer I cannot tell,
+ Grandfather dear or my baby Bel.
+
+ The soft twilight hour, when shadows fall,
+ To little Bel seems the best of all;
+ Then grandfather lays aside his book;
+ He cannot resist the pleading look.
+
+ There's room for two in the great arm-chair;
+ His arms enfold her with loving care;
+ Upturned is a smiling, rosy face;
+ Two dimpled arms have found their place.
+
+ Sweet eyes of hazel, so clear and bright,
+ Look up with a happy, loving light;
+ The curls are golden that softly stray,
+ While breezes amid their sunshine play.
+
+ Little she dreams of sorrow and care;
+ Life is unknown, and to her seems fair.
+ As years roll by the face may grow old;
+ But the loving heart will never grow cold.
+
+[Illustration: SILVER AND GOLD.]
+
+ When the hand of Time on her head is laid,
+ The lustre of gold must surely fade;
+ But lovely is even a silver frost,
+ If truth and goodness have not been lost.
+
+ Pride and passion have left no trace
+ On the old man's placid, saintly face;
+ The journey so long is almost done--
+ The strife is over, the victory won.
+
+ The voice that speaks is gentle and deep;
+ Surely it means God's grace to keep.
+ Eyes like the heavens so darkly blue;
+ Surely God's love is shining through.
+
+ Forehead so noble, calm, and fair;
+ Surely God's peace is resting there.
+ The snowy locks are a silver crown;
+ Softly the blessing of God came down.
+
+ Silver or golden, which is the best--
+ Which with God's love is most richly blest?
+ Which is the fairer I cannot tell,
+ Grandfather dear or my baby Bel.
+
+ ELLIS GRAY.
+
+
+
+
+TWO MORNINGS.
+
+
+ Step softly; the baby sleeps;
+ Drop the curtains, and close the door;
+ Baby sleeps, while mother weeps--
+ Sleeps, never to waken more.
+
+ Not a breath disturbs his repose;
+ The blossom he wears has forgotten to blow.
+ Once his two cheeks were red as a rose;
+ Now they are lilies, you know.
+
+ Morning will come, with its sweet surprise,
+ Waken the flowers, and scatter the dew;
+ But never again shall the baby's eyes
+ Watch the sunbeams break through.
+
+ Yet in heaven his morning is growing
+ To fairer dawning than ours has known--
+ A fountain of light forever flowing
+ Forth from the great white throne.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Tim gazes at the goods in the confectioner's window}]
+
+TIM, THE MATCH BOY.
+
+
+Tim had been standing for a long while gazing in at the confectioner's
+window. The evening was drawing in, and ever since morning a thick,
+unbroken cloud had covered the narrow strips of sky lying along the
+line of roofs on each side of the streets, while every now and then
+there came down driving showers of rain, wetting him to the skin.
+
+Not that it took much rain to wet Tim to the skin. The three pieces of
+clothing which formed his dress were all in tatters. His shirt, which
+looked as if it never could have been whole and white, had more than
+half the sleeves torn away, and fell open in front for want of a
+collar, to say nothing of a button and button-hole. The old jacket he
+wore over it had never had any sleeves at all, but consisted of a
+front of calf-skin, with all the hair worn away, and a back made with
+the idea that it would be hidden from sight by a coat, of coarse
+yellow linen, now fallen into lamentable holes. His trousers were
+fringed by long wear, and did not reach to his ankles, which were blue
+with cold, and bare, like his feet, that had been splashing along the
+muddy streets all day, until they were pretty nearly the same color as
+the pavement. His head was covered only by his thick, matted hair,
+which protected him, far better than his ragged clothes, from the rain
+and wind, and made him sometimes dimly envious of the dogs that were
+so far better off, in point of covering, than himself. His hands were
+tucked, for warmth, in the holes where his pockets should have been;
+but they had been worn out long ago, and now he had not even
+accommodation for any little bit of string, or morsel of coal, he
+might come across in the street.
+
+It was by no means Tim's habit to stand and stare in at the windows of
+cake shops. Now and then he glanced at them, and thought how very rich
+and happy those people must be who lived upon such dainty food. But he
+was, generally, too busy in earning his own food--by selling
+matches--to leave him much time for lingering about such tempting
+places. As for buying his dinner, when he had one, he looked out for
+the dried-fish stalls, where he could get a slice of brown fish ready
+cooked, and carry it off to some doorstep, where he could dine upon it
+heartily and contentedly, provided no policeman interfered with his
+enjoyment.
+
+But to-day the weather had been altogether too bad for any person to
+come out of doors, except those who were bent on business; and they
+hurried along the muddy streets, too anxious to get on quickly to pay
+any heed to Tim, trotting alongside of them with some damp boxes of
+matches to sell. The rainy day was hard upon him. His last meal had
+been his supper the night before--a crust his father had given him,
+about half as big as it should have been to satisfy him. When he awoke
+in the morning, he had already a good appetite, and ever since, all
+the long day through, from hour to hour, his hunger had been growing
+keener, until now it made him almost sick and faint to stand and stare
+at the good things displayed in such abundance inside the shop window.
+
+Tim had no idea of going in to beg. It was far too grand a place for
+that; and the customers going in and out were mostly smart young
+maid-servants, who were far too fine for him to speak to.
+
+There were bread shops nearer home, where he might have gone, being
+himself an occasional customer, and asked if they could not find such
+a thing as an old crust to give him; but this shop was a very
+different place from those. There was scarcely a thing he knew the
+name of. At the back of the shop there were some loaves; but even
+those looked different from what he, and folks like him, bought. His
+hungry, eager eyes gazed at them, and his teeth and mouth moved now
+and then, unknown to himself, as if he was eating something
+ravenously; but he did not venture to go in.
+
+At last Tim gave a great start. A customer, whom he knew very well,
+was standing at the counter, eating one of the dainty bunns. It could
+be no one else but his own teacher, who taught him and seven and eight
+other ragged lads like himself, in a night school not far from his
+home. His hunger had made him forgetful of it; but this was one of the
+evenings when the school was open, and he had promised faithfully to
+be there to-night. At any rate, it would be a shelter from the rain,
+which was beginning to fall steadily and heavily, now the sun was set;
+and it was of no use thinking of going home, where he and his father
+had only a corner of a room, and were not welcome to that if they
+turned in too soon of an evening. His teacher had finished the bunn,
+and was having another wrapped up in a neat paper bag, which he put
+carefully into his pocket, and then stepped out into the street, and
+walked along under the shelter of a good umbrella, quite unaware that
+one of his scholars was pattering along noiselessly behind him with
+bare feet.
+
+All Tim's thoughts were fixed upon the bunn in his teacher's pocket.
+He wondered what it would taste like, and whether it would be as
+delicious as that one he had once eaten, when all the ragged school
+had a treat in Epping Grove--going down in vans, and having real
+country milk, and slices of cake to eat, finishing up with a bunn,
+which seemed to him as if it must be like the manna he had heard of at
+school, that used to come down from heaven every morning before the
+sun was up. He had never forgotten that lesson; and scarcely a morning
+came that he did not wish he had lived in those times.
+
+The teacher turned down a dark, narrow street, where the rain had
+gathered in little pools on the worn pavement, through which Tim
+splashed carelessly. They soon reached the school door; and Tim
+watched him take off his great-coat, and hang it up on the nails set
+apart for the teachers' coats.
+
+Their desk was at a little distance; and he took his place at it among
+the other boys, but his head ached, and his eyes felt dim, and there
+was a hungry gnawing within him, which made it impossible to give his
+mind to learning his lessons, as he usually did. He felt so stupefied,
+that the easiest words--words he knew as well as he knew the way to
+the Mansion House, where he sold his matches--swam before his eyes,
+and he called them all wrongly. The other lads laughed and jeered at
+him, and his teacher was displeased; but Tim could do no better. He
+could think of nothing but the dainty bunn in the teacher's pocket.
+
+At last the Scripture lesson came; and it was one that came home to
+Tim's state. The teacher read aloud first, before hearing them read
+the lesson, these verses: "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much
+people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were
+as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many
+things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto
+him," etc. Read Mark vi. 34-44.
+
+Tim listened with a swelling heart, and with a feeling of choking in
+his throat. He could see it all plainly in his mind. It was like their
+treat in Epping Grove, where the classes had sat down in ranks upon
+the green grass; and O, how green and soft the grass was! and the
+teachers had come round, like the disciples, giving to each one of
+them a can of milk and great pieces of cake; and they had sung a hymn
+all together before they began to eat and drink. Tim fancied he could
+see our Saviour as once he had seen him in a beautiful picture, with
+his hands outstretched, as if ready to give the children surrounding
+him anything they wanted, or to fold them every one in his loving
+arms. He thought he saw Jesus, with his loving, gentle face, standing
+in the midst of the great crowd of people, and asking the disciples if
+they were sure they had all had enough. Then they would sing, thought
+Tim, and go home as happy as he had been after that treat in Epping
+Grove. All at once his hunger became more than he could bear.
+
+"O, I wish He was here!" he cried, bursting into tears, and laying his
+rough head on the desk before him. "I only wish He was here."
+
+The other lads looked astonished; for Tim was not given to crying; and
+the teacher stopped in his reading, and touched him to call his
+attention.
+
+"Who do you wish was here, Tim?" he asked.
+
+"Him," sobbed the hungry boy; "the Lord Jesus. He'd know how bad I
+feel. I'd look him in the face, and say, 'Master, what are I to do? I
+can't learn nothink when I've got nothink but a griping inside of me.'
+And he'd think how hungry I was, having nothink to eat all day. He'd
+be very sorry--he would, I know."
+
+Tim did not lift up his head; for his tears and sobs were coming too
+fast, and he was afraid the other lads would laugh at him. But they
+looked serious enough as the meaning of his words broke upon them.
+They were sure he was not cheating them. If Tim said he had had
+nothing to eat all day, it must be true; for he never grumbled, and he
+always spoke the truth. One boy drew a carrot out of his pocket, and
+another pulled out a good piece of bread, wrapped in a bit of
+newspaper, while a third ran off to fetch a cup of water, having
+nothing else he could give to Tim. The teacher walked away to where
+his coat was hanging, and came back with the bunn which he had bought
+in the shop.
+
+"Tim," he said, laying his hand kindly on the lad's bowed-down head,
+"I am very sorry for you; but none of us knew you were starving, my
+boy, or I should not have scolded you, and the lads would not have
+laughed at you. Look up, and see what a supper we have found for you."
+
+It looked like a feast to Tim. One of the boys lent him a pocket
+knife to cut the bread and carrot into slices, with which he took off
+the keen edge of his hunger; and then he ate the dainty bunn, which
+seemed to him more delicious than anything he had ever tasted before.
+The rest of the class looked on with delight at his evident enjoyment,
+until the last crumb had disappeared.
+
+"I could learn anything now," said Tim, with a bright face; "but I
+couldn't understand nothink before. Then you began telling about the
+poor folks being famished with hunger, and how Jesus gave them bread
+and fishes, just as if he'd been hungry himself some time, and knew
+all about it. It is bad, it is. And it seemed such a pity he weren't
+here in the city, and I couldn't go to him. But, I dessay, he knows
+how you've all treated me, and I thank you all kindly; and I'll do the
+same by you some day, when you've had the same bad luck as me."
+
+"Yes," said the teacher, "Jesus knew how hungry you were; and he knew
+how to send you the food you wanted. Tim, and you other lads, I want
+you to learn this verse, and think of it often when you are grown-up
+men: 'Whosoever shall give to one of these little ones a cup of cold
+water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, He shall
+in no wise lose his reward.'"
+
+
+
+
+ENVY PUNISHED.
+
+
+A Burmese potter, it is said, became envious of the prosperity of a
+washerman, and to ruin him, induced the king to order him to wash one
+of his black elephants white, that he might be "lord of the white
+elephant," which in the East is a great distinction.
+
+The washerman replied that, by the rules of his art, he must have a
+vessel large enough to wash him in.
+
+The king ordered the potter to make him such a vessel. When made, it
+was crushed by the first step of the elephant in it. Many times was
+this repeated; and the potter was ruined by the very scheme he had
+intended should crush his enemy.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: WINGS.]
+
+WINGS.
+
+
+"If I only had wings like you!" said Addie Lewis, speaking to her pet
+bird as she opened the cage door.
+
+"Chirp, chirp!" answered the bird, flying out and resting on Addie's
+finger.
+
+"Ah, birdie, if I only had your wings!"
+
+"Wings!" spoke out Addie's mother. "You have wings," she said, in a
+quiet way.
+
+Addie looked at her shoulders, and then at her mother's. "I don't see
+them," she said, with a little amused laugh.
+
+"We are using them all the while," said Mrs. Lewis. "Did you never
+hear of the wings of thought?"
+
+"Oh! That's what you mean? Our thoughts are our wings?"
+
+"Yes; and our minds can fly with these wings higher and farther than
+any bird can go. If I read to you about a volcano in Italy, off you go
+on the wings of thought and look down into the fiery crater. If I tell
+you of the frozen North, you are there in an instant, gazing upon icy
+seas and the wonders of a desolate region. The wings of an eagle are
+not half so swift and strong as the wings of your thought. The very
+king of birds would perish in regions where they can take you in
+safety."
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Squanko sitting on a wide window ledge}]
+
+SQUANKO.
+
+
+"What a name for a dog, auntie!"
+
+"_Name!_ Why, Frank, when you hear the whole, like the Queen of Sheba,
+you'll say the half has not been told you."
+
+"Why, didn't you find Squanko quite enough for one dog?"
+
+"His full name," said my aunt, loftily, "is Squanko Guy Edgerly
+Patterson."
+
+She rolled out these resonant titles with due gravity, and Squanko,
+turning his bright eyes from one to the other, solemnly wagged his
+tail, as if to signify approval.
+
+I was a New Hampshire boy, and this was my first visit to the city. My
+experience with dogs previously had been that of a country boy bred up
+among sportsmen. I had known several highly-trained hounds, and famous
+bird dogs, though my ideal of canine perfection was that marvel of
+sagacity, the shepherd dog. Still, my first love among dogs had been a
+noble old hound, who, though sightless from age, would follow a rabbit
+better than any young dog was capable of doing. The scent of powder
+brought back his lost youth. Let him hear the loading of a gun,--or
+the mere rattle of a shot-pouch was enough,--he would break out into
+the wildest gambols, dashing hither and yon, in an ecstasy of delight.
+
+Running headlong against rock or tree, as he was liable to do, only
+tempered his zeal for a moment; the next, he was tearing along more
+madly than ever. Dear old Trim! I had shed a boy's hot tears over his
+grave on the hill-side, and I was not ashamed of it either.
+
+I felt a tenderness for Squanko. The yellow spots which marked his
+white fur reminded me of Trim's. Remembering the accomplishments of my
+lost favorite, I ventured another question.
+
+"What is he good for, aunt Patterson? Can he hunt?"
+
+"Good for!" ejaculated my aunt--"_good for!_ I couldn't keep house
+without him." A certain fine disdain curled her lip; she had utterly
+ignored my second question. Completely quenched, I was fain to accept
+Squanko at once, hunter or no hunter.
+
+And we were, on the whole, pretty good friends, in spite of the
+battles we fought, nearly every evening, for the possession of the
+lounge. It made small difference to Squanko if I was beforehand with
+him. Though quite a large dog, he would creep up behind me, slowly
+insinuating himself between me and the back of the lounge. Then,
+watching his opportunity, he would brace his feet suddenly, and more
+than once the execution of this manoeuvre sent me rolling,
+ignominiously, upon the floor.
+
+The intruder ousted, his majesty would settle himself for a nap, not
+heeding in the least the shouts of laughter which his triumph never
+failed to evoke.
+
+On all occasions (excepting only nights, when he slept tranquilly on a
+rug in my aunt's room) he felt it his duty to keep watch and ward over
+the premises. His favorite perch, in sunny mornings, was in the window
+of my aunt's chamber. If by any chance the white curtain had not been
+looped up, as usual, leaving the window sill exposed, Squanko went
+down for help, and by whining, pulling his mistress's dress and
+similar arts, persuaded her to go up and remove the obnoxious
+curtain. Carefully seating himself upon the sill, which was all too
+narrow for his portly figure, he would fall to work, by barking
+furiously at every person--man, woman, or child--who presumed to pass
+up or down the street. Most fortunately for him, the window he
+occupied overlooked the lawn at the side of the house, instead of the
+pavement in front; for on several occasions his fury became so
+ungovernable, that he barked himself sheer off his foundation.
+
+Catching a glimpse of his whirling figure, my aunt rushed out, armed
+with a bottle of liniment; and while she bathed his imperilled legs,
+she strove also to soothe his outraged feelings. For the time all
+vanity seemed to have been dashed out of him; but comforted by
+sympathy and caresses, he again mounted his perch, and barked with
+undiminished ardor.
+
+At table, my aunt always occupied what is termed an office chair.
+Being quite small in person, a portion of the great leather cushion,
+at the back, was left vacant. Squanko rarely failed to possess himself
+of this vantage-ground, and squatting thereon, peered wisely over his
+mistress's shoulder, as if studying the problem of what portion of the
+goodly meal before him might safely be counted on as a remainder.
+
+Yet Squanko had his grievances. One was, not being allowed the freedom
+of the garden. If he went out, my aunt's careful hand hastened to link
+the long chain, attached to his house, to his collar. She had a
+chronic fear of his running away.
+
+Squanko utterly disdained to occupy the bed of straw which graced his
+dwelling, but climbing to a board which surmounted the ridge of the
+roof, would lie upon that narrow ledge, ready to pounce upon any one
+who ventured near.
+
+Missing him one morning, both here and on the window-sill, one of the
+wee Johnnys of the neighborhood, who stood in wholesome awe of
+Squanko, put his curly head in at the doorway.
+
+"Where's Squanko, Mrs. Patterson?"
+
+"Gone to walk."
+
+"_Gone to walk_," chuckled Johnny, bursting with merriment. "That's
+funny--_a dog gone to walk_!"
+
+Squanko's _walk_ was rarely omitted; generally it was performed under
+my aunt's tutelage, when she went a little way with her husband, whose
+business took him to the city every morning. If, for any reason, Mrs.
+Patterson let her husband go to the cars alone, she sent Squanko off
+by himself, with strict orders to return speedily, which direction he
+had never failed to obey.
+
+Besides his chain, Squanko had one other trial to endure--a thorough
+ablution once a week. Bathing was his aversion; still, he had been
+obliged to submit to it from his puppyhood, and Mrs. Patterson was
+inexorable. A dog who was not faultlessly clean could have no place in
+the arrangements of her household. In and about her dwelling all was
+spotlessly neat. Everything susceptible of polish shone, from the
+window-panes, and the great cooking-stove, to Squanko's white coat. In
+vain were his protests, his indignant snorts and sneezes, his
+incipient growls; into the tub of warm water he had to go, while the
+scrubbing-brush performed its office upon his fat sides. Having been
+duly washed and wiped, he always indulged in a vicious shake or two,
+producing a sort of mist in his immediate vicinity. After being
+wrapped in his own blanket shawl, he was placed on the lounge, to
+repose while drying. His luxurious nap completed, he would emerge
+from his retirement, his short white hair shining like satin,--as
+clean a playfellow as one might desire. His temper,--not usually of
+the best,--after one of these baths, would remain sunny for hours.
+
+But Squanko--like many another spoiled darling,--was not content with
+the home where he was so petted and indulged.
+
+As his master opened the door to go into the garden, one evening,
+Squanko rushed past him, and made for the street. In vain our hurried
+search, up and down, in the dark spring night. In vain his mistress's
+frantic calls. If Squanko was hidden in some nook hard by, and heard
+her entreaties, his heart must have been harder than a stone. That
+hasty exit was the last we ever saw of him. Night after night my
+uncle, coming home from the city, inquired for Squanko, only to
+receive the sad reply,--
+
+"No, Roy! We never--never shall see Squanko again."
+
+Soon a fat, brindled puppy was installed in the vacant place. Day by
+day he grew, both in bulk and in the affections of the family. My aunt
+named him "Trouble." All the devotion which had been Squanko's was
+straightway lavished on him.
+
+When, in process of time, the tidings were borne to my aunt's ears,
+that Squanko, forgetful of former friends, was leading a jolly
+existence in a neighboring town, she only replied, with a toss of her
+head, "Let the ungrateful imp stay there. Trouble is worth a dozen of
+him!"
+
+ F. CHESEBORO.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+"THE SWEET ONE FOR POLLY."
+
+
+Polly had expected to be very happy in getting ready for the party;
+but when the time came she was disappointed, for somehow that naughty
+thing called envy took possession of her, and spoiled her pleasure.
+
+Before she left home she thought her new white muslin dress, with its
+fresh blue ribbons, the most elegant and proper costume she could
+have; but now, when she saw Fanny's pink silk, with a white tarlatan
+tunic, and innumerable puffings, bows, and streamers, her own simple
+little toilet lost all its charms in her eyes, and looked very babyish
+and old-fashioned.
+
+Even Maud was much better dressed than herself, and looked very
+splendid in her cherry-colored and white suit, with a sash so big she
+could hardly carry it, and little white boots with red buttons.
+
+They both had necklaces and bracelets, ear-rings and brooches; but
+Polly had no ornament except the plain locket on a bit of blue velvet.
+Her sash was only a wide ribbon, tied in a simple bow, and nothing but
+a blue snood in the pretty brown curls. Her only comfort was the
+knowledge that the modest tucker drawn up round the plump shoulders
+was real lace, and that her bronze boots cost nine dollars.
+
+Poor Polly, with all her efforts to be contented, and not to mind
+looking unlike other people, found it hard work to keep her face
+bright and her voice happy that night. No one dreamed what was going
+on under the muslin frock, till grandma's wise old eyes spied out the
+little shadow on Polly's spirits, and guessed the cause of it. When
+dressed, the three girls went up to show themselves to the elders who
+were in grandma's room, where Tom was being helped into an agonizingly
+stiff collar.
+
+Maud pranced like a small peacock, and Fan made a splendid courtesy,
+as every one turned to survey them; but Polly stood still, and her
+eyes went from face to face with an anxious, wistful air, which seemed
+to say, "I know I'm not right; but I hope I don't look very bad."
+
+Grandma read the look in a minute; and when Fanny said, with a
+satisfied smile, "How do we look?" she answered, drawing Polly toward
+her so kindly, "Very like the fashion-plates you got the patterns of
+your dresses from. But this little costume suits me best."
+
+"Do you really think I look nice?" and Polly's face brightened, for
+she valued the old lady's opinion very much.
+
+"Yes, my dear; you look just as I like to see a child of your age
+look. What particularly pleases me is, that you have kept your promise
+to your mother, and haven't let any one persuade you to wear borrowed
+finery. Young things like you don't need any ornaments but those you
+wear to-night,--youth, health, intelligence, and modesty."
+
+As she spoke, grandma gave a tender kiss that made Polly glow like a
+rose, and for a minute she forgot that there were such things in the
+world as pink silks and coral ear-rings.
+
+[Illustration: "THE SWEET ONE FOR POLLY."]
+
+She only said, "Thank you, ma'am," and heartily returned the kiss;
+but the words did her good, and her plain dress looked charming all of
+a sudden.
+
+"Polly's so pretty, it don't matter what she wears," observed Tom,
+surveying her over his collar with an air of calm approval.
+
+"She hasn't got any bwetelles to her dwess, and I have," said Maud,
+settling her ruffled bands over her shoulders, which looked like
+cherry-colored wings on a stout little cherub.
+
+"I did wish she'd just wear my blue set, ribbon is so very plain; but,
+as Tom says, it don't much matter;" and Fanny gave an effective touch
+to the blue bow above Polly's left temple.
+
+"She might wear flowers; they always suit young girls," said Mrs.
+Shaw, privately thinking that her own daughters looked much the best
+yet, and conscious that blooming Polly had the most attractive face.
+
+"Bless me! I forgot my posies in admiring the belles! Hand them out,
+Tom;" and Mr. Shaw nodded toward an interesting-looking box that stood
+on the table.
+
+Seizing them wrong side up, Tom produced three little bouquets, all
+different in color, size, and construction.
+
+"Why, papa, how very kind of you!" cried Fanny, who had not dared to
+receive even a geranium leaf since the late scrape.
+
+"Your father used to be a very gallant young gentleman once upon a
+time," said Mrs. Shaw, with a simper and sigh.
+
+"Ah, Tom, it's a good sign when you find time to think of giving
+pleasure to your little girls."
+
+And grandma patted her son's bald head as if he wasn't more than
+eighteen.
+
+Thomas, Jr., had given a somewhat scornful sniff at first; but when
+grandma praised his father, the young man thought better of the
+matter, and regarded the flowers with more respect as he asked, "Which
+is for which?"
+
+"Guess," said Mr. Shaw, pleased that his unusual demonstration had
+produced such an effect.
+
+The largest was a regular hot-house bouquet of tea-rosebuds, scentless
+heath, and smilax; the second was just a handful of sweet-peas and
+mignonette, with a few cheerful pansies and one fragrant little rose
+in the middle; the third, a small posy of scarlet verbenas, white
+feverfew, and green leaves.
+
+"Not hard to guess. The smart one for Fan, the sweet one for Polly,
+and the gay one for Pug. Now, then, catch hold, girls;" and Tom
+proceeded to deliver the nosegays with as much grace as could be
+expected from a youth in a new suit of clothes and very tight boots.
+
+"That finishes you off just right, and is a very pretty attention of
+papa. Now run down, for the bell has rung; and remember not to dance
+too often, Fan; be as quiet as you can, Tom; and, Maud, don't eat too
+much supper. Grandma will attend to things, for my poor nerves won't
+allow me to come down."
+
+With that Mrs. Shaw dismissed them, and the four descended to receive
+the first visitors.
+
+ LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ACCIDENT.
+
+
+Tom named his velocipede Black Auster, in memory of the horse in "The
+Battle of Lake Regillus," and came to grief as soon as he began to
+ride his new steed.
+
+"Come out and see me go it," whispered Tom to Polly, after three days'
+practice in the street, for he had already learned to ride in the
+rink.
+
+Polly and Maud willingly went, and watched his struggles with deep
+interest, till he got an upset, which nearly put an end to his
+velocipeding forever.
+
+"Hi, there! Auster's coming!" shouted Tom, as he came rattling down
+the long, steep street outside the park.
+
+They stepped aside, and he whizzed by, arms and legs going like mad,
+and the general appearance of a runaway engine. It would have been a
+triumphant descent, if a big dog had not bounced suddenly through one
+of the openings, and sent the whole concern helter-skelter into the
+gutter. Polly laughed as she ran to view the ruin, for Tom lay flat on
+his back with the velocipede atop of him, while the big dog barked
+wildly, and his master scolded him for his awkwardness. But when she
+saw Tom's face, Polly was frightened, for the color had all gone out
+of it, his eyes looked strange and dizzy, and drops of blood began to
+trickle from a great cut on his forehead. The man saw it, too, and had
+him up in a minute; but Tom couldn't stand, and stared about him in a
+dazed sort of way, as he sat on the curbstone, while Polly held her
+handkerchief to his forehead, and pathetically begged to know if he
+was killed.
+
+"Don't scare mother--I'm all right. Got upset, didn't I?" he asked,
+presently, eying the prostrate velocipede with more anxiety about its
+damages than his own.
+
+"I knew you'd hurt yourself with that horrid thing. Just let it be,
+and come home, for your head bleeds dreadfully, and everybody is
+looking at us," whispered Polly, trying to tie the little handkerchief
+over the ugly cut.
+
+"Come on, then Jove! how queer my head feels! Give us a boost, please.
+Stop howling, Maud, and come home. You bring the machine, and I'll pay
+you, Pat." As he spoke, Tom slowly picked himself up, and steadying
+himself by Polly's shoulder, issued his commands, and the procession
+fell into line. First, the big dog, barking at intervals; then the
+good-natured Irishman, trundling "that divil of a whirligig," as he
+disrespectfully called the idolized velocipede; then the wounded hero,
+supported by the faithful Polly; and Maud brought up the rear in
+tears, bearing Tom's cap.
+
+ LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+[Illustration: "It would have been a triumphant descent, if a big dog
+ had not bounced suddenly through one of the openings."]
+
+
+
+
+[Decoration]
+
+POLLY ARRIVES.
+
+
+The train was just in when Tom reached the station, panting like a
+race-horse and as red as a lobster with the wind and the run.
+
+"Suppose she'll wear a top-knot and a thingumbob, like every one else;
+and how ever shall I know her? Too bad of Fan to make me come alone!"
+thought Tom, as he stood watching the crowd stream through the depot,
+and feeling rather daunted at the array of young ladies who passed. As
+none of them seemed looking for any one, he did not accost them, but
+eyed each new batch with the air of a martyr. "That's her," he said to
+himself, as he presently caught sight of a girl, in gorgeous array,
+standing with her hands folded, and a very small hat perched on top of
+a very large "chig-non," as Tom pronounced it. "I suppose I've got to
+speak to her, so, here goes;" and, nerving himself to the task, Tom
+slowly approached the damsel, who looked as if the wind had blown her
+clothes into rags, such a flapping of sashes, scallops, ruffles,
+curls, and feathers was there.
+
+"I say, if you please, is your name _Polly Milton_?" meekly asked Tom,
+pausing before the breezy stranger.
+
+"No, it isn't," answered the young lady, with a cool stare that
+utterly quenched him.
+
+"Where in thunder is she?" growled Tom, walking off in high dudgeon.
+The quick tap of feet behind him made him turn in time to see a
+fresh-faced little girl running down the long station, and looking as
+if she rather liked it. As she smiled, and waved her bag at him, he
+stopped and waited for her, saying to himself, "Hullo! I wonder if
+that's Polly?"
+
+Up came the little girl, with her hand out, and a half-shy, half-merry
+look in her blue eyes, as she said, inquiringly, "This is Tom, isn't
+it?"
+
+"Yes. How did you know?" and Tom got over the ordeal of hand-shaking
+without thinking of it, he was so surprised.
+
+"Oh, Fan told me you'd got curly hair and a funny nose, and kept
+whistling, and wore a gray cap pulled over your eyes; so I knew you
+directly." And Polly nodded at him in the most friendly manner, having
+politely refrained from calling the hair "red," the nose "a pug," and
+the cap "old."
+
+"Where are your trunks?" asked Tom, as he was reminded of his duty by
+her handing him the bag, which he had not offered to take.
+
+"Father told me not to wait for any one, else I'd lose my chance of a
+hack; so I gave my check to a man, and there he is with my trunk;" and
+Polly walked off after her one modest piece of baggage, followed by
+Tom, who felt a trifle depressed by his own remissness in polite
+attentions.
+
+ LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
+
+[Illustration: "THIS IS TOM, ISN'T IT?"]
+
+
+
+
+KINDNESS TO ANIMALS.
+
+
+Last month a gentleman related an incident in his early life, showing
+how kindness to the brute creation makes them entirely subservient to
+our will. Similar experience is familiar to every one of us. This
+volume would not begin to contain the proofs which come under notice
+every day of our lives. Your dog or your cat understands your
+disposition as well as your brother or your sister. Give them a kick
+as you pass by, pull their ears or tail whenever you get an
+opportunity, and they will shun you as they would the plague. On the
+other hand, speak a kind word to them, give them a morsel of food, or
+fondle them kindly, and they will soon treat you as a friend.
+
+I have a cat who waits for my coming home every night as regularly as
+the sun. And if, perchance, I do not come at my usual time in the
+train, she shows her disappointment by mewing. She will roll over as
+obediently as you ever saw a dog, at the word of command. After
+supper, when I put on my slippers and take the evening paper, puss
+takes possession of my lap, and then she seems contented and happy.
+
+Kindness did all this--nothing else. Any cat can be taught to "roll
+over" in a week's time. Any cat will be your friend, and love you, if
+you will treat her well.
+
+It is precisely thus with wild animals. They know who their friends
+are as well as you know yours. They don't need to be told. There is no
+end of stories about the elephant, the horse, the dog; about their
+docility, and the affection they have for those who treat them kindly.
+Even the lion, when brought under the dominion of man, becomes
+strongly attached to those who treat him with kindness. An instance of
+this is related of one that was kept in the menagerie of the Tower of
+London. He had been brought from India, and on the passage was given
+in charge to one of the sailors. Long before the ship arrived at
+London, the lion and Jack had become excellent friends. When Nero--as
+the lion was called--was shut up in his cage in the Tower, he became
+sulky and savage to such an extent that it was dangerous even for his
+keeper, who was not over kind to him, to approach him.
+
+After Nero had been a prisoner for some weeks, a party of sailors,
+Jack being among the number, paid a visit to the menagerie. The keeper
+warned them not to go near the lion, who every now and then turned
+round to growl defiance to the spectators.
+
+"What! old shipmate!" cried Jack, "don't you know me? What cheer, old
+Nero, my lad?"
+
+Instantly the lion left off growling, sprang up to the bars of his
+cage, and put his nose between them. Jack patted it on the head, and
+it rubbed his hand with its whiskers like a cat, showing evident signs
+of pleasure.
+
+"Ah," said Jack, turning to the keeper and spectators who stood
+looking on with astonishment, "Nero and I were shipmates, and you see
+he isn't like some folks; he don't forget an old friend."
+
+[Illustration: {Jack and the lion are reunited}]
+
+But here's a story of another sort. Some weeks ago a caravan was
+exhibiting in Illinois. Among the animals was an elephant, to whom a
+mischievous boy had given an apple with tobacco concealed inside. As
+soon as the animal discovered the trick, the boy began to laugh at
+the joke which he had played on the creature. The elephant, however,
+looked angry, and the keeper, having heard of the affair, told the boy
+to keep out of his reach, unless he wanted to be hurt.
+
+But, although the lad did not come so near that the elephant could get
+hold of him, he hung round in the vicinity. Presently a pail of water
+was brought for the elephant to drink. The insulted creature filled
+his trunk as full as he could, and seeing a good opportunity, blew the
+whole of it upon the boy who had given him tobacco, wetting him from
+head to foot. Verdict of the spectators, and of the readers of this
+book, "Served him right."
+
+ ROBERT HANDY.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Children playing around a haystack}]
+
+ALL AMONG THE HAY.
+
+
+ All among the buttercups,
+ All among the hay!
+ Oh that spring would come again,
+ With its merry May!
+
+ Hasten summer's pleasant days,
+ Summer's pleasant hours;
+ Send us back the butterflies
+ And the pretty flowers.
+
+ Yes, bright days will come again,
+ Winter soon will go,
+ And the smiling sun shall melt
+ All this dreary snow.
+
+ Then beside the flowing stream
+ Merrily we'll play,
+ All among the buttercups,
+ All among the hay.
+
+
+
+
+THE MOUSE AND CANARY.
+
+
+A lady, having gone rather early into an apartment in which she had a
+fine canary, whose cage hung on the knob of the window-shutter, was
+much surprised to find the bird sitting asleep in the bottom of the
+cage, side by side with a live mouse, also asleep. On raising the
+window-blind, the mouse squeezed itself through between the wires of
+the cage and fled. The box of seeds, crumbs, etc., intended for the
+canary was found to be cleaned out, doubtless devoured by the strange
+companion. On the following evening, while the lady and her husband
+were sitting quietly by the fireside, they were still further
+astonished at seeing a mouse (no doubt the same one) climbing nimbly
+up the shutter and entering the cage between the wires. Thinking it
+might do harm to the bird, they tried to catch the mouse, but it made
+its escape as before. The cage was then suspended from a nail, so that
+the mouse could not gain access. Strange to say, however, on the
+following morning the canary was found asleep on the floor of the room
+(the cage door having been left open), and a piece of potato beside
+him. Most likely the mouse had spent the whole of the night there.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TWO FRIENDS.
+
+A STORY FOR BOYS.
+
+
+Many years ago two youths, whom we will call only by their Christian
+names,--Walter and Sidney,--were at the same boarding-school, at
+Mount's Bay, in Cornwall. They were each the sons of captains in the
+merchant service; but though they were equals in station, there was a
+great difference in their circumstances, for Walter inherited
+considerable property. Sidney's father had not been a prosperous man,
+and it was as much as he could do to give his boy a good education.
+
+Among the whole school there were no two lads so closely knit in
+friendship as Walter and Sidney; they were within a week of the same
+age (thirteen) at the time our narrative begins. It is always a
+pleasant sight, and also a good example, when two intelligent,
+kind-hearted boys become friends. They show to others what a
+disinterested and noble thing true friendship is. Thus, in their
+lessons and their sports, these boys were helpful to each other. They
+shared together every indulgence that the kindness of friends procured
+them, and if any added study were imposed, Sidney, who learned easily,
+would, after he had swiftly mastered his own lesson, take upon himself
+both the office of teacher and companion, and never rest until Walter
+was as well up in the task as he himself was. Most certainly the
+punishment of one was ever the punishment of both, for, if they were
+sharers in each other's joys, they were not the less so in their
+troubles. Perhaps the vigilance which each exercised over the other
+was the reason why they were comparatively seldom in any very serious
+disgrace, and their characters stood high in the school, both with
+masters and pupils.
+
+But while in the little world within the walls of the school all went
+equally well with the youthful friends, in the great world outside,
+heavy troubles came to Sidney's father. The vessel he commanded was
+lost near the mouth of the River Mersey, and though the crew were
+saved, yet it was judged that some mismanagement caused the disaster,
+and Sidney's father lost his certificate, and no owners would again
+trust him to command a vessel. The poor man took this so much to heart
+that he fell into a bad state of health, and declined so rapidly, that
+the week after Sidney received from Liverpool the first intimation of
+his father's illness, tidings came that he was dead.
+
+It was in the autumnal quarter, about eight weeks before Christmas,
+that the sad letter was received which told Sidney he was now an
+orphan. The only aunt the poor boy had, his father's sister, wrote the
+account, and she was obliged to add the painful fact that, with the
+loss of his father, Sidney would lose the means of further education,
+and must look forward to some humble means of earning his daily bread,
+with as little delay as possible.
+
+[Illustration: "Why, Sid,--what's this? Dear old fellow, what's the
+ matter?"]
+
+In his first great grief at hearing of his father's death, all else
+seemed trivial. Change of circumstances, hard work, any trouble, would
+have been as nothing if his father had been spared to him. But after
+the first shock of his sorrow, Sidney admitted that he must leave
+school; that it would not be honest, either to his aunt or his
+schoolmaster, to remain. Strangely enough, the very week in which
+this trouble came to Sidney, his friend Walter was at home for a few
+days, joining in the celebration of his father's fiftieth birthday. He
+had wanted Sidney to have a holiday also; but the latter, being
+already aware of his father's reverses and illness, though having no
+fear of any greater grief impending over him, had declined his
+friend's kind invitation. So it happened that, while a happy jubilee
+was being celebrated in Walter's home, Sidney was suddenly made a poor
+orphan.
+
+Never, during the three years that they had been school-fellows, had
+the countenances of the two boys showed such a contrast of expression
+as when they met in the playground a few minutes after Walter had
+alighted at the gate, on his return from the pleasant sojourn at his
+home. He was flushed with health and happiness, and ran up, with a
+boyish shout of mirth, to greet his friend. Poor Sidney, pale and
+choking with the effort to restrain his tears, could only grasp the
+proffered hand in silence, and turn away his head, unable to look
+up,--almost unable to bear the pent-up grief that throbbed at his
+heart, and tightened his chest with a sense of suffocation.
+
+"Why, Sid, what's this? Dear old fellow, what's the matter?" was
+Walter's astonished inquiry, when a boy near whispered in his ear the
+brief words,--
+
+"His father's dead!"
+
+That explained all; and Walter, twining his arm round his friend, led
+him away to a quiet spot, where they could weep together. The greater
+grief so completely absorbed Sidney on his first meeting with Walter,
+that it was not until the next day that any mention was made between
+them of how this bereavement would affect the future. Young and
+prosperous as Walter was, he knew well enough how sad it would be for
+his friend to lose the advantages of education just at the time when
+his studies would be needed to fit him for some pursuit in life.
+
+Meanwhile, as Sidney's aunt had not been able to send the money for
+the poor lad to go so long a journey as from West Cornwall to
+Liverpool, to attend his father's funeral, there was no immediate
+hurry at the school in preparing for the youth's departure. Walter,
+therefore, had time to carry out a plan which his affection suggested.
+He wrote an urgent letter to his father, filled with praises of
+Sidney, and accounts of all the help which his cleverness and conduct
+had afforded to him (Walter), and earnestly pleading that he might
+have the gratification of paying for a year or more schooling for his
+orphan friend, adding, as a concluding argument,--
+
+"You know, papa, that I have forty pounds that aunt Margaret put in
+the savings bank for me, to do as I like with; and how could I spend
+it better, or so well, as in helping a good clever fellow like Sidney?
+It would be a real treat to me--the best I could have; and you
+promised to increase my pocket-money: you needn't; I can screw myself
+down famously, if you'll only give it to help Sid, who's always been
+helping me, I can tell you."
+
+Walter was too earnest, it seemed, to pick and choose his words. He
+meant to have corrected and rewritten his letter, but there was no
+time; so he sent it, faults and all. And his father, in reading it,
+felt the heart-throb that beat in his boy's generous words; and though
+a man not at all demonstrative, he was observed to be taken as if with
+a sudden cold in his head, to judge by the vigorous use of his pocket
+handkerchief; but all he said was conveyed in a single nautical
+phrase,--"The youngster is on the right tack."
+
+The day after, the principal of the Mount's Bay School received an
+intimation that Sidney was to continue his studies there as long as
+he proved diligent; but the name of his patron was not to be told him.
+So, to the lad's great satisfaction, he was informed that a friend who
+had known his father would, for the present, help him. Walter knew the
+truth, but though he felt the intense joy that a good action always
+yields to the doer even more than to the receiver, he was careful to
+obey his father, and keep the secret.
+
+If Sidney was studious before, he redoubled his diligence now, and in
+the year made such great progress, that a Dutch gentleman, who visited
+the school, offered him a situation in his office at Rotterdam; and as
+Sidney knew that a residence abroad would be a great improvement to
+him, and also was eager to enter upon some mode of earning his own
+living, he wished earnestly to take the offer. At no time during their
+now four years of mutual school-life and friendship would Walter have
+heard with patience of Sidney leaving. But a parting now came.
+
+Walter's father had become an invalid, and was ordered to a warmer
+climate. The family removed to Florence, in Italy, and, of course,
+Walter went with them; his greatest grief being that Sidney could not
+accompany them.
+
+With the keenest pangs of youthful sorrow, the two friends parted,
+promising to write often, looking forward to meet at no distant
+future, for the world did not seem too wide for them, accustomed as
+they were, by association, to maritime people and travellers.
+
+It was three months after Walter had left, when Sidney took leave of
+his kind master, and the school which had been a home to him, and
+went, in cold spring weather, to the Venice of the north--Rotterdam.
+When he left he made one request, which his tutor thought it not wrong
+to grant. He desired to know the name of the benefactor who had so
+munificently helped him; and though he was not very much surprised
+when he heard the source from whence the aid had come, and was indeed
+glad that his gratitude was due where his friendship had so long been
+given, yet it naturally moved him very deeply when he found how Walter
+had been the means of effecting this. He also remembered vividly some
+acts of self-denial that added to the delicacy of his friend's
+silence, and made the action truly noble.
+
+"I can never repay you, dear Walter, nor your kind father; I shall
+ever be your grateful debtor," he wrote; "but I will try to employ the
+talents you have cultivated, so as not, at all events, to disgrace
+your friendship."
+
+Though railways made the continent open to travellers, and the desire
+to see his friend Walter never languished, yet years went by and it
+was not realized. Some tidings there were of reverse of fortune
+through a lawsuit, and of journeyings to different places. The last
+that Sidney heard of his friend was in a letter from Madeira, where
+his father was lingering on in too weak a state to bear removal.
+
+The desultory, unsettled life that the family had led seemed to have
+prevented Walter from making much progress as a sculptor,--a
+profession he had thought of while in Italy,--and his letters were
+somewhat vague and unsatisfactory as to his future plans.
+
+Then came a long interval with no tidings, and afterwards a returned
+letter with the one word DEAD, written under the name of Walter's
+father on the superscription.
+
+So, like a pleasant morning that ends in clouds and gloom, the
+friendship seemed to end which had so gladdened the youth of Sidney,
+and even blended with all the fondest memories of his boyhood. Many
+were the prayers he breathed, that one who had been as a brother might
+not be entirely lost to him.
+
+As years went on great changes occurred in the firm that Sidney
+served. He had risen in the confidence of his employers. They had a
+business in Australia, under the care of a partner, who was also a
+relative. He died, and as there was a sudden increase of business
+facilities at Melbourne, Sidney was sent out, and a share in the
+concern was given him. His surname did not appear. He was announced,
+as many a junior partner is, by the little word "Co." appended to the
+principal name of the firm.
+
+Sidney had been in the colony some three years, and was now a stalwart
+young man of twenty-seven, when one day, riding on horseback towards a
+suburb of the rapidly growing city of Melbourne, called Brighton, he
+noticed a gang of young men working on the road. He knew that many
+respectable emigrants had come over during the first excitement of the
+gold discoveries. Clerks used only to the pen, students, unsuccessful
+professional men, all in the first delirium fever-fit of the gold
+fever, had come in the expectation that hands unused to hard toil
+could use the pickaxe of the gold-digger, or wash the rubble for the
+precious ore. Ah, it was a wild, a fatal delusion! Many a gentleman
+and scholar pined to death with hardships and disappointments, while
+some, after weeks of sickness, rose to earn their bread by the
+humblest manual labor. Working on the roads, for which government pay
+was given, was often the resource of those who had been worsted in
+every other effort. Unable to help among such numbers of claimants on
+sympathy, Sidney had contented himself with joining in the
+subscriptions raised for the relief of the sick and destitute: but
+now, as he passed along, he felt a desire to speak to the workers in
+this gang. As his eye scanned them he saw only a group of thin,
+toil-worn, weather-beaten men, with rough beards half hiding their
+wasted features. Nothing was more acceptable, as a recreation to the
+emigrants, than books, and Sidney had commenced a lending library of
+books and publications; so, after a cheerful salutation, he now reined
+up his horse, and began to tell them of his plan, and to add, "I have
+opened a room, friends, two nights a week,--it is but a rough shed,
+but I hope to make it better soon,--as a meeting-place, where a
+comfortable, pleasant, and profitable evening may be spent."
+
+"Then," said a man with a strong Irish brogue, "your honor's the great
+Dutch merchant."
+
+"Yes, at the Dutch merchant's store; but I am English; my name is
+Sidney--"
+
+There was a wild panting sort of cry, and a man in the group fell to
+the ground.
+
+"He's in a fit." "He oughtn't to have come." "Poor fellow!" "Fetch
+water!" "Give him air!" These were the cries that were uttered.
+Meanwhile, throwing his horse's bridle over a post, Sidney dismounted,
+and helped to lift in his strong arms the tall but wasted form of a
+man from the ground. He was borne to a bank at the side of the road.
+Sidney put aside the matted hair that fell over his brow, and taking
+the pannikin, which some one had filled with water, he put it to his
+lips, wholly unconscious that he had ever seen that face before, until
+the eyes slowly opened, and the old expression, the soul-gaze, shone
+in them, and the hoarse and altered voice, yet with tones that woke
+old echoes, said, "Sidney! Dear friend! Don't--don't you know
+me--Walter?"
+
+Walter! Yes it was he. The once blooming, prosperous, happy boy was
+this wasted, worn skeleton of a man. O, the tide of feeling that
+rushed through Sidney's every vein, as he recognized his early
+friend--his benefactor! To raise him up, put him on his own horse,
+lead him gently to his own home, and, once there, to send for the best
+medical skill, and tend him through the illness that supervened, with
+a tenderness feminine in its thoughtful gentleness, was Sidney's
+privilege.
+
+In the intervals of his illness Walter related that his father had
+died at Madeira; that, hoping to obtain a settlement of some claims,
+he had visited America; that, waiting to have better news of himself
+to communicate, he put off writing from time to time; that he had gone
+with a company of adventurous young men to California, and there,
+instead of finding gold, spent all his means. Hoping to retrieve his
+position, he had come to Australia, and there his lot, though hard,
+was only that of hundreds, in the first trying time of mad excitement
+and wild adventure. "And I must get to work again. I'm not going to be
+here idle much longer," he said, at the conclusion of a conversation
+on the past.
+
+"As to work, I've plenty for you to do."
+
+"I can't continue to be a burden on you, Sid. I've no claim."
+
+"You've every claim. As to burdens, you remind me how long I was a
+burden on you and your father. Once for all, I say, the help you gave
+me fitted me to get my living, and, by God's blessing, to make my way
+in life. Share with me in my business."
+
+Walter was beginning to interrupt; but Sidney, raising his hand,
+deprecatingly, said,--
+
+"You have still the advantage over me, that you gave me help when I
+had done nothing to deserve it of you. I only make a small
+repayment--a mere instalment of a great debt. Dear Walter, my good
+fellow, let there be no contest between us. Are we not friends? Does
+that not mean helpers?"
+
+And so it was. The tie, never broken, was knit again yet more closely.
+Brothers in friendship, they ultimately became so in relationship; for
+as soon as Walter had a home, he invited a sister to share it with
+him, and she, in a few months after her arrival, became the wife of
+Sidney. And so the bond of brotherhood prospered, for many years.
+
+
+
+
+PUSS.
+
+
+Is it not a little more than surprising that the common domestic cat,
+an animal which we are better acquainted with than the dog, should be
+permitted to grow up with so little instruction? I think so. Almost
+every dog has some tricks; many dogs have a great number. Yet how
+rarely do you see a cat of which anything more is expected than that
+she shall purr when she is petted, play with your ball of yarn, or
+growl when you give her a nice dinner.
+
+[Illustration: MUFFY RINGING THE BELL.]
+
+You teach your dog to bark at the word of command, to roll over, to
+stand upon his hind feet, and hold up his paws, to jump through a
+small hoop, to sing, and a thousand other pretty tricks; but why do
+you neglect your cat? You can teach her all these things,--except to
+bark,--and quite as easily. Any cat, not more than a year old, can be
+taught, in less than fifteen days, to "roll over;" and she learns
+other capers quite as freely. Bear in mind that to do this you have to
+appeal to the creature's love of food. That is her nature. She cares
+nothing for you; it is the dinner she is after. So, when you desire
+to teach puss to turn over, take her when she is hungry. Put your hand
+upon her back, and turn her over; and then give her a small bit of
+meat. Gradually she will require less and less force. She will
+understand what you want, and know what must be done in order to be
+served. Never disappoint her, but let the food immediately follow
+obedience. Other tricks may be taught in the same way. If you wish to
+teach her to go through a hoop, you will be obliged at first to take
+her up bodily, and put her through. But this will not be for a great
+while. She will soon understand what you desire.
+
+I once had a cat which would open any door in the house. She learned
+herself! The latch-doors came pretty easy, but the knobs bothered her
+a good deal. She persevered, however, and became an expert at either.
+
+I have a cat now--a Maltese--which is a marvel of intelligence. There
+seems to be no end to her interesting feats. She is terribly rough at
+play; if you impose upon her, you must look out for her claws. She
+watches for my coming from the city quite regularly; and as soon as I
+sit down to read, she plants herself in my lap. She had some kittens a
+few weeks ago. One evening, soon after, as I sat in the rocking-chair,
+with my newspaper, puss came into the room with one of her kittens in
+her mouth. She placed it carefully in my lap, and immediately went for
+the other one.
+
+A neighbor of mine has a cat which rings a bell when she is hungry.
+The bell is a small one, and hangs about a yard high, so that Miss
+Puss has to exert herself to reach it.
+
+Another cat I heard of recently seems to have discovered a way to get
+into the warm kitchen whenever she is accidentally shut out in the
+cold.
+
+At the side wall of the house there is a small aperture, of about two
+feet square, opening into the kitchen, and intended for the use and
+convenience of butchers, bakers, or grocers, who would otherwise have
+to go round to the back entrance; inside of this aperture is suspended
+a bell, which Miss Muffy must, no doubt, have often seen used by
+butchers, bakers, and grocers, to call the attention of cook. She has,
+therefore, adopted the same plan; and when tired of her prowlings
+about the garden, or hunting for birds in the adjoining wood, she
+springs up to the little door, and, with her paw or head, keeps ring,
+ring, ringing at the bell until the door is opened, and she gets
+admission.
+
+Muffy is not only a very intelligent little cat, but I can tell you
+she is also a very good-natured one, too. She submits to being dressed
+in the doll's clothes, and will sometimes lie quite still in the
+cradle for hours together, and when told to stand upon her hind legs
+and give a kiss, does so with a gracefulness hitherto unknown in the
+annals of cats.
+
+These funny marks of intelligence in dumb creatures are quite
+interesting. As you grow older, you will spend many an hour in trying
+to discover where the dividing line between INSTINCT and REASON is. It
+is SOMEWHERE. If you hatch some chickens by heat, miles away from any
+other fowls, the hens will cackle, and the cocks will crow, all the
+same, although no one has taught them. Why is it?
+
+If you could hatch a robin's egg in the same way, far removed from
+other birds, the bird would, when grown, build its nest precisely as
+other robins do, and of the same material, although it never saw a
+pattern in the world. INSTINCT, or, if you prefer, NATURE, teaches all
+this. But it is not REASON, as you will know as you grow older.
+
+Just exactly so it is the instinct of a dog or a cat to obey you
+whenever you require it. Take notice that you can never teach a dumb
+creature by observation. One cat will never learn to turn over by
+observing that another one gets its food thereby.
+
+But I will not try to mix you up in this discussion now. You will
+reach it soon enough if you live. And when you reach it, you will find
+a very difficult, as well as a very interesting question to solve.
+
+ ROBERT HANDY.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The children watch the toy village burning}]
+
+HOLIDAY LUCK.
+
+
+"Mother, mother!" with a prolonged _er_.
+
+"Mary, where's mother?" and the children raced through the house,
+looking into every room on the way.
+
+"Here, Willie; what do you want?"
+
+"O, mother, we are to have a holiday. Miss Mortimer has gone home."
+
+"Isn't it fun!" cried Ada, swinging on her mother's arm.
+
+"That depends upon how you spend it," Mrs. Constant replied.
+
+"Why, a holiday means to have fun, and do just what you please,"
+asserted Willie.
+
+"And not get any lessons," said Dolly, snipping the tape with her
+mother's scissors.
+
+Mrs. Constant took them from her, and smiled on the excited three.
+
+"I hope you will have a pleasant day, and try to be good."
+
+"Not too good, mother," expostulated Willie.
+
+"No, only don't get into mischief."
+
+"What shall we do first?" asked Ada.
+
+"I don't know," replied Dolly. "Isn't it fun to have one whole day
+which is not Christmas or Thanksgiving?"
+
+For a short time the children remained in Mrs. Constant's room,
+upsetting her baskets, tangling her silk, and plying her with
+numberless questions.
+
+"I think you had better take a run in the garden," she finally said.
+"You are so restless and full of holiday, I think the fresh air would
+relieve you."
+
+"What a dear mother!" they cried; and having tumultuously kissed her,
+they repaired to the garden.
+
+They lived in a country town, and had a large plot of ground at the
+back of the house, through the farther end of which flowed a brook.
+Each one had his garden bed, and at one side was a summer-house, where
+they kept their garden tools and many of their playthings, also a pet
+rabbit, named Blackhawk. It was too late in the fall for flowers, only
+a few sturdy asters and hardy verbenas being in blossom, and they
+played tag, hide-and-seek, and chased each other with handfuls of dead
+leaves. While they were thus occupied, their mother called them, and
+told them that aunt Clara had sent for her to come and spend the day;
+she had sprained her ankle, and wanted some one to sit with her.
+
+"Won't you be home to dinner?" they asked in despairing chorus.
+
+"No; but Mary will take care of you, and you can enjoy yourselves; but
+don't do foolish things, or your holiday will be spoiled. Now, you
+must all be mother to each other, that I may find you well and happy
+when I come home."
+
+For a while after she had gone, they amused themselves being mother to
+one another; but Willie made such a failure that they gave it up.
+
+"Let us play with the dolls a little while," suggested Dolly.
+
+The proposition met with favor, and they went to the summer-house. Ada
+had a large family of paper dolls, and Dolly of wooden ones. They
+played tea party, and dinner, and visiting; but Willie could not
+forget that they had a holiday, and he longed to do something unusual.
+
+"You have too many girls, Ada," he cried. "Let us play China, and burn
+some up."
+
+A funeral pyre was soon constructed with splinters of wood, Dolly ran
+to the kitchen for matches, and Willie turned his jacket inside out,
+tied Ada's sack about his neck by the sleeves, put the watering-pot on
+his head, and was ready to personate the priest. Ada selected four
+victims, who were securely bound with thirty cotton, and laid on the
+pile.
+
+"Let us have Blackhawk for the idol," cried Ada.
+
+Blackhawk was brought forth, a string of colored beads put about his
+neck, and he was bolstered up in the arm-chair of the Princess
+Widdlesbee, Dolly's largest doll. But when the match was struck and
+applied with a great flourish, he sprang from his throne, and fled to
+the farthest corner.
+
+"The god is displeased; the sacrifice must cease," cried Ada, who
+began to feel remorse as her dolls crisped and turned to ashes.
+
+"No," shouted Willie, "I am the priest; I know he means burn all;" and
+seizing a brand, he applied it to Dolly's village, which stood near
+by. For a moment it was fun to see the flames bursting from the roofs
+of houses, and lapping about the fences; but Dolly soon gave a cry of
+dismay.
+
+"Susanna and Posy are in the church; I don't want them burned."
+
+"To the rescue!" shouted the heathen priest, snatching the pot from
+his head, and running to fill it with water.
+
+But Dolly could not wait, and had already burned a hole in her apron,
+and singed her hair, trying to save her favorites. Blackhawk cowered
+in the corner, stamping his hind feet, while Ada was pulling apart the
+pyre on which her dolls had perished.
+
+"O, Willie, the floor is burned. Hurry, hurry!" cried Dolly.
+
+Willie ran, deluged the burning village, and Dolly seized Susanna and
+Posy, free from damage, with the exception of Posy's legs, which were
+so long, they lay outside the church door, and were burned off. When
+they cleared away the ruins, there was a round, black spot on the
+floor, where the village had stood, and the children's hands and
+clothes were wet and grimy.
+
+"Do you think mother will care?" asked Dolly, after they had looked
+solemnly at one another.
+
+"I don't believe she will as long as we did not burn any more,"
+replied Willie, stepping back on the rest of the matches.
+
+They were explosive, and lighted with a snap that made him jump. When
+he saw what he had done, he turned the watering-pot over them, and put
+his foot on it.
+
+"Now they are safe," he cried. "Let us bury the pieces of the
+village."
+
+"No," said Ada. "After I get a carrot for Blackhawk, let us make a
+raft of some of them, and put the rest on, and let them float away on
+the brook."
+
+This was speedily done, and when the little craft had passed the
+boundaries of their garden, Willie proposed they should build a dam,
+and some time he would put up a mill. They were hardly fairly at work
+when Mary called them to dinner.
+
+Willie took the head of the table, and was rather offended that Mary
+did not let him cut the meat.
+
+"At any rate, I'll help the pie," he declared.
+
+Mary prudently cut the pieces before she put it on, and while they
+were eating it, Willie very grandly said,--
+
+"You may go now, Mary."
+
+His mother usually dismissed her at dessert, and Willie wished to have
+all the privileges of the place he occupied. Mary retired with a
+smile, and when the first pieces of pie were disposed of, Willie
+offered the girls a second. It was mince pie, very nice and tempting;
+and though Ada knew a second piece was not generally allowed, she
+thought a holiday might make a difference. Dolly was busy feeding
+Prig,--a brisk Scotch terrier, with large, bright eyes, stiff, rough
+hair, and a tail about two inches long,--and refused.
+
+After dinner they returned to their dam, Ada and Dolly bringing the
+material, and Willie building. But Dolly became dissatisfied, and
+insisted on being allowed to work in the water, while Ada deserted
+altogether, and played with Blackhawk, whom they had let out.
+
+"Dolly," cried Willie, "won't you go to my room and get my hammer? and
+be quick, for I've got to hold this while you are gone."
+
+The dam was nearly finished, and both were much excited with the
+success of their work; for the water had collected in quite a pool
+above, and would soon flow over in a fine fall. Dolly ran, leaving the
+doors open behind her. Back she came, and Willie was carefully
+adjusting the last beam, when Ada shouted,--
+
+"Here's Prig, and Blackhawk's out."
+
+All three started, calling Prig, and running after her and Blackhawk
+in wild confusion. Prig misunderstood their anxiety, and supposing
+they were setting her on the rabbit, joined in the hunt. Poor
+Blackhawk tried to escape, but Prig caught him, gave one shake, and
+the pretty rabbit lay dead.
+
+"O, you wicked dog!" cried Ada, while Willie and Dolly stood quite
+overcome by the misfortune.
+
+Prig saw in a moment she had made a mistake, and when Willie rushed at
+her with uplifted hammer, hid behind the summer-house. With loud grief
+and many tears, the children raised their dead pet, and laid it on a
+bench in the out-house. Its blue eyes were half open, its soft
+black-and-white fur wet and rumpled, and they cried and blamed Prig as
+they tenderly arranged it on the bench. Ada fairly howled, and Bridget
+and Mary ran out to see what was the matter.
+
+"Ay," said Bridget, "and it was Dolly herself left the door open,
+though I told her to shut it."
+
+"I didn't know Prig was there," sobbed Dolly.
+
+"It's all Prig's fault," said Willie, "and I'll kill her."
+
+"No, no," pleaded Dolly, with whom Prig was an especial favorite.
+
+A consultation was held over the bench, and it was finally decided
+that the case should be referred to Mrs. Constant on her return,
+though Willie still vowed vengeance. Prig had crept back, and crouched
+in the doorway; but when the children saw her, they drove her away,
+throwing stones and calling her the worst names they could invent. She
+skulked outside very unhappy, until Willie shut her up in the
+summer-house, while the children spent the rest of the long afternoon
+over their dead rabbit. Dolly tied the Princess Widdlesbee's best blue
+sash about his neck, Willie emptied his toolbox to lay him in, and Ada
+spread her best doll's bed-quilt over him. Then they sat and cried
+together until Dolly started up, and said,--
+
+"There's mother."
+
+The first thing Mrs. Constant heard when she entered the house was the
+cry of,--
+
+"Mother, mother!"
+
+Not with the joyous ring it had in the morning, but with an appeal in
+it which told her some trouble had come which mother could best heal.
+All told the story separately and together, laying Blackhawk on her
+knees, and crying on her shoulder.
+
+"And I'm going to hang Prig for a wicked, bad dog," said Willie, to
+conclude. "She is a murderer!" and he fiercely wiped his tears.
+
+"My dear little boy, I don't think poor Prig was to blame at all."
+
+"O, mother!" cried a mournful chorus.
+
+"No; Dolly left the door open, you all excited her, and I begin to
+think you were having too much of what Willie calls a holiday."
+
+"But it wasn't her holiday, and she's killed Blackhawk. O-o-o!" and
+they all cried again.
+
+Mrs. Constant soothed them, and sympathized.
+
+"Don't cry any more. You will be sick. I would not kill Prig, for then
+she would be gone too, and to-morrow you would be sorry. And besides,
+she was only trying to do as you wanted her to, and following out her
+doggish instinct."
+
+But half convinced, the children went to the summer-house and called
+Prig; but she would not come. Then they drove her out, and as she
+stood trembling before them, reproached her, and raising their arms,
+shouted,--
+
+"Go!"
+
+Prig hesitated a moment, looked from one to another, then with her
+tail between her legs, her hair on end, she uttered an unearthly howl,
+and fled at full speed, crowded under the gate, and disappeared.
+
+The children went to bed early, as Mrs. Constant thought the
+excitement was bad for them, and in the night she was called to the
+little girl's room. Dolly was feverish, and ill with a sore throat,
+and Ada in great pain. They were sick all night, and in the morning
+Mrs. Constant heard about the second piece of pie and Dolly's dam
+building. Her sleeves had been wet all the afternoon, and the grief,
+added to the pie and wet, had made them both ill.
+
+They were not able to go out that day, and Willie buried Blackhawk
+alone, while they watched him sadly from the window. They took their
+last farewell of their pet at the kitchen door, and would have given
+all their yesterday's sport to have helped Willie with the funeral. He
+had meant that Prig should have attended as chief mourner, but she was
+nowhere to be found. No one had seen her since her flight, and for
+days they could find no trace of her. This added to their discomfort;
+for they all loved her, and Ada and Dolly were confined to the house
+for some time, and wanted her to play with them.
+
+About a week after, on a rainy night, Bridget found her at the kitchen
+door, and with great difficulty persuaded her to come in. She was very
+thin and unhappy, and hid from the children, when they, already sorry
+for their harshness, were kind to her, and tried to play with her. It
+was a long time before she was the lively Prig she used to be, and was
+always a little lame in her left fore foot. Something had hurt her in
+those days of absence; and though after a while the children forgot
+their holiday and the consequences, I am afraid poor Prig never did.
+
+ SARA CONANT.
+
+
+
+
+LET HIM LIVE.
+
+
+ When one sees a harmless snake,
+ Lying torpid, scarce awake,
+ On a chilly morning,
+ Is it well his life to take
+ Without leave or warning?
+
+ Pretty brown and yellow snake,
+ Whom the sun doth gently wake
+ In the lap of nature,
+ Here is room for weed and brake--
+ Room for every creature.
+
+ Teach us, Nature, how to love,
+ Not the flower and bird alone,
+ Gracious man and woman--
+ Not the beautiful alone,
+ Whether brute or human.
+
+ Teach us, that we may not wound
+ Even a striped snake on the ground,
+ Sunshine all around him!
+ We will go without a sound--
+ Leave him as we found him.
+
+ MARY R. WHITTLESEY.
+
+
+
+
+MONKEYS.
+
+
+Before the advent of man, and with him civilization, monkeys were
+spread over a much larger portion of the earth than at present. They
+lived in the south of Europe, in England, and in France. Except a few
+of the Paviane, those of the present time are found only in warm
+climates, and are very sensitive to cold.
+
+Monkeys belong to the liveliest and most active of the mammalia. As
+everything eatable is acceptable to them, there is always something to
+catch, to dig, to gather--insects, fruits, roots, nuts, succulent
+herbs, buds, leaves, eggs, &c.
+
+Many stories are told about the orang-outang, or pongo, an inhabitant
+of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It is the largest of the apes,
+being, in some cases, seven feet high.
+
+Vosmarin, a Hollander, kept a tamed pongo for a long time. He says,
+"My pongo had rather a sad and downcast look, but was gentle and
+affectionate, and very fond of society, preferring those persons who
+busied themselves about it. Once it seized a bottle of Malaga,
+uncorked it, brought the wine to a secure place, recorked the bottle,
+and set it back again. This monkey was very fond of roasted and boiled
+meats, and sucked eggs with great delight; however it preferred fruits
+to all other food. After drinking, it was in the habit of wiping its
+mouth with the back of the hand, as men sometimes do, and it generally
+used a toothpick. It made great preparations before going to sleep,
+shaking the hay for its bed, and making a bundle for a pillow; it
+covered itself with any cloth or garment it could find.
+
+"Seeing me unlock a door, it observed very attentively, then put a
+piece of wood in the keyhole, and tried to turn it round. Having been
+scratched by a cat with which it was playing, it could never be
+induced to touch pussy again. It untied knots easily, and regularly
+practised upon the shoes of those who came near. It could lift very
+heavy burdens, and made as good use of its hind as of its fore legs;
+for example, if it could not reach a thing with the fore hands, it lay
+on its back, and drew the object with the hind ones. It never cried
+except when left alone. At first the crying resembled the howling of a
+dog, then it became rougher, and at last resembled the noise of a
+wood-saw. It died of consumption."
+
+Jeffries tells of an orang-outang which was very neat; it frequently
+washed the floor with a cloth, after carrying away all remnants of
+food. It also washed its face and hands like a man. This animal was
+very affectionate towards all who spoke kindly, and often kissed its
+owner and waiter.
+
+[Illustration: THE MONKEY.]
+
+The chimpanzee is more like man, in shape, than any other animal. It
+is from four to five feet high; is found in the west part of Africa.
+Its strength is astonishing; one chimpanzee can break off branches of
+trees which two men cannot bend. It is kind and amiable, and very
+teachable. Captain Grantpret speaks of a chimpanzee, which he had on
+board ship, as follows: "It worked with the sailors, casting anchor,
+reefing sails, &c., and doing its full share of work faithfully. The
+ship's baker depended upon it to heat the oven, which it did with
+wonderful care and exactness, never letting the coals fall, and ever
+getting the right heat. It made a peculiar motion to show that the
+oven was ready, and the baker, fully confiding in its judgment, was
+not disappointed. The sailors were very fond of it, and treated it as
+a companion; but the pilot, a cruel, heartless man, abused the animal,
+despite its pitiful looks and gestures, as it placed its hand upon its
+heart, and then stretched it towards him, to tell the pain it felt.
+However, it did not resent his continued ill-treatment, but refused
+to take any nourishment; five days after it died of hunger and a
+broken heart. The sailors bemoaned its loss as that of a companion."
+
+We read of another chimpanzee, which sat at table, ate with knife,
+fork, and spoon, drank from a wine-glass, used a napkin, put sugar
+into a cup, poured out tea, stirred it with a spoon, and sipped from
+the cup until cool enough to drink.
+
+A sick monkey is truly a pitiable object; it sits quiet and sad, and
+its look, as it seems to beg for help, in its distress, is almost
+human. The nearer it approaches its end, the gentler and milder it
+becomes; losing in its animal, it seems to gain in its spiritual
+nature. It perceives a benefactor in its attending physician, and
+thankfully acknowledges his kindness. If it has been relieved by
+bleeding, it invariably stretches out its arm at the doctor's
+approach, as if desiring to be bled again.
+
+ L. B. U.
+
+
+
+
+MY MOTHER'S STORIES.
+
+
+I recall a little verse my mother taught me one summer twilight,
+which, she remarked, she had taught the older children when they were
+little like me. It was this:--
+
+"HAVE COMMUNION WITH FEW, BE INTIMATE WITH ONE, DEAL JUSTLY BY ALL,
+AND SPEAK EVIL OF NONE."
+
+And then she added cheerfully, "It took some time to get your brother
+to repeat it correctly; he would say _untimate_ for intimate, and
+_justless_ instead of justly. But he learned it correctly at last,
+and, I may add, has never forgotten it." So with amusement were
+mother's good instructions blended; after the pleasant story about my
+brother's childhood it was impossible to forget the text.
+
+But, alas, I have never taught it to my children; so many papers,
+books, and magazines made expressly for children of this generation,
+hasten the lighting of the evening lamp, and the twilight lessons of
+home become fewer. But in them all, I never read a more comprehensive
+paragraph, and one that would do to put in practice in every
+particular so thoroughly, and I hope if it gets into print, not only
+my children, but those of other households, will commit it to memory,
+imbibe its spirit, and put it in practice through life.
+
+ E. E.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: SAILING THE BOATS.]
+
+SAILING THE BOATS.
+
+
+ Ho! the jolly sailors,
+ Lounging into port!
+ Heave ahead, my hearties--
+ That's your lively sort!
+ Splendid sky above us,
+ Merrily goes the gale.
+ Stand by to launch away
+ Rag and paper sail!
+
+ Archie owns a schooner,
+ Jack a man-o'-war,
+ Joe a clipper A 1
+ Named the Morning Star;
+ Charlie sails a match-box,
+ Dignified a yawl;
+ Breakers on the lee shore--
+ Look out for a squall!
+
+ Now we're bound for China--
+ That's across the pond;
+ When we go a-cruising
+ Many a mile beyond.
+ Man-o'-war is watching
+ A rakish-looking craft--
+ Kerchunk! goes a bullfrog
+ From his rushy raft.
+
+ There's a fleet of lilies
+ We go scudding round,--
+ Bumblebees for sailors,--
+ And they're fast aground.
+ Here's a drowning fly
+ In her satin dress.
+ All hands, about ship!
+ Signals of distress.
+
+ Argosies of childhood,
+ Laden down with joys,
+ Gunwale-deep with treasures!
+ Happy sailor boys,
+ May your merry ventures
+ All their harbors win,
+ And upon life's stormy sea
+ Every ship come in.
+
+ GEORGE COOPER.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The wasp trying to get to Harry's pudding}]
+
+IT TAKES TWO TO MAKE A QUARREL.
+
+A STORY FOR OUR YOUNGEST READERS.
+
+
+How Harry Marshall had reckoned upon that piece of currant-pudding!
+The farmer's wife, whose name was Jolly (and a very fit name for her
+it was), had promised him a plateful for dinner, because he had taken
+such good care of her pet brood of chickens while she had been away
+from Elm Tree Farm on a visit.
+
+Harry was a farmer's lad, ten years old, tall and stout for his age,
+and able to do a great many more things than some city boys of
+fourteen. He could ride and drive, keep the stable in order, and even
+handle a plough. Nor was he a dunce; for, thanks to an evening school,
+which some of his Sunday teachers had opened in the village, he had
+learned to read and write very fairly. He had a comfortable place at
+farmer Jolly's; but there was plenty of work to do, and the food was
+plain, though he always had enough; so he did not get pudding every
+day. No wonder, then, that he should go to bed and dream about that
+particular currant-pudding of which I am writing. You must not suppose
+that this was made with such "currants" as are put into a _Christmas_
+pudding; they are only small _grapes_. No; it was a real
+currant-pudding, full of nice red fruit and juice, enough to make your
+mouth water.
+
+The long morning's work was at last over, and Harry, nothing loath,
+hastened in and took his place at the side table in the kitchen, where
+he usually sat. His plate of meat and potatoes was soon cleared, for
+the boy's appetite had been sharpened by several hours in the fields.
+
+"And now, Harry," said Martha, the servant, "here's your pudding, and
+a nice piece it is; but you mustn't be long about it, for John and
+Peter will want you back in the field; they have been gone this half
+hour." So saying, Martha placed the longed-for treat before Harry, and
+went out to attend to some work in the farm-yard.
+
+Just at that moment a wasp, who had grown tired of buzzing about the
+peaches in the garden, and trying in vain to get at them (for Peter
+had covered them with network), peeped in at the window with one of
+his many eyes, and, spying Master Harry's pudding, thought, I suppose,
+that he should like a share. So, without waiting to be invited, he
+flew in with a loud hum, and made straight for the table, just as
+Harry had stuck his fork into the first piece of crust.
+
+Now, our farmer's boy, though he liked pudding, did not like wasps,
+which he fancied were always ready to sting; and being himself rather
+hasty in temper, he at once declared war against the little intruder.
+First he hit at it with his knife, but without success; and then with
+his fork, but only with this result--that the pudding, instead of
+going into Harry's mouth, flew under the grate among the ashes, while
+the wasp seemed to be humming a song of defiance.
+
+Harry grew red in the face, and vowed vengeance against "the nasty
+thing;" but "the nasty thing" would not come and be killed. Seizing a
+large wooden pudding spoon, which lay close at hand, Harry jumped on
+one of the wooden chairs and aimed a desperate blow at the poor
+insect. But Yellow-band was too sharp for him, and Harry, losing his
+balance, fell down with a thump on the sanded floor, while his weapon,
+spinning across the kitchen, came in contact with one of Mrs. Jolly's
+basins, and brought it down with a crash. In rushed Martha in a
+fright, and, worse still, farmer Jolly's round, good-natured face
+appeared close behind.
+
+"Bless the boy," cried Martha, "what have you been up to now?"
+
+"Why--why," said Harry, rubbing his shoulder and looking ruefully at
+the broken china, "it was all that horrid wasp."
+
+"And why couldn't you leave the wasp alone?" retorted Martha, angrily,
+as she picked up some of the pieces.
+
+"Ay, boy," said farmer Jolly, "why couldn't you leave the wasp alone,
+eh? Why couldn't you leave it alone?" he repeated, catching Harry by
+the arm with a grip that made him wince.
+
+"Please, sir--please, sir," stammered the boy, "I thought the
+nasty--the wasp I mean--was going to sting me."
+
+"Stuff and nonsense," replied the farmer; "if you don't interfere with
+the wasps, the wasps won't interfere with you. How often have I told
+you that _it takes two to make a quarrel_? Now you have wasted your
+time, spoiled your dinner, and done mischief; so you had better be off
+to your work, and Martha will put the pudding away till to-morrow."
+
+Harry hastened out, looking very foolish, and feeling very much
+disappointed. "I wish I'd left the wasp alone," he said to himself;
+"then I shouldn't have lost the pudding. The farmer says, 'It takes
+two to make a quarrel,' and I suppose it does. At that rate we needn't
+quarrel at all, unless we like. I'll think about that, so I will." And
+so he did; and when he felt inclined to quarrel, not only with wasps,
+but with boys, he checked himself by calling to mind farmer Jolly's
+words.
+
+And I am of opinion that, if the boys and girls who read this story
+would remember it too, they would escape many unpleasant and
+disagreeable things, and be more likely to have a really happy year.
+For a far wiser Teacher than farmer Jolly once said, "Blessed (or
+happy) are the peacemakers."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Suvaroff makes a speech to some of his soldiers}]
+
+A GOOD WORD NOT LOST.
+
+
+Field-marshal Alexander Suvaroff, the commander-in-chief of the
+Russian army during the reigns of Catharine II. and Paul I., was
+especially fond of mixing with the common soldiers, and sharing in
+their sports and conversations, being always highly delighted when his
+men failed to discover him; and this happened pretty often, for,
+thanks to his small stature and ugly face, as well as the extreme
+plainness of his dress, the great marshal looked as little like a
+general as any man could do. In this way he got to understand
+thoroughly the character of his soldiers, and had a greater power over
+them than any Russian general before or after him. His marvellous
+power of enduring fatigue, his insensibility to heat, cold, or hunger,
+and his untiring energy on the field of battle (in all which points he
+surpassed the hardiest of his grenadiers), made him the idol of the
+rough soldiers whom he commanded; and a word of reproof from Father
+Alexander Vasilievitch, as his men affectionately called him, was more
+dreaded than the fire of a battery.
+
+Before one of his Italian campaigns, Suvaroff gathered together a
+number of his best men, and made them one of the short pithy speeches
+for which he was famous, and some of which are remembered among the
+peasantry to this day:--
+
+"My children, we are going to fight the French. Remember, whatever you
+meet, _you must go forward_. If the enemy resist, kill them; but if
+they yield, spare them; and always remember that a Russian soldier is
+not a robber, but a Christian. Now, go and tell your comrades what I
+have said!"
+
+A few days later a great battle took place, in which the day went
+against the French, who began to retreat about sunset; and a soldier
+named Ivan Mitrophanoff, who had distinguished himself by his bravery
+throughout the whole day, captured, with the help of a comrade who was
+with him, a French officer and two of his men. Mitrophanoff bound up
+the officer's wounded arm, and seeing that the prisoners appeared
+faint from want of food, shared with them the coarse rye loaf which
+was to have served him for supper. He had scarcely done so, when up
+came three or four Russian grenadiers, hot with fighting, and raising
+furious cries.
+
+"What," cried they, "three of these French dogs living yet!" and they
+ran upon the prisoners with levelled bayonets.
+
+"Hold, my lads!" cried Mitrophanoff. "I've given them their lives, and
+no one must touch them now!"
+
+But the soldiers would not listen to him, and were rushing forward,
+when a stern voice from behind shouted, "Halt!" and a little,
+pugnosed, dirty-faced man, dressed only in a coarse linen shirt and a
+pair of tattered gray trousers, stepped into the circle. But, ragged
+and dirty as he was, the fierce soldiers could not have looked more
+frightened had he been a giant in full armor.
+
+"The general!" muttered they, slinking off.
+
+"Ay, the general!" roared Suvaroff, "who will have some of you shot
+presently, if you can't learn to obey orders better! And you," he
+added, turning to Mitrophanoff, "who taught you to be so good?"
+
+"Your highness' own self taught me," answered the grenadier. "I
+haven't forgotten what you told us last week--that a Russian soldier
+is not a robber, but a Christian!"
+
+"Right!" exclaimed Suvaroff, with a brightening face. "A good word is
+never lost, you see. Give me your hand, my lad; you shall be a
+sergeant to-morrow, and a right good one you'll make!"
+
+And the next day he made good his word.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+PONTO.
+
+
+Our dog Ponto is a knowing old fellow. It is as good as a show to
+watch him sometimes. He has one quality that most of us might seek
+after with advantage--that is, a will to overcome difficulties that
+scarcely anything can hinder. If Ponto takes it into his head to do
+anything, he is pretty sure to succeed. What helps his dogship is the
+faculty of imitation. He is like a monkey in this, only a great deal
+more sensible than any monkey I ever heard tell of. You never catch
+him venturing upon unknown danger, or making himself ridiculous,
+because his human friends and companions choose to step aside from the
+ways of safety and respectability.
+
+One day, a few years ago, Ponto was missing. He had been about as
+usual during the morning, but all at once disappeared. A neighbor told
+us that he had seen him fighting with the butcher's dog about noon,
+and that he was getting the worst of it. I went over to the butcher's
+during the afternoon, and the butcher's boy confirmed the neighbor's
+story. Ponto had come over there for a fight, as the boy said, and
+"got more than he bargained for."
+
+"He'll not try it again very soon, I'm thinking," added the boy, with
+a malicious pleasure.
+
+"Do you know where he is now?" I asked.
+
+"Home, I suppose. He went off that way, limping," answered the boy.
+
+"Was he much hurt?"
+
+"Considerable, I guess."
+
+I went back home, but no one had seen Ponto. I was beginning to feel
+anxious about the dog, when he was found in one of the third-story
+rooms, snugly covered up in bed, with his head on the pillow. On
+turning down the clothes a sight met our eyes. The sheets were all
+stained with blood, and the poor dog, hurt and exhausted, looked as
+helpless and pitiful as any human being.
+
+[Illustration: PONTO.]
+
+I will not tell you of all the wounds he had received. There were a
+great many of them, and some quite severe. "A good lesson for him," we
+all said. And it proved so, for he was a little more careful after
+that how he got into a fight.
+
+A few months before, I had been thrown from a wagon and badly hurt--so
+much so that I was confined to bed for a week. Ponto was with me at
+the time of the accident, and on my arrival at home followed me into
+the house and up to the chamber where I was taken. He watched every
+movement as I was laid in bed, and then sat down with his eyes on my
+pale face, regarding me with such looks of pity and interest that I
+was touched and surprised.
+
+When Ponto's turn came, he remembered the comfortable way in which I
+had been cared for, and profited by what he had seen. But his
+mistress, while she pitied the poor animal, did not fancy having her
+spare bedroom turned into a dog-hospital; and so we removed him to an
+out-house and made him as comfortable there as possible.
+
+One cold winter evening Ponto was absent from his accustomed place in
+the hall, where he slept on a mat. The wind was high and there was a
+confusion of sounds outside.
+
+"Hark!" said one.
+
+We all listened.
+
+"I thought I heard a knock at the hall door."
+
+"Only the wind," was replied.
+
+"Yes; there it is again."
+
+We all heard two distinct knocks, given quickly one after the other.
+
+I arose, and going into the hall went to the front door and opened it.
+As I did so Ponto bounded in past me, gave two or three short, glad
+barks, and then paid his boisterous respects to the family in the
+sitting-room. I waited a moment, and then stepped out to see who had
+lifted the knocker, but found no one. Ponto had done it himself, as we
+had proof enough afterward; for ever since that time he has used the
+knocker as regularly as any two-legged member of the family.
+
+I could tell you stories for a whole evening about Ponto, but these
+two must answer for the present.
+
+
+
+
+BRUIN AT A MAPLE-SUGAR PARTY.
+
+
+One evening near the first of April, three years ago this spring, I
+was making my way the best I could down from the west branch of the
+Penobscot River towards the plantation of Nikertou. (Up in Maine they
+call an unincorporated town a plantation. Down south the word has a
+different meaning.) How and why I came to be in that wild section, at
+the hour of twilight, may need a word in explanation.
+
+A month previously I had been sent up to the "Head of Chesuncook" from
+Bangor, by the lumbering firm of which my uncle was a member, to pay
+off one of their "gangs," which made the "head" of that lake a sort of
+depot and place of rendezvous.
+
+Both going up and coming back as far as the foot of Lake Pemadumcook,
+I had had with me, as guide and armed protector, an old hunter named
+Hughy Clives. But on getting down to the foot of this lake, and within
+six or eight miles of Nikertou, old Hughy had been seized with a
+sudden desire to leave me and to go to Millinocket Lake in quest of
+otters; and so giving me my "course" for Nikertou, he had bidden me
+"good luck," and again started northward.
+
+It was a warm, spring-like afternoon, though the snow in that region
+still lay to the depth of three or four feet; but on my snow-shoes I
+didn't mind the depth; the main thing was to keep out of the brush and
+the dense hemlock and cedar thickets.
+
+It was about two o'clock when I left the river; and I had expected to
+get down to the little "settlement" by sunset. But the sun went below
+the distant spruce-clad ridges, and dusk fell, with as yet no signs of
+a "clearing." Had I lost my way? My little pocket-compass said I was
+all right--if Hughy had given me a correct course; and I had all
+confidence in the old man too. Still, as the twilight deepened around
+me, with the unbroken forest stretching drearily ahead, I began to
+feel rather uneasy; especially as (since parting with Hughy and his
+rifle) I had no weapon save a jack-knife and a little pocket-pistol I
+had brought along with me from Bangor--not very effective arms in case
+a catamount should take it into his head to drop down upon me from a
+tree-top, or a big black bear to step out from behind one of those low
+hemlocks, or even a cross old "lucivee" to rush out from some of those
+thick cedar clumps. For thoughts of these things had begun to pop into
+my mind. I was but seventeen then, and hadn't quite outgrown my fear
+of the dark. And thus plodding timorously onward, thinking on many
+things injurious to a boy's courage, I had begun to think I should
+have to make a night of it there, somewhere, when the red gleam of a
+fire, from the crest of the ridge before me, suddenly burst out on the
+darkness, banishing all my fears. For a fire, whether in a hunter's
+camp or a farm-house window, is good evidence of man's presence, with
+food and shelter--the two great wants of the belated.
+
+[Illustration: {The bear invades the sugar party camp}]
+
+Hurrying on, I made my way up the slope. The fire seemed to be in the
+open air, among trees--a woodman's camp probably; and, knowing that
+these men are sometimes a little _ticklish_ about having strangers
+come too suddenly into their night camps, I halted, while yet at some
+distance, for a good look ahead.
+
+There seemed to be several large kettles, slung with chains from a
+"lug-pole" supported by strong crotched stakes at each end--a
+circumstance which struck me as a little odd at a hunting-fire. No one
+was in sight, though a sort of half shelter of hemlock might contain
+the campers. Whatever they were, it would be well to hail them. So,
+calling in my breath, I gave a loud "hullo."
+
+Two dusky figures rose from the shelter, and looked out towards me
+into the darkness.
+
+"Hullo!" I repeated; and in response heard a clear boyish voice
+exclaiming,--
+
+"Who's there?"
+
+"Belated tramper."
+
+"Well, walk up, Mr. Tramper, where we can see what you are."
+
+I moved up to be seen, and on my part saw a couple of youngsters, of
+about my own age, who were tending what turned out to be a
+sugar-camp.
+
+"Where from?" demanded the taller of the two.
+
+"Head of Chesuncook. Going to Bangor. Can I stay here to-night?"
+
+"Of course you can. Had any supper?"
+
+"Not a mouthful."
+
+"Something left--wasn't there, Zeke?" said he, turning to his comrade,
+who was now pouring cold sap into the "heater."
+
+"Enough for one, I guess," said Zeke; and, taking a bucket and a
+wooden bowl from under the hemlock, he produced a slab of johnny-cake
+from the former, and, pouring out something like a quart of maple
+sirup into the latter, bade me "go ahead."
+
+I did so without further invitation, and never made a better supper,
+the programme being to dip the bread into the sirup, mouthful by
+mouthful.
+
+The boys were now preparing their night's wood.
+
+There had been, they said, "an excellent run of sap" during the last
+few days. The kettles were kept boiling day and night, steadily. It
+was truly a wild scene. Clouds of steam gushed up from the surging
+kettles; and the fires gleamed brighter as the darkness deepened,
+while all about us seemed a wall of blackness. But my long tramp had
+thoroughly tired me down, and my recollections of the remainder of the
+evening are a little drowsy, though I learned in the course of it that
+the names of the two youthful sugar-makers, upon whose camp I had
+stumbled, were Zeke Murch and Sam Bubar; and I also helped to take off
+a large kettle of hot sirup, which we set in a snow-drift, two or
+three rods from the fire, to cool. This done, I was soon asleep,
+rolled up in an old coverlet, and knew very little till, hearing
+voices, I opened my eyes to the fact that the sun was staring me in
+the face from over the eastward ridge, as if surprised at my sloth.
+
+Hastily unrolling myself, I saw Sam and Zeke out at the kettle we had
+set in the snow, pointing and excitedly discussing something.
+
+"Old scamp!" exclaimed Zeke. "What work he's made here!"
+
+"All this sugar gone--spoiled!" cried Sam.
+
+"What is it?" said I, going out to them. "What's the matter?"
+
+"Why," said Sam, turning and laughing in spite of his vexation,
+"something has _guzzled_ up 'most the whole of this 'honey' we set out
+here last night. Only see there!"
+
+The kettle, which must have held several pailfuls, was nearly empty;
+and what was left hadn't a very inviting look certainly.
+
+"What in the world ate all that?" cried I.
+
+"Well--a bear, we expect," said Zeke. "There's been one hanging round
+here for several nights. We heard him _hoot out_, down in the swamp,
+ever so many times, after you had gone to sleep last night. Didn't
+think he'd come up so near the fire, though. But we both got to sleep
+a little while after midnight. I suppose he must have _lushed_ up the
+sirup then."
+
+"Tremendous fellow, too," said Sam. "Look at those tracks!"
+
+Tracks indeed! There in the snow about the kettle were his broad, deep
+footmarks, long as a man's boot, and much wider, pressed down, too,
+into the snow, as only great weight could have pressed.
+
+"Gracious!" exclaimed I, "you wouldn't have caught me going to sleep
+here if I had known there was such a monster as that round!"
+
+"Rather lucky, I think," said Zeke, "that he didn't take it into his
+head to _top off_ his sirup with some of us."
+
+"And I'm mad, too," continued Zeke. "We were depending on this kittle
+of sirup for our party to-night."
+
+"Your party?"
+
+"Yes; we've invited a lot of the boys--and girls, too--to come up here
+this evening, to make 'sheep-skins.' You'll stay--won't you? We were
+going to ask you."
+
+"Don't know," said I, still thinking of the bear.
+
+"O, I don't think he'll meddle with us," said Sam, guessing at my
+hesitation. "I'm going down to get some _fixins_, and shall bring up a
+gun. If he calls again, he may get a dose of buckshot."
+
+No one is apt to be a great coward after the sun is up. Thus
+reassured, I concluded to stop to the party, for which the boys were
+intending to make a great preparation.
+
+"Let's do the thing up in style now," said Sam.
+
+We went at it. First we cut low, shrubby evergreens, hemlocks mostly,
+and with these made a sort of enclosure, some four rods in diameter,
+around the kettles, by planting them in the snow. Then clipping off an
+immense quantity of smaller boughs, we strewed the snow inside the
+enclosure with these. We thus had a sort of green room (without any
+roof), in the centre of which steamed the boiling kettles; and at the
+entrance, or doorway, we made a grand arch of cedar. For seats we
+rolled in "four-foot" cuts from the trunk of a large poplar they had
+lately felled, first splitting off a slab from the side of each to
+form a seat, which we cushioned with cedar.
+
+Meanwhile another kettle of sirup was boiling down to supply the place
+of that the bear had drank; and filling some fifteen or twenty
+sap-buckets with clean snow, crowded down hard to make the
+"sheep-skins" on, we were ready for our company.
+
+It was nearly night before all this had been completed. Sam had been
+down to the "settlement" and brought up a quantity of bread to go with
+our honey; and I was glad to see that he hadn't forgotten the gun;
+for, as night began to close in again, I couldn't help remembering the
+great tracks out there in the snow-drift. As it grew dark and the fire
+began to shine on the green boughs, our scenery looked even better
+than by daylight; and for beacons to our incoming guests, we fixed
+torches of pitch-wood upon stakes thrust into the snow around our
+camp, and at several points out in the woods, like lamp-posts in a
+town.
+
+"Quite a show," said Sam, surveying the preparation. "How changed and
+odd it makes it look all about!"
+
+Ere long voices began to be heard coming up through the woods,--merry
+shouts and hails,--to which the boys responded, bidding them hurry,
+and promising a big "sheep-skin" to the one who first got up there.
+
+A chorus of merry cries and laughter followed this announcement; and
+in a few moments a racing, panting crowd of a dozen boys and girls
+came up in sight, and poured under the arch--sturdy lads, and lasses
+in red frocks and checked aprons. And here be it said that a girl--a
+certain rosy Nell Ridley--won the sheep-skin by being the first under
+the archway. But the others were not far behind, and in another moment
+our green arena was swarming with the young folks.
+
+Though a stranger, I soon found myself acquainted and on the best of
+terms with everybody. Sheep-skins were now being run by the dozen, the
+process being to pour hot sirup upon the cold, hard-pressed snow in
+the buckets, where it instantly cooled, becoming tough and of the
+color of sheep-skin. And if one has a "sweet tooth," nothing among all
+the "sugars" can compare with a maple sheep-skin.
+
+We all had _sweet teeth_ there, and were in the midst of a furious
+romp around the kettles in chase of Nell, whom some one had accused of
+appropriating "the great one," when somebody suddenly cried,--
+
+"Hark!"
+
+There was an instant hush; when clear on the evening air there came a
+wild cry--a long, quavering "Hoo-oo-oo."
+
+"Bear! A bear!" exclaimed several of the boys, to whom bruin's nightly
+cries were but familiar sounds. But save that a few of the girls
+looked a little startled, no one seemed to be much alarmed. I saw Zeke
+looking to the priming of the old gun, though; and for a while we were
+pretty whist, listening; but the cry, which had seemed at a
+considerable distance, was not repeated. Indeed, in the merriment
+which soon succeeded, the most of us had entirely forgotten it, I
+think. At least we were all in the midst of another scrimmage over the
+"last biscuit," when a loud snort, like that of a startled horse, a
+sort of "woof! woof!" accompanied by a great rustling in our evergreen
+hedge, startled us; and turning, we saw--I shall never forget the
+sight--an enormous black creature coming through our _fence_, with all
+the independence of a sole proprietor! Of course, as Zeke afterwards
+expressed it, "if _he_ was _coming in_, we wanted to _go out_."
+
+The girls were not of the fainting sort; but they did scream some, and
+we all sprang away like cats through the opposite side of the hedge.
+The gun had been left standing near the place where the bear had
+broken in, and was not to be got at, of course. But, catching out my
+pistol, as we scrambled through the hemlock, I discharged it at the
+old fellow, hitting him, I guess; for he growled and came straight
+after me. 'Twas no time to be loitering. Down the slope we all ran
+together, slumping and sprawling full length in the soft snow! Up and
+on again, knocking out spiles and kicking over sap-buckets, bumping
+and grazing ourselves against the rough bark of the maples; for it was
+pitch dark in the woods. But on we went for dear life, expecting every
+moment to feel the bear's teeth or claws from behind. At first I had a
+sort of impression that we boys should have to wait and put ourselves
+between the girls and the bear; but I soon found I had all I could do
+to keep up with them. Such girls to run I never saw before! And we
+never stopped till, at a distance of a mile below, the forest opened
+out into a cleared field.
+
+There we began to discover that the bear was not after us, and
+gradually came to a halt. After getting breath, however, we kept
+on--at a little slower pace, though--down to the "corners," where,
+after seeing the girls to their respective dwellings, guns were
+procured, and, rallying out Mr. Bubar and Mr. Murch, senior, with
+several other men, we all started back to hunt up the bear. Going
+quietly up through the woods, we cautiously approached to a point
+where the gap we had made in rushing out of our enclosure enabled us
+to see what was going on inside; and there by the firelight we beheld
+the bear sitting cosily before the coals, and gazing wistfully into
+the boiling kettles. He had probably found them too hot for his use.
+
+Raising their guns, the men all fired together--a murderous volley of
+bullets and buckshot. Rearing upon his haunches with a sullen growl,
+old bruin glared around a moment, then fell over backwards, and, with
+a few dying kicks and groans, was dead. And this was the end of Bruin
+and the maple-sugar party.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT.]
+
+THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT.
+
+
+There is not the least difficulty in distinguishing the Asiatic from
+the African elephant. The ears of the former are comparatively small,
+only reaching a little below the eyes, while the ears of the African
+species are of enormous dimensions, actually crossing on the back of
+the neck, drooping far below the chin, and extending beyond the
+shoulder-blade. Generally, the ears are laid so flatly against the
+neck, that they seem almost to form part of the skin of the head and
+shoulders; but when the creature is suddenly roused, the ears are
+thrown forward, and stand out so boldly, that they look more like
+wings than ears. Towards the lower part the ears form themselves into
+slight folds, which are not without some degree of elegance.
+
+The end of the trunk also differs from that of the Asiatic species. In
+that animal a kind of finger projects from the upper part of the
+extremity; but in the African species the end of the trunk is split so
+far, that the two lobes act as opposable fingers, and serve to grasp
+any object which the animal desires to hold. This structure can easily
+be seen by offering the animal a piece of biscuit. The forehead, too,
+affords another means of distinction, being convex in the African, and
+flat or slightly concave in the Asiatic.
+
+Another very decided difference lies in the teeth. These enormous
+engines of mastication are made up of a number of flat plates laid
+side by side, and composed of enamel and bone. In the Asiatic species
+these plates are nearly oval in form, and may be imitated by taking a
+piece of cardboard, rolling it into a tube, and then pressing it until
+it is nearly flat. But in the African species these plates are of a
+diamond shape, and may be rudely imitated by taking the same
+cardboard tube, and squeezing it nearly flat at each end, leaving the
+centre to project. In consequence of these distinctions, several
+systematic zooelogists have thought that the African elephant ought to
+be placed in a separate genus, and have therefore called it _Loxodonta
+Africana_, the former of these words signifying "oblique-toothed." I
+think, however, that there are no real grounds for such a change, and
+that the genus Elephas is amply sufficient for both species.
+
+The enormous ears of the African elephant are not without their use to
+the hunter, who finds in them an invaluable aid in repairing damages
+to his wagons and guns. Even if a gun-stock be smashed,--an accident
+which is of no very unfrequent occurrence in South African hunting,--a
+large piece of elephant's ear, put on while fresh and wet, and allowed
+to dry in the sun, sets matters right again, and binds the fragments
+together as if they were enclosed in iron. Sometimes the ear seems to
+be a protection to the animal; for it is so tough and strong, despite
+its pliability, that the hunter will occasionally find several bullets
+lodged in the ear, which have not been able to penetrate through a
+substance at once tough and flexible.
+
+This species is of a thirsty nature, so that wherever elephant paths
+are seen, the hunter knows that he is not very far from water of some
+kind. And as elephants have a fashion of travelling in Indian file, it
+is easy enough to trace their footsteps, and so to find the water. The
+animals go to drink in the evening, as do many other wild beasts, and
+the quantity which they consume is enormous. They go close to the
+water's edge, insert the end of the trunk into the liquid, draw it up
+until the two nostril-tubes are full, turn the end of the trunk into
+the mouth, and then discharge the contents into the stomach. When
+satiated, they amuse themselves for a while by blowing water all over
+their bodies, and then retrace their steps to the forest glades whence
+they came.
+
+The enormous quantity of water which they carry home within them has a
+rather curious effect. At tolerably regular intervals a loud, rumbling
+sound is heard, much resembling the "glug-glug" produced by pouring
+wine out of a bottle, and lasting a few seconds. Were it not for this
+phenomenon, the hunters would meet with far less success than at
+present is the case. When hiding from a foe, the elephant can remain
+motionless, so that not a cracking stick nor a rustling leaf betrays
+its presence. But it cannot prevent this periodical rumbling; and
+accordingly, when a hunter is in the bush after elephants, he sits
+down every few minutes, and waits, in order to catch the sound which
+tells him that elephants are near. Even in the semi-domesticated
+specimens at the London Zooelogical Gardens, this sound is easily to be
+heard.
+
+The African elephant is more hunted than the Asiatic species, and
+affords better sport and greater profit to the hunter. It seems to be
+a fiercer, more active, and probably a more cunning animal, and, owing
+to the character of the country through which it ranges, it seems to
+be of a more nomad disposition. The chase of the African elephant
+appears to exercise a kind of fascination over its votaries, like the
+chase of the chamois among the Swiss mountaineers; and when a hunter
+has fairly settled down to the business, he cannot tear himself away
+from it without exercising great self-denial. Perhaps few sports are
+encompassed with greater difficulties and dangers, or involve greater
+hardships; and yet the wild, free, roving life has such charms, that
+even a highly-educated European can scarcely make up his mind to
+return to civilization.
+
+In the first place, elephant hunting is not, as are many sports, an
+expensive amusement. On the contrary, a hunter who possesses a
+sufficiency of skill, courage, and endurance will be able not only to
+cover his expenses, but to pay himself handsomely for his trouble.
+There is certainly a very large expenditure at the outset; for a
+hunter will need two wagons, with a whole drove of oxen, several good
+and seasoned horses, a small arsenal of guns, with ammunition to
+match, provisions for a lengthened period, and plenty of beads and
+other articles which can be bartered for ivory. Moreover, a number of
+native servants must be kept, and the amount of meat which they
+consume daily is almost appalling.
+
+Then there are always great losses to be counted upon. The cattle get
+among the dread Tzetse flies, and die off in a few hours; the horses
+catch the "paardsikte" (a kind of murrain), or tumble into pitfalls;
+wagons break down, servants run away with guns, native chiefs detain
+the wagons for weeks, together with a host of minor drawbacks. Still,
+if a man is worthy of the name of hunter, and boldly faces these
+difficulties, he will pay himself well, provided that his health holds
+out--there are so many valuable articles to be brought from Southern
+Africa, such as the horns and furs of animals, the skins of birds,
+ostrich feathers, and ivory.
+
+The teeth of the elephant, too, are valuable, and are made into
+various articles of use and ornament. A set of knife-handles made of
+elephant's tooth is sometimes to be seen, and I have now before me an
+excellent specimen of a knife-handle, which shows the alternate rows
+of enamel and bone in a very striking manner, and is certainly a much
+handsomer article than a handle made of simple ivory.
+
+[Illustration: THE ELEPHANT.]
+
+The elephant is, indeed, one of the most eccentric of animals. There
+is no possibility of calculating upon it, and nothing but experience
+can serve a hunter when measuring his own intellect against the
+elephant's cunning. The scent or sight of a human being at the
+distance of a mile will send a herd of powerful male elephants on
+their travels, the huge creatures preferring to travel for many miles
+rather than meet a man. Yet, when assailed, there is scarcely any
+animal which is more to be dreaded. It forgets fear, and, filled with
+blind rage, it will chase an armed man in spite of his rifle, and will
+continue to charge him until it dies.
+
+It will engage in deadly battle with its own species, or with the
+mail-clad rhinoceros, and yet will run away at the barking of a little
+dog. There was a curious instance some years ago, when an elephant
+that was travelling in America went mad, escaped from its keeper
+during the night, and traversed the country for miles, doing great
+damage. It broke carts to pieces, killed the horses, and was trying to
+force its way into a barn where another horse had taken refuge, when
+it was checked by a bull-dog, which flew at the huge animal, bit its
+legs, and worried it so thoroughly, that the elephant, mad as it was,
+fairly ran away. Indeed, nothing seems to cast this gigantic animal
+into such a state of perplexity as the noisy attacks of a little,
+cross-tempered, insolent, yapping terrier. The elephant cannot
+understand it, and gets into such a state of nervous irritation, that
+it never thinks of running away or annihilating its diminutive foe,
+but remains near the same spot, making short and ineffectual charges,
+until the hunter comes up and deliberately chooses his own position
+for attack.
+
+The flesh of the elephant is anything but palatable, and when cut into
+strips and dried in the sun, has been aptly compared to leather
+straps. A well-known hunter said that the character of elephant's
+flesh might easily be imagined by taking the toughest beefsteak ever
+cooked, multiplying the toughness by four, and subtracting all the
+gravy. The natives, however, are possessed of marvellously strong jaws
+and sharp teeth, and to them meat is meat, whether tough or tender.
+There are, however, several parts of the elephant which are always
+good; and these are the heart, the feet, and the trunk. The heart and
+trunk are simply roasted, with the addition of some of the fat from
+the interior of the body; but the feet require a more elaborate mode
+of cookery.
+
+While some of the men are cutting off the feet, others are employed in
+digging a circular hole in the ground some ten feet deep and three
+wide, the earth being heaped round the edge. An enormous heap of dry
+wood and leaves is then piled over the hole, set on fire, and allowed
+to burn itself out. As soon as the last sticks have fallen into the
+hole, the men begin to rake out the glowing embers with long poles.
+This is a laborious and difficult task, the heat being so great, that
+each man can only work for a few consecutive seconds, and then gives
+way to a cooler comrade. However, there are plenty of laborers, and
+the hole is soon cleared. The elephant's foot is then rolled into the
+hole, and covered over with the earth that was heaped round the edge.
+Another pile of wood is then raised, and when it has completely burned
+out, the foot is supposed to be properly baked. Thus prepared, the
+foot is thought to be almost the greatest luxury which South Africa
+can afford, the whole interior being dissolved into a soft, gelatinous
+substance of a most delicate flavor. There is never any lack of fuel;
+for the elephants break down so many branches for food, and in their
+passage through the bush, that abundance of dry boughs can always be
+picked up within a limited area.
+
+
+
+
+THE SONG OF THE BIRD.
+
+
+I.
+
+In those unhappy days when revolution prevailed in France, there were
+a number of noble families who were reduced to extreme poverty. One of
+these was the family of Duke Erlan, who was a noble and
+highly-respected man, while his wife was kind and charitable to such
+an extent that all the poor people in the surrounding country loved
+her with great affection.
+
+They had two children--Carl and Lillie. When a certain revolutionary
+outbreak had occurred, the duke removed from the city where he lived
+to his chateau, in a retired part of the country, where he was
+surrounded by rocks, vineyards, and fields of grain, far removed from
+the bustle and turmoil of city life.
+
+The good man regarded himself as very fortunate in being permitted to
+live here in quiet with his family, and become the teacher of his
+children.
+
+Notwithstanding the great danger prevailing in the country, this was
+indeed a happy family.
+
+The duke was a good musician, and he made it an object to teach his
+children to play on the piano; and though they were quite young, both
+of them knew a number of very beautiful tunes.
+
+On one stormy evening, near the end of winter, all four of them sat
+together near their splendid piano. The duke had composed a little
+song for his two children. It was such a pleasant, lively melody, that
+they had learned it very easily, and each of them could play it. Their
+mother, however, did not know it, and the children now thought it a
+great thing for them to have the privilege of teaching it to her.
+
+"Carl," said the duke, "you play, and we will sing."
+
+And they sang this song:--
+
+ "Take courage, bird;
+ Our Father says,
+ In winter's storms
+ And summer's rays
+ You have no barns,
+ You sow no wheat,
+ But God will give you bread to eat."
+
+While they were singing, they heard some one knock at the door. They
+heard the bell ring, and when the door was opened, five soldiers, clad
+in uniform, demanded Duke Erlan to deliver himself up. They walked
+straight up to him, and told him that he must go immediately to
+prison. His wife cast herself at their feet, and begged them to let
+him live in peace.
+
+"We cannot help it," said they. "We have our orders, and must obey
+them."
+
+Not five minutes elapsed before that good man was taken from the midst
+of his happy family, and hurried to prison. The duchess and her son
+and daughter were overwhelmed with sorrow. They could not sleep that
+night, and the next morning, as they looked out of the window and saw
+how the storm had prevailed in the vineyards and on the fields, they
+felt that the storm in their own hearts had been far more destructive.
+
+The unhappy duchess now determined to use every means to rescue her
+beloved husband. She went to the judges and assured them of her
+husband's innocence; but they did not seem to have any more feeling
+than so many marble statues. She received, in reply to her entreaties,
+this answer:--
+
+"In a few days your husband will be beheaded."
+
+She returned to the castle after three days, and found that it was
+occupied by soldiers. The furniture had all been taken away, and the
+treasures were missing. She was not permitted even to enter the
+castle, and was informed that her children, for whom she was weeping
+in great sorrow, were gone--nobody could tell where.
+
+It was late at night, and she did not know where she would sleep.
+Going out into the castle-yard, she was met by Richard, an old and
+faithful servant, who said,--
+
+"Good mistress, you are in danger every moment of being arrested.
+There is no safety for you unless you flee as quickly as possible. I
+cannot conceal you, for that would be dangerous for all. I cannot save
+your husband, and if you stay here it will be certain death. Your
+children are at my house. Come with me. My brother, the old fisherman,
+who keeps the ferry at the Rhine, is already informed of the matter. I
+will go with you this very night, and he will take you and your
+children safely over the river. Run--let us run for life."
+
+The duchess came to the house of good Richard, where she found her
+children. But Lillie was quite sick, and lay upon Richard's cot,
+suffering from a high fever. She did not even know her mother. How
+could that good lady leave her sick child? She did not wish to do it,
+but the peasant told her that she could be of no assistance, and that
+he would see that she was well provided for.
+
+"Run," said he, "for your life is in danger."
+
+It was a sad moment when Lillie's mother was compelled to leave her
+child lying upon that sick bed; but the good woman, before giving her
+a parting kiss, knelt at her side, and said,--
+
+"O Lord, I commit this dear child to thee for safe keeping. I believe
+thou wilt one day restore her to me."
+
+The duchess was silent for a few moments; then, calmly arising, she
+kissed her child, took Carl by the hand, and hastened through the
+door towards the distant river.
+
+She finally came to the old ferryman's house, and he gave them a great
+deal of welcome, having provided some warm soup and bread to
+strengthen them. They were taken over the river, and the two brothers,
+Solomon and Richard, returned in the boat.
+
+It was a desolate condition in which the duchess and her child were
+placed, and we must follow her in her wanderings. The farther she went
+from the river, the safer it would be for her and Carl. She followed
+the direction which Richard had given her, until she reached
+Switzerland. But her delay there came near costing her her life, for
+she learned that a detective officer was in search of them. With all
+the haste possible, she got across the Swiss boundary into the Tyrol,
+which was Austrian territory. There she was safe. They passed over
+high mountains, and through deep valleys, seeking a place where they
+could settle. At last they came to a certain valley, which, in quiet
+beauty, surpassed anything that they had seen.
+
+"This reminds me more of home," she said, "than any country through
+which we have passed. I have got several hundred louis which good
+Richard saved when our house was plundered, and we can afford to rent
+a little cottage."
+
+The old Tyrolese peasant told her that there was no house for sale in
+all the valley. "But," said he, "you can board in my cottage if you
+choose."
+
+The price was agreed upon, and the duchess and her son became inmates
+of the family. The little room which was to be their home was very
+plainly furnished; but simple as it was, the first thing that she did
+on entering it was to kneel there with her child, and thank God for a
+shelter. She arranged her affairs as well as she could for a
+permanent residence with the Tyrolese peasant, and she began to look
+upon it as home.
+
+One day she told the peasant that she wished to send her little boy
+Carl to school, if there was a good schoolmaster in the neighborhood.
+
+"The pastor in a neighboring village," said the peasant, "will be here
+to-day to catechise my child. He teaches school, and I think you can
+make an arrangement with him."
+
+That day the gray-haired old pastor came, and an arrangement was made
+with him for Carl to go to school to him. Books were provided for him,
+and he went to school with the greatest pleasure. He was a rapid
+student, and repeated his lessons every evening to his mother.
+
+In the Tyrol a great many canary birds are trained, and are sold to
+dealers all through the country. The old Tyrolese peasant with whom
+the duchess and Carl were boarding had a young and beautiful bird,
+which sang very sweetly. Carl asked his mother to buy this bird,
+saying,--
+
+"Mother, this bird is very much like the one that our dear, sweet
+Lillie used to have. Buy it for me, so that it may learn how to sing."
+
+The duchess bought the bird, and soon became very much attached to it.
+Carl took the greatest pleasure in its training, and in due time,
+little Tim--for that was his name--would come to him and peck at his
+fingers, and rub his little head on Carl's hand.
+
+Carl was a natural musician, just as his father was, and would
+sometimes play on a flute which the old Tyrolese peasant had. Little
+Tim would imitate his tunes, and sometimes the concert was well worth
+hearing.
+
+The old pastor provided the duchess with news. One day he gave her a
+French newspaper, and in the first column which she read there was a
+long list of the names of noblemen who had been beheaded. Among them
+she read the name of her husband, Henry Erlan. The newspaper fell from
+her hands, and she swooned away. A severe illness came on, and it was
+a long time doubtful whether she would recover. The old Tyrolese
+despaired of her life, and said,--
+
+"The coming autumn may find her no more with us; but who knows what
+the good Lord will bring out of all this sorrow?"
+
+
+II.
+
+The old servant Richard, having rescued his good mistress from arrest,
+and probably from death, now formed the resolution to save his master
+too. He had not much time to plan, for he learned that the duke was to
+be beheaded the following week. It so happened that the son of his
+brother Solomon, the ferryman, belonged to the National Guard, and was
+stationed at the prison to guard it. If he could only secure him to
+engage in the enterprise, he felt that he could succeed. It was a
+difficult thing to get a word to say to any member of the National
+Guard. But old Richard had done many kind things for his nephew, and
+he succeeded in getting a note to him through the post office,
+appointing a time, when he was off duty, to meet him. Richard opened
+the whole enterprise freely to his nephew, and told him all the great
+injustice that had been done a noble family, and the sufferings
+through which the different members had passed.
+
+The duke was informed that he was to be beheaded next day, and his
+door was marked by the prison-keeper as the room of a man who was to
+be executed the following morning. The good man knelt in prayer after
+the intelligence had been conveyed to him, and said,--
+
+"To whom shall I go for help and courage, this last night of my life,
+but to thee, O Lord? Thou knowest best what will happen to me. If it
+be in accordance with thy will, permit me to see my wife and children
+again. If thou seest that it is not best for thy glory that I should
+live, then I will obey willingly. Thy will, not mine, be done."
+
+[Illustration: "FATHER, FATHER! THAT IS THE VERY TUNE WHICH WE WERE
+ SINGING TOGETHER THE NIGHT THAT YOU WERE ARRESTED." See page 327.]
+
+That was a noble prayer. Scarcely had the last word fallen from his
+lips, when he heard somebody gently lifting the latch of his door, and
+inserting the key.
+
+"Save yourself," whispered the person who entered, who was none other
+than old Solomon's son, to whom Richard had confided his enterprise.
+It was two o'clock in the morning, the very best time to accomplish
+his purpose.
+
+"Put on these clothes," said he, as he unfolded a soldier's uniform;
+"take this hat, and here is a gun. As quickly as you possibly can,
+transform yourself into a soldier."
+
+They escaped in safety from the prison, accompanied by the faithful
+Richard, and went as rapidly as they could towards the Rhine. They
+reached old Solomon's ferry house. The young man knocked gently at the
+window, and asked his father to come out as soon as possible and take
+the duke over the river.
+
+"Are you not going to take your little girl with you?" said the old
+ferryman.
+
+"What little girl?" asked the duke.
+
+"Your little daughter, whom my brother has brought here this very day;
+and she is as sweet a child as I ever saw in my life. She lies asleep
+now in the corner of the room."
+
+This was news which the nobleman did not expect to hear, and he was
+almost overcome with joy. But he had no time to spend in greeting,
+except to give his dear Lillie a kiss. Soon they were over the Rhine;
+but before reaching the bank on the opposite side, they were fired at
+by soldiers who had come in search of them. A bullet passed through
+the top of the duke's high soldier hat, but he was not harmed, and
+escaped in safety.
+
+The great task for him to accomplish now was to find his wife and boy,
+though he had but little hope of ever finding them. Old Richard had
+enough money to buy the duke a horse; so the father mounted the horse,
+and took his little daughter on the saddle with him. They travelled
+over the mountains and through the vales, asking, whenever they met
+any person, to tell them if they knew of any strangers in that section
+of the country. But nobody gave any information.
+
+Old Richard was yet with them, for he had still enough money left to
+buy a mule, and he rode beside his good master and Lillie until the
+17th of July arrived, and that was Lillie's birthday. The duke
+determined that they three should stop and celebrate it by taking a
+little rest and a good meal in a cottage by the wayside. Having
+finished their dinner, they went out of doors and looked about the
+beautiful yard, which was all blooming with flowers. A bird cage was
+hanging by the side of the door, and the bird was singing the tune to
+these words:--
+
+ "Take courage, bird;
+ Our Father says,
+ In winter's storms
+ And summer's rays
+ You have no barns,
+ You sow no wheat,
+ But God will give you bread to eat."
+
+Lillie was astounded at again hearing that sweet melody, and she
+exclaimed,--
+
+"Father, father! that is the very tune which we were singing together
+the night that you were arrested."
+
+The little bird went over it two or three times, and the father
+said,--
+
+"You are right, my dear child. That is the melody--not a note is
+wanting. This is truly wonderful. I do believe that this bird has been
+taught to sing that song by Carl and your good mother. O, Richard, can
+you not find out how this bird came here?"
+
+Richard said in reply,--
+
+"I will do all I can, but I am afraid that it will be very difficult."
+
+He made inquiries of the man who owned the bird, and who had furnished
+them with the dinner, as to where the bird came from. The Tyrolese
+replied,--
+
+"I don't know where it came from, except that a young man who passed
+along the road, and who lives about three miles from here, sold it to
+me for a trifling sum one day. I was pleased with its appearance,
+because it was a beautiful bird, and the price was very low."
+
+Then Richard said,--
+
+"Can you not see that young man, and find out where he got it from?"
+
+"I will do so if you wish," he answered.
+
+Richard then told him to report as soon as possible what he had
+learned.
+
+That afternoon, about five o'clock, the young man was brought to
+Richard and the duke, and inquiries were made as to where he got the
+bird. He said that he did not know where it came from exactly, except
+that it was found one day after it had escaped from somebody's cage.
+He did not know who owned it, or else he would have taken it to its
+owner.
+
+"Where was it you found it?" said the duke.
+
+"About ten miles from here, when I was going to see my mother, who
+lives a great many miles away."
+
+"Do you know whether any strangers are in that neighborhood?" asked
+the duke.
+
+"I heard my mother say that there were a lady and a little boy living
+some three miles the other side of her house, and that she was a very
+good woman."
+
+"Did you ever see the boy yourself?" inquired the duke.
+
+"Yes, I saw the boy going to school."
+
+The duke, on making further inquiries as to his appearance, came to
+the conclusion that the boy whom he had seen was probably none other
+than Carl. He accordingly made his arrangements to go to the place of
+which the young man had spoken.
+
+That night he reached the house where this good lady and her son were
+boarding. True enough, the duke and little Lillie were in the presence
+of the duchess and Carl. It was a happy meeting, far beyond my power
+to describe. Their gratitude to their heavenly Father for preserving
+them to each other knew no bounds. It was an hour of such happiness as
+is seldom permitted any one to enjoy.
+
+They sat up late that night and recounted their experiences to each
+other, and then the duke revealed the secret of his coming to that
+house; that it was a canary bird which had been the instrument of his
+finding her and Carl. They spent a few days in great happiness there,
+and made a bargain with the man who owned the canary bird which had
+escaped from Carl's cage to get it back again.
+
+Two years passed on, and peace and quiet were again restored to
+France. The duke and his family were permitted to return to his
+castle, and the government made him ample reparation for all the
+losses that he had incurred. They took with them their little canary
+bird, which had lost none of its sweet notes by the lapse of time.
+
+One day a magnificent new piano arrived from Paris, and after tea the
+duke said,--
+
+"Now we will try the piano in our own quiet home. What shall we sing?"
+asked he.
+
+The duchess, and Carl, and Lillie all answered with one voice,--
+
+"We must sing our bird song."
+
+ "Take courage, bird;
+ Our Father says,
+ In winter's storms
+ And summer's rays
+ You have no barns,
+ You sow no wheat,
+ But God will give you bread to eat."
+
+
+
+
+THE SHEEP AND THE GOAT.
+
+
+ Not all the streets that London builds
+ Can hide the sky and sun,
+ Shut out the winds from o'er the fields,
+ Or quench the scent the hay swath yields
+ All night, when work is done.
+
+ And here and there an open spot
+ Lies bare to light and dark,
+ Where grass receives the wanderer hot,
+ Where trees are growing, houses not;
+ One is the Regent's Park.
+
+[Illustration: THE GOATS.]
+
+ Soft creatures, with ungentle guides,
+ God's sheep from hill and plain,
+ Are gathered here in living tides,
+ Lie wearily on woolly sides,
+ Or crop the grass amain.
+
+ And from the lane, and court, and den,
+ In ragged skirts and coats,
+ Come hither tiny sons of men,
+ Wild things, untaught of book or pen,
+ The little human goats.
+
+ One hot and cloudless summer day,
+ An overdriven sheep
+ Had come a long and dusty way;
+ Throbbing with thirst the creature lay,
+ A panting, woollen heap.
+
+ But help is nearer than we know
+ For ills of every name;
+ Ragged enough to scare the crow,
+ But with a heart to pity woe,
+ A quick-eyed urchin came.
+
+ Little he knew of field or fold,
+ Yet knew enough; his cap
+ Was just the cap for water cold--
+ He knew what it could do of old;
+ Its rents were few, good hap!
+
+ Shaping the brim and crown he went,
+ Till crown from brim was deep.
+ The water ran from brim and rent;
+ Before he came the half was spent--
+ The half, it saved the sheep.
+
+ O, little goat, born, bred in ill,
+ Unwashed, ill-fed, unshorn!
+ Thou meet'st the sheep from breezy hill,
+ Apostle of thy Saviour's will,
+ In London wastes forlorn.
+
+ Let others say the thing they please,
+ My faith, though very dim,
+ Thinks He will say who always sees,
+ In doing it to one of these
+ Thou didst it unto him.
+
+
+
+
+FROM BAD TO WORSE.
+
+
+ Come, children, leave your playing,
+ And gather round my knee,
+ And I'll tell you a little story:
+ Away across the sea,
+ In a meadow where the mosses
+ And the grass were frozen brown,
+ Three little maids sat milking
+ One day as the sun went down--
+ Not cows, but goats of the mountain;
+ And before their pails were full,
+ The winds, they pierced like needles
+ Through their gowns of heavy wool.
+ And as one hand, then the other,
+ They tried to warm in their laps,
+ The bitter weather froze their breath
+ Like fur about their caps.
+ And so, as they sat at their milking,
+ They grew as still as mice,
+ Save when the stiff shoes on their feet
+ Rattled like shoes of ice.
+
+ At last out spoke the youngest
+ As she blew on her finger-nails:
+ I have planned a plan, sweet sisters:
+ Let us take our milking-pails,
+ And go to the side of the mountain
+ As fast as we can go,
+ And heap them up to the very top
+ From the whitest drifts of snow;
+ And let us build in the meadow
+ Where we will milk our goats at night
+ A house to keep us from the cold,
+ With walls all silver white.
+
+ We will set the door away from the wind.
+ The floor we will heap with moss,
+ And gather little strips of ice
+ And shingle the roof across.
+
+ Then all the foolish maidens,
+ They emptied their pails on the ground,
+ And bounded up the mountain-side
+ As fast as they could bound,
+ And came again to the meadow
+ With pails heaped high with snow,
+ And so, through half the night, the moon
+ Beheld them come and go.
+
+ But when with the daybreak roses
+ The silver walls shone red,
+ The three little foolish maidens
+ Were lying cold and dead.
+ The needles of the frost had sewed
+ Into shrouds their woollen coats,
+ And with cheeks as white as the ice they lay
+ Among their mountain goats.
+
+ ALICE CARY.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: GRACIE AND HER FATHER.]
+
+MY STORY.
+
+
+Many years ago, when the sky was as clear, the flowers as fragrant,
+and the birds as musical as now, I stood by a little mahogany table,
+with pencil and paper in hand, vainly trying to add a short column of
+figures. My small tin box, with the word _Bank_ in large letters upon
+it, had just been opened, and the carefully hoarded treasure of six
+months was spread out before me. Scrip had not come into use then; and
+there were one tiny gold piece, two silver dollars, and many quarters,
+dimes, half-dimes, and pennies. For a full half hour I had been
+counting my fingers and trying to reckon up how much it all amounted
+to; but the problem was too hard for me. At last I took pencil and
+paper, and sought to work it out by figures.
+
+"What are you doing, Gracie?" pleasantly inquired my father, entering
+the room with an open letter in his hand.
+
+"O, papa! is that you?" I cried, eagerly turning towards him. "Just
+look--see how much money I've got! John has just opened my bank. It is
+six months to-day since I began to save, and I've more than I
+expected."
+
+"Yes, you are quite rich."
+
+"So much that I can't even count it. I've done harder sums in addition
+at school; but somehow, now, every time I add, I get a different
+answer. I can't make it come out twice alike."
+
+"Where did you get that gold piece?"
+
+"Why, don't you know? _You_ gave it to me for letting Dr. Strong pull
+out my big back tooth."
+
+Father laughed.
+
+"Did I?" said he; "I had forgotten it. But where did you get those two
+silver dollars?" he inquired.
+
+"O, grandmother gave me this one. It's _chicken_ money. She gave it to
+me for feeding the chickens every morning all the while I staid there;
+and the other is _hat_ money. Aunt Ellen told me if I'd wear my hat
+always when I went out in the sun, and so keep from getting
+sun-burned, that she would give me another dollar; and she did."
+
+"Where did the remainder come from?"
+
+"Mostly from you, papa. You are always giving me money. These two
+bright, new quarters you gave me when you looked over my writing-book,
+and saw it hadn't a blot. How much is there in all?" I earnestly
+asked.
+
+Father glanced at the little pile, and smilingly said,--
+
+"Seven dollars and ten cents. That's a good deal of money for a little
+girl only nine years old to spend."
+
+"And may I spend it just as I please?"
+
+"Certainly, my dear; just as you please. It's a great thing for little
+people to learn to spend money wisely."
+
+Saying this, he seated himself by the window, and drawing me towards
+him, placed me upon one knee.
+
+"Gracie, dear, I have just received a letter from grandmother. She
+proposes that I come to Vermont and bring you; that I remain as long
+as business will admit, and leave you to pass the summer just as you
+did last year. How would that suit?" fixing his kind dark eyes full
+upon my upturned face to read my changing thoughts.
+
+"O, I should like it very much!" I quickly exclaimed, clapping my
+hands with delight. Then I reflected a moment, and a shadow fell over
+my prospective happiness.
+
+"On the whole, papa," I said, earnestly, "I think I had better go, and
+not stay any longer than you can stay. I am all the little girl _you_
+have, and you are all the parent _I_ have, and we should be very
+lonely without each other."
+
+I felt his warm, loving kiss upon my cheek as he folded me to his
+heart, and a tear fell on my forehead. For two years I had been
+motherless; but a double portion of pity and tenderness had been
+lavished upon me by my indulgent father. He was a New York merchant of
+ample means. Our home was elegant and tasteful.
+
+The home of my father's only surviving parent, my doting grandmother,
+whom we were designing to visit, was a plain, unpretending farm-house,
+snuggly nestled up among the hills of Vermont. There were tall poplar
+trees and a flower-garden in front, a little orchard and a whole row
+of nice looking out-buildings in the rear. There was no place on earth
+so full of joy for me. The swallows' nests on the barn; the turkeys,
+geese, and chickens; the colt, lambs, and little pigs; in short,
+everything had an ever-increasing attraction, far exceeding any
+pleasures to be found within the limits of the crowded city.
+
+The prospect of another visit to Woodville filled my heart with
+intense delight.
+
+A week passed, and on one of the sunniest and freshest of June
+mornings we started for Vermont. I was exceedingly fond of travelling
+in the cars, and it seemed as if a thousand sunbeams had suddenly
+fallen upon my young life. The train left New York, and we found
+ourselves rapidly whirling past hills, forests, towns, and villages.
+Sometimes we were flying through dark, deep cuts, then crossing
+streams and rich green fields and meadows.
+
+We expected to reach grandmother's that evening. I had written to
+inform her of our coming. One hour after another passed. The day was
+declining, and the sun was slowly sinking in the west.
+
+"How much longer have we to go?" was the question I had asked for the
+fiftieth time at least.
+
+"About another hour's ride, Gracie," smilingly answered my father. "I
+think we shall reach Woodville about eight."
+
+The cars continued to hurry on till we were within a few rods of the
+station.
+
+The bell was ringing its usual warning, and the bell from a train from
+behind was beginning to be heard. We had commenced to switch off, to
+allow the express train to pass. But by some carelessness or
+miscalculation our train was a minute too late. Father and I were
+comfortably occupying one of the front seats of the rear car; and I
+was in a state of impatient excitement to reach our destination. But
+there came, in an instant, a stunning, frightful crash; and I was
+thrown violently forward. What followed for the next ten minutes I do
+not know.
+
+I think I must have been in a semi-unconscious state, for I have a dim
+recollection of strange sounds, confusion, anxiety, and terror. Strong
+hands seemed to pull me out from under a heavy weight, and gently lay
+me down. I felt dizzy and faint. I opened my eyes, and light came
+gradually to my darkened vision. A gentleman stood over me with his
+fingers upon my wrist. A kind, sunny-faced old lady was wetting my
+head.
+
+"Are you much hurt?" she tenderly inquired, gazing upon me in
+undisguised anxiety.
+
+"What's the matter? Where am I?" I cried, springing up and gazing
+wildly around.
+
+In a moment my eye caught sight of the broken rear car. There were
+several wounded and bleeding people about me. I saw the front cars
+emptied of passengers, who were actively employed in caring for the
+injured. I comprehended in an instant that there had been an accident.
+
+"My father! my father!" I cried.
+
+"You shall see him soon," soothingly answered the gentleman by my
+side. "Drink this;" and he held to my mouth a glass of something
+pleasant and pungent. I drank its entire contents. I think it helped
+to quite restore me. I ran wildly about in search of my missing
+parent. There was a little group of men and women a short distance
+off. I hurried towards it, and recognized Peter, my grandmother's man,
+who had come to meet us at the station.
+
+"Where is my father?" I said in a voice hardly audible from terror,
+seizing Peter's arm.
+
+Before he could reply, I saw father, white and motionless, upon the
+ground.
+
+"He is dead!" I shrieked, springing towards him, and convulsively
+throwing my arms about him.
+
+"He is stunned, _not_ dead, my child," said the physician, kindly
+drawing me away, to minister to him. "We hope he will soon be better."
+
+In spite of his soothing words and tones, I read the truth in his
+face; that he feared life was almost extinct.
+
+"O, what can I do? Save him! save him! You must _not_ let him die! you
+must _not_!"
+
+"My poor child, I will do all I can," replied the physician, touched
+by my distress.
+
+But no efforts to restore my father to consciousness availed anything.
+There was a deep, ugly cut on one side of his head. No other external
+injury could be found; yet he had not spoken or moved since he was
+taken out from the broken car.
+
+The accident had occurred but a few rods from the station; and as
+grandmother's house was scarcely a mile distant, Peter strongly urged
+that he should be taken there at once. Accordingly a wagon was
+procured. The seats were taken out, and a mattress placed upon the
+bottom, and father was carefully laid upon it; and Peter drove rapidly
+home, while I followed with the doctor in his buggy. A man had been
+sent in advance of us to inform grandmother of our coming. She met us
+at the door with a pallid face, but was so outwardly calm, that I took
+courage from beholding her.
+
+Father was laid upon a nice, white bed, in a little room on the ground
+floor; and again every means for restoring him was resorted to. Still
+he remained unconscious.
+
+The hours went on. The old family clock had just struck two, and we
+were watching and working in an agony of suspense.
+
+I had not left my father's bedside, till the low, indistinct
+conversation between the doctor and grandmother, in the next room,
+fell upon my ear.
+
+"There is life yet," said he. "I thought once he had ceased to
+breathe."
+
+"And you are quite sure he does?" she inquired.
+
+"Yes. I held a small mirror over his face; and the mist that gathered
+upon it proves there is still faint breathing."
+
+I shuddered and ran out to them.
+
+"You think he will die!" I cried, seizing grandmother's hand with
+desperate energy.
+
+"I cannot tell, dear Gracie. His life, like yours and mine, is in the
+hands of God. We cannot foresee his purposes. We can only submit to
+his will."
+
+Saying this, she returned with the doctor to the sick room, and I was
+left alone.
+
+The prospect of being deprived of my only surviving parent almost
+paralyzed me. I looked out of the open window. It was a calm, clear
+summer night. The moon shone out in all its glory and brilliancy, and
+the stars twinkled as cheerily as though there was no sorrow,
+suffering, or death in the world.
+
+I sprang towards the door and closed it, and then threw myself upon my
+knees, and poured out my great anguish into the pitying ear of the
+heavenly Father.
+
+"O, good, kind Father in heaven, do hear and quickly answer me. Do
+save my own dear papa from death. Mother, Bessie, and little Fred have
+all gone to live with thee; and he is all I have left. Do, I entreat
+thee, help him to get well; I will be more kind, and generous, and
+obedient than I have ever been before, and will try to please thee as
+long as I live."
+
+I arose comforted and strengthened. Returning to my father's room, I
+saw the doctor with his fingers upon his wrist again.
+
+"A faint pulse," he said, turning towards grandmother.
+
+Another hour passed. The breath was perceptible now, and the doctor
+looked more hopefully.
+
+Morning came, and the glad sunlight streamed in through the windows.
+Father remained in a deep stupor, but manifested more signs of life
+than at any time since the accident. He had moved slightly several
+times, and as the hours went on his breathing became more natural and
+regular.
+
+Suddenly he opened his eyes and gazed feebly around.
+
+"Father, dear father, are you better?" I cried in a choking voice.
+
+He smiled faintly, then closed his eyes again, and sank into a sweet,
+refreshing slumber.
+
+Another day came, bringing joy immeasurable to all of us. Father was
+conscious and rallying fast, and before night the doctor assured us
+all danger was past. The weeks went on.
+
+June went out and July came in. We had been nearly a month in
+Woodville; and how different my visit had resulted from the season of
+perfect happiness I had so ardently anticipated!
+
+Father was gradually regaining his former health; and although the
+wound on his head was but partially healed, he was pronounced doing
+admirably by the attentive physician.
+
+He was now able to go out, and we took many long rides together,
+keenly enjoying the beautiful scenery and the pure air. As strength
+increased, the necessity of returning to his business pressed upon my
+father, and the first week in September was appointed for our
+departure.
+
+On the last Sunday of our sojourn in Woodville, grandmother and I went
+in the morning to church. There had just been a fearfully destructive
+fire in one of the neighboring towns, and a large number of people
+were homeless. The minister announced that at the close of the
+afternoon service, a collection would be taken up for the sufferers,
+and he strongly urged a generous contribution from his parishioners.
+
+I had hitherto paid little heed, when in church, to what the minister
+said; but since the dreadful accident and father's almost miraculous
+recovery, I had been far more thoughtful and attentive than formerly.
+My heart went out in deep sympathy and pity for the poor men, women,
+and children who were made houseless in a single night, and I ardently
+longed to do the little in my power to relieve them.
+
+So, during the intermission between the services, I took out the money
+I had brought with me, and which father had told me I was free to
+spend as I pleased. I tied it up in my handkerchief. There was too
+much for my pocket-book to conveniently hold, for it was all of the
+carefully hoarded treasure of my bank. It was my design to put it into
+the contribution-box.
+
+Grandmother did not go to church in the afternoon; but father decided
+to go, and I accompanied him. After the services were over, two men
+arose and began to pass round the boxes to collect money for the
+people whose homes had been burned. As I beheld one of them coming
+slowly up the aisle, stopping at every pew, I was in a flutter of
+excitement. It was a novel thing for me to put money into the
+contribution-box, and my heart beat violently.
+
+I drew out my handkerchief from my pocket, and hurriedly began to
+untie the knot. But my usually nimble fingers were provokingly slow to
+act now; and I pulled and pulled away, but to no purpose. The knot
+obstinately refused to yield. The man with the box had nearly reached
+our pew, and I began to fear I should lose the chance to give.
+
+"Don't let him slip by me," I whispered so loudly to father as to
+cause at least a dozen persons in the adjacent seats to stare
+wonderingly at me. "I've something to put in."
+
+Another prodigious effort, and the knot yielded.
+
+The man passed the box first to father, and he put in a bill. He
+glanced at me, evidently thinking a child would hardly have money to
+give, and was about to go on; but I looked beseechingly towards him,
+and he stopped and extended the box to me. In an instant the entire
+contents of my handkerchief were emptied into it--as much money as my
+two chubby hands could hold.
+
+Father looked down upon me, and a half-amused smile flitted over his
+face, as he beheld my unexpected act.
+
+After we had returned home, father sat down by the window in an easy
+chair, and calling me to him, placed me upon his knee.
+
+"Gracie, dear," said he, smilingly, "tell me how it happened you put
+so much money into the contribution-box. It must have taken nearly all
+you had."
+
+"It _was_ all I had, papa. It was the money I saved in my bank, and
+you told me I could spend it just as I pleased."
+
+"O, yes, dear; I am glad to have you; only it was a good deal for a
+little girl."
+
+"I gave it because I wanted to please God," I replied with earnest
+solemnity. "That dreadful night, when we all thought you would die,
+dear papa, I promised God I would be a better girl than I have ever
+been before. I would be more kind, generous, and obedient, and would
+try and please him all my life, if he would only let _you_ get well;
+and I gave my money to-day because I am so glad and grateful to him."
+
+"Precious child," said he tenderly and with much emotion, drawing me
+close to him, "and I am glad, and grateful too, for the rich gift of
+my dear little daughter."
+
+ SARAH P. BRIGHAM.
+
+
+
+
+THE WAY TO WALK.
+
+
+ As I tramped over a stony path,
+ One cloudy morning early,
+ I learned the only way to step,
+ To keep from being surly.
+
+ Don't hurry, and stride, and come down hard
+ Upon the rolling pebbles,
+ But lightly step; and that's the way
+ To charm all kinds of rebels.
+
+ Don't hurry, and stride, and come down hard,
+ Even on troublesome people;
+ But carry your feet, and tread on air,
+ As though you lived on a steeple.
+
+ There are rolling stones in every path,
+ And rocks with jagged edges,
+ Which, if we gently touch, may turn
+ To flowers and bending sedges.
+
+ M. R. W.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE CAMEL.]
+
+[Decoration]
+
+CAMELS.
+
+
+The Bactrian camel may be at once known by the two humps upon its
+back, which give the animal a most singular appearance.
+
+This species is a native of Central Asia, China, and Thibet, and is
+generally as useful in those countries as is the dromedary in Arabia,
+being employed for the saddle, for draught, and burden. It is,
+however, chiefly employed for the second of those purposes, and is of
+the greatest service to its owners.
+
+The vehicle to which this camel is generally harnessed is a rude cart
+of wood, ingeniously put together, without a particle of iron, and,
+after the fashion of such structures, shrieking, creaking, and
+groaning as the wheels turn on their roughly-made and ungreased axle.
+The drivers, however, care nothing for the hideous and incessant
+noise, and probably are so accustomed to it, that they would not feel
+at home with a cart whose wheels moved silently. The mode of
+harnessing is precisely that which so simple a vehicle requires. From
+the front of the cart projects a pole, and to this pole are hitched a
+pair of camels by a yoke that passes over their shoulders. In fact,
+the entire harness is nothing more than a wooden yoke and a leathern
+strap.
+
+In spite, however, of the rude machine to which they are attached, and
+the great loss of power by the friction of the badly-fitted wheels,
+the animals can draw very heavy weights for considerable distances. A
+burden of three thousand pounds' weight is an ordinary load for a pair
+of camels, and a peculiarly strong yoke of these animals will draw
+nearly four thousand pounds' weight. This camel is commonly yoked in
+pairs.
+
+For the plough the camel is never employed, not because it is not
+sufficiently strong for the task, but because it does not pull with
+the steadiness needed to drag the ploughshare regularly through the
+ground.
+
+Sometimes, however, the Bactrian camel is employed as a beast of
+burden, the bales being slung at each side, and the water-skins
+suspended below the belly. When the animal is employed for this
+purpose, a kind of pack-saddle is used, somewhat similar in shape to
+that which has already been described in the history of the one-humped
+camel, but necessarily modified in its structure. The owner of the
+camel takes great care not to overload his animal, as he is afraid of
+injuring the humps, and thereby detracting from the value of the
+camel.
+
+[Illustration: CAMEL OF A TARTAR EMIGRANT.]
+
+In Persia the camel is employed for a very singular purpose. There
+was, and may be now, a corps of the army which is called the camel
+artillery. It consisted of a number of camels, each fitted with a
+peculiar saddle, which not only accommodated the rider, but carried
+a swivel-gun of about one pound calibre. These weapons had a greater
+range than the ordinary Persian matchlocks, and, owing to the rapidity
+with which they could be transferred from spot to spot, formed a
+valuable branch of the artillery.
+
+When the enemy saw that a detachment of the camel artillery was about
+to attack them, their usual device was to reach such a position as to
+force the camels to traverse wet and muddy ground, in which they were
+sure to slip about, to lose all command over their limbs, and
+sometimes to lame themselves completely by the hind legs slipping
+apart.
+
+Camels were especially serviceable for this purpose, because they are
+wonderfully sure-footed when the ground is dry, almost rivalling the
+mule in the certainty of the tread. The Arabian camel is notable for
+his sure tread, but the Bactrian species is still more remarkable in
+this respect. Owing, in all probability, to the elongated toe, which
+projects beyond the foot, and forms a kind of claw, the Bactrian camel
+can climb mountain passes with perfect security, and in consequence of
+this ability is sometimes called the mountain camel.
+
+It is as serviceable in winter as in summer. The soft, cushion-like
+feet, which slide about so helplessly in mud, take a firm hold of ice,
+and enable their owner to traverse a frozen surface with easy
+security. In snow, too, the Bactrian camel is equally at home; and the
+Calmucks would rather ride a camel than a horse in the winter, because
+the longer legs of the former animal enable it to wade through the
+deep snow, in which a horse could only plunge about without finding a
+foothold. No greater proof of the extreme utility of this animal can
+be adduced than the fact that a body of two thousand camels were
+employed in conducting a military train over the "snow-clad summits
+of the Indian Caucasus" in winter time, and that throughout the space
+of seven months only one camel died, having been accidentally killed.
+
+Although the camel has so strong an objection to mud, it has none to
+water, and will wade across a river without hesitation. It can even
+swim well when the water is too deep to be forded; but it does not
+appear to have much power of directing its course, or of propelling
+itself through the water with much force. Indeed, it may rather be
+said to float than to swim.
+
+In point of speed it cannot approach the Arabian dromedary, although
+it is little inferior to the ordinary camel of burden. About two and a
+half miles per hour is the average pace at which a pair of Bactrian
+camels will draw a load, varying in weight from three to four thousand
+pounds; and if they travel over a well-made road, they can do their
+thirty miles a day for many successive days. In countries, therefore,
+which are adapted to its habits, the camel is far superior to any
+other beast of burden, whether for draught or carriage.
+
+One great advantage of the camel is, that its feet are so tough, that
+they can pass over rough and stony places without suffering, and that
+therefore the animal does not require the aid of shoes. In an ordinary
+march, the constant attention to the shoeing of horses and cattle
+entails great labor, much watchfulness, and often causes considerable
+delay, so that the peculiar formation of the camel's foot, which
+neither requires nor admits of an iron shoe, is of exceeding value in
+a forced march. In some places a leathern shoe is fixed to the camel's
+foot, but is really of little use.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAMEL.]
+
+The very worst time for the Bactrian camel is the beginning and end of
+winter, when frost and thaw occur alternately. At such times of the
+year the snow falls thickly, is partially melted in the daytime, and
+at night freezes on the surface into a thin cake of ice. Through this
+crust the feet of the camel break, and the animal cuts its legs
+cruelly with the sharp edges of the broken ice.
+
+For the cold weather itself this species of camel cares little,
+passing its whole time in the open air, and feeding on the grass when
+it is caked with the ice formed from the dew. Indeed, it bears a
+severe winter better than either horse, ox, or sheep, and has been
+observed to feed with apparent comfort when the thermometer had sunk
+many degrees below zero. In some places--such as the country about
+Lake Baikal--the camel is partially sheltered from the cold by a thick
+woollen cloth, which is sewn over its body; but even in such cases its
+owners do not trouble themselves to furnish it with food, leaving it
+to forage for itself among shrubs and trees of higher ground, or among
+the reeds and rushes that grow on marshy land and the banks of rivers.
+
+Almost the only disease among the Bactrian camels is an affection of
+the tongue, which is covered with blisters, so that the poor animal
+cannot eat, and dies from starvation.
+
+The fleece of the Bactrian camel ought to weigh about ten pounds, and
+is used for making a coarse and strong cloth. In the summer time the
+hair becomes loose, and is easily plucked off by hand, just as sheep
+used to be "rowed" before shears were employed in removing the wool.
+The camel in the Zooelogical Gardens may be seen in the summer time in
+a very ragged state, its fleece hanging in bunches in some parts of
+the body, while others are quite bare. The price of the wool is about
+six cents a pound.
+
+The skin is used for making straps, ropes, and thongs, and is seldom
+tanned. It is thought to be inferior to that of the ox, and is in
+consequence sold at a comparatively cheap rate, an entire hide only
+fetching about two dollars. The milk is used for food, but is produced
+in very small quantities, the average yield being only half a gallon.
+The flesh is eaten, and when the animal is fat is tolerably tender,
+and is thought to resemble beef. If, however, it be in poor condition,
+the meat is so tough and ill-flavored, that none but hungry men, armed
+with good teeth, can eat it. The price of a good Bactrian camel is
+about fifty dollars.
+
+The weight of a full-grown animal is about one third more than that of
+the average ox--that is to say, about twelve hundred pounds. The
+average height is seven or eight feet, and the animal generally lives
+about thirty-five or forty years.
+
+Dissimilar in external appearance as are the Bactrian and Arabian
+camels, their skeletons are so alike, that none but a skilful
+anatomist can decide upon the species to which a skeleton has
+belonged. The legs of the Bactrian species are rather shorter in
+proportion than those of the Arabian animal, and in them lies the
+chief distinction of the two species. Indeed, many naturalists deny
+that there is any real difference of species, and assert that the two
+animals are simply two varieties of the same species.
+
+The specimen in the Zooelogical Gardens is called "Jenny" by the
+keeper, and has rather a curious history, being associated with one of
+the great events of the present century. During the late Russian war
+her mother was taken from the enemy in the Crimea, and was
+unfortunately killed. The deserted little one ran about among the
+soldiers, and was adopted by the corps of Royal Engineers, who towards
+the end of 1856 presented her to the Zooelogical Society. Both the
+camels are fed upon the same diet, and eat about the same quantity.
+
+ J. G. WOOD.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Two girls looking thoughtful; one of them is sitting
+ on a clothes trunk}]
+
+WHAT SO SWEET?
+
+
+ What so sweet as summer,
+ When the sky is blue,
+ And the sunbeams' arrows
+ Pierce the green earth through?
+
+ What so sweet as birds are,
+ Putting into trills
+ The perfume of the wild-rose,
+ The murmur of the rills?
+
+ What so sweet as flowers,
+ Clovers white and red,
+ Where the brown bee-chemist
+ Finds its daily bread?
+
+ What so sweet as sun-showers,
+ When the big cloud passes,
+ And the fairy rainbow
+ Seems to touch the grasses?
+
+ What so sweet as winds are,
+ Blowing from the woods,
+ Hinting in their music
+ Of dreamy solitudes?
+
+ Rain, and song, and flower,
+ When the summer's shine
+ Makes the green earth's beauty
+ Seem a thing divine.
+
+ MARY N. PRESCOTT.
+
+
+
+
+COUNTING BABY'S TOES.
+
+
+ Dear little bare feet,
+ Dimpled and white,
+ In your long night-gown
+ Wrapped for the night,
+ Come let me count all
+ Your queer little toes,
+ Pink as the heart
+ Of a shell or a rose.
+
+ One is a lady
+ That sits in the sun;
+ Two is a baby,
+ And three is a nun;
+ Four is a lily
+ With innocent breast,
+ And five is a birdie
+ Asleep on her nest.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE WELL.]
+
+THORNS.
+
+
+"Deepdale is a delightful place to visit." So thought little Nellie
+Harris when she went there to see Cousin Rose. All day long they
+wandered over the farm with Uncle John, first to feed the chickens,
+then to the well so dark and deep Nellie shuddered when she looked
+far, far down into it, and held tight to Rose for fear of falling.
+Uncle John turned the windlass to let Rose and Nellie see the bucket
+rise all dripping from its watery bed.
+
+One morning after Nellie's return to the city, Rose was walking alone
+in the garden.
+
+The flowers were charming, for the dew was not yet off their delicate
+petals; and they were so fragrant that little Rose's nose was put
+close up to a great many, to find which it was that smelled so very
+sweetly. First she was sure it was a great cabbage-rose that nodded at
+her from its stalk, but soon after she was surer that it was a little
+bed of pansies, or "Johnny-jump-ups," which turned all their bright
+little faces to the sun, like a family of newly-washed and
+clean-aproned children just starting for school. Soon, however, she
+was surest that it was a patch of mignonette under the pear tree,
+which, though it looked so plain and humble with its little bits of
+blossoms, was pouring out the richest perfume.
+
+"Oh, it is you, is it?" said little Rose. "Mamma read to us yesterday
+that perfume was the soul of flowers. I guess you have got the biggest
+soul of them all, if you are so little."
+
+Pretty soon Rose began to think of something more substantial than
+bird-songs, sunbeams and flowers. There were very nice raspberries,
+red and ripe, over beyond the currant-bushes, and her mamma allowed
+her to pick them in that part of the garden, for she knew how
+delightful it is for little folks to eat their fruit just where they
+pick it from the bushes.
+
+Little Rose went around into the lower walk, where she could see the
+raspberries. A good many had ripened over-night, and hung on the long,
+waving stems, waiting to be picked.
+
+There was a short way to them, right across between two great
+branching currant-bushes. She saw it was guarded by long briar-stalks
+with sharp thorns all along their sides, but it was so much nearer
+than to go around the long row of currants. "Mamma says we must not be
+afraid of trials and discouragements in our way," Rose said. She was
+very fond of quoting things she heard said or read, and applying them
+to her own experience.
+
+"I guess I can get through. Little girls must be brave!" And she
+pushed boldly into the middle of the space between the bushes. But
+there she caught fast, and could not go a step farther. One great,
+strong branch of thorns was stretched across her foot, the sharp
+points sticking fast in her stocking, and hurting her flesh cruelly if
+she tried to move it. Another one caught hold of her little
+garden-shawl and pulled it away back off her shoulders. She pulled and
+twitched with all her might, but could not get it loose. On the other
+side her little bare elbow was torn and bleeding from a scratch, while
+her dress was held as fast as if a hundred invisible hands were
+pulling at it. There she was. She could not get on nor back. There was
+nothing to be done but to call for her mother. This she did so loudly
+that everybody in the house came rushing to see what was the matter.
+Dolly and Hannah, leaving their dish-washing in the kitchen, got there
+first, and setting to work soon had Rose out, but with scratched
+hands, arms and feet and two great rents in her dress.
+
+"How in the world did you come in there among the briars?" asked
+mamma, after they were in the house again and Rose became comforted a
+little.
+
+"It was the nearest way to the raspberries," she answered.
+
+"The nearest? Yes; but not the best. It would have been far better to
+go around by the path."
+
+"I heard you tell Cousin Lucy the other day that folks must never mind
+if there were thorns in their way," said little Rose, almost sobbing
+again, for she had thought that at least her mother would praise her
+courage and philosophy.
+
+Her mother smiled, but presently looked grave.
+
+"My darling," she said, "it is true we must not mind thorns if they
+are in the path of duty. But when they grow in any other path, we have
+a right--indeed, we ought--to avoid them if we can."
+
+"But wasn't I in the path of duty when I tried to get the raspberries,
+mamma? You said that I might pick all that grew down there."
+
+"You were not doing wrong in trying to get them."
+
+"Isn't that the same as duty?"
+
+"Not exactly. Would it have been wrong for you to do without them? Or
+would you have been to blame for going by the path?"
+
+"Oh no," said Rose; "it would not have been wrong, for nobody said I
+must get them, or that I must go through the currant-bushes."
+
+"Then you see it was not duty."
+
+"Please tell me exactly what is meant by duty, mamma."
+
+"Duty is not only something which we may do, it is something which we
+ought to do, and which it would be wrong to neglect. It is not simply
+permission, but obligation. Is that plain?"
+
+"Yes, mamma. I understand now. I was permitted to pick the berries,
+but I was not obliged to do it or else do wrong. But if you had sent
+me to pick them for you, it would have been duty."
+
+"And do you think that in that case it would be right to go through
+the thorns?"
+
+"No, mamma; I see now. It is right to take the plainest, easiest way
+when we can."
+
+"Yes, my dear. We must not be afraid of thorns if our path leads over
+them. But if we leave the true path and foolishly try to push
+ourselves through unnecessary obstacles, it is not bravery or
+fortitude, but vanity and silly rashness."
+
+
+
+
+UNDER THE PEAR TREES.
+
+
+ Under the pear trees one August day,
+ In the long-ago and the far-away,
+ Four little children rested from play,
+
+ Cheering the hours with childish chat,
+ Now laughing at this or shouting at that,
+ Till a golden pear fell straight in Fred's hat.
+
+ "I'm lucky," he cried as he hastened to eat
+ The mellow pear so juicy and sweet;
+ "If I tried for a week, that couldn't be beat."
+
+ Then Tom and Jenny and Mary spread
+ Their hats and aprons wide, and said,
+ "We can catch pears as well as Fred."
+
+ Then long and patient they sat, and still,
+ Hoping a breeze from over the hill
+ Their laps with the golden fruit would fill.
+
+ Till, weary of waiting, Tom said with a sneer,
+ "I could gather a _bushel_ of pears, 'tis clear,
+ While idly we _wait_ for a _windfall_ here."
+
+ Then up the tree he sprang, and the power
+ Of his sturdy arm soon sent a shower
+ Of yellow fruit as a golden dower.
+
+ It was long ago, that August day
+ When four little children rested from play
+ Under the pear trees far away.
+
+ And the children, older and wiser now,
+ With furrows of care on either brow,
+ Have not forgotten the lesson, I trow--
+
+ The lesson they learned on that August day,
+ That for having our wishes the surest _way_
+ Is to _work_, and in _earnest_, without _delay_.
+
+
+
+
+THE CAVE OF BENTON'S RIDGE.
+
+
+The cave was a large opening in a ledge of rocks, about half a mile
+from the village of M----, and had for years been a favorite resort
+for the boys on the holidays.
+
+'Twas at the close of school, on a bright June day, when, with a rush
+and a shout, out came a bevy of boys from the school-house, and over
+the wall with a bound were half a dozen before the rest had emerged
+from the open door. The first ones took their way across the fields to
+the cave, and had thrown themselves down on the rock at the entrance,
+and were busily talking, when the last comers arrived.
+
+"We've planned to have a time Saturday; if Miss Walters will take the
+botany class for a walk, we'll come here and have supper, and go home
+by moonlight," said Fred Manning. "How does that strike you?"
+
+"Count me in," said Phil Earle. "I second the motion," said Arthur
+Ames. "Where shall we go to walk?" said another; "this is nearly far
+enough for some of the girls."
+
+"Pooh! no! we can get some nice pitcher-plants, if we go to Eaton's
+meadows; we haven't been there for ever so long," said Phil.
+
+All agreed it would be fun, and Phil was deputized to ask Miss
+Walters, and with her complete the arrangements.
+
+"It's Thursday now; and I'll ask father if we can't have some of the
+hay they are making down in the lower field, to put inside the cave;
+for we must fix up a little," said Arthur. Willie Eaton said his
+mother would make them a jug of coffee; and as he lived near, he would
+run round that way at noon, and put it in the spring, so as to have
+it nice and cool. For one of the attractions of this place was a
+lovely spring, that bubbled and sparkled among the ferns, just under
+the rock where the cave was.
+
+Fred and Phil began to lay the stones for the fireplace; for though it
+was not cold on these bright June nights, still a fire was one of the
+grand features of the occasion.
+
+They all worked, some brushing out the cave with bushes, some getting
+old wood in piles to burn, rolling stones for seats, etc., until it
+was time for them to go home, when, with merry shouts, off they ran
+down the rock, and over the fields, home.
+
+Next morning Phil called for Miss Walters, and on the way told her of
+the plans for Saturday, into which she entered heartily, and wanted
+the boys to stay a few moments after the morning session, to perfect
+the arrangements.
+
+At recess she called the girls of the botany class to her, and said,--
+
+"Girls, can you go on Saturday to walk? The boys have invited us to
+take supper at the cave."
+
+"O, yes!" "O, yes!" "Yes, indeed!" "Splendid!" answered half a dozen
+voices.
+
+"We will meet here at two o'clock; and you must dress for the meadows.
+I believe the boys are mostly web-footed, by the way they take to such
+places; however, we do find the best specimens there. Another
+thing--the boys are to furnish eggs and coffee, they say; and each of
+you can bring what is most convenient."
+
+Off went the girls, eager to plan and discuss the welcome project.
+
+Saturday came--a bright, cloudless day. All were at the school-house
+at two, or before, and set forth, looking like strollers, as they
+were.
+
+They did not make many collections on the high land; but when they
+entered the meadows, they soon found a variety of pretty grasses.
+
+"Fudge!" said Ella Barton; "I'm not going to get any of that old
+hay--would you, Miss Walters?"
+
+"No, certainly not, if I did not want the trouble of carrying it; but
+I think them very lovely to put with branches of bayberry, as they
+form such a pretty contrast of color with the delicate pearl-gray
+berries and brown branches; and if you add a few bunches of bright red
+arum berries, you have a pretty, fadeless winter bouquet."
+
+"Where can we get the bayberries?" said Fred, coming up.
+
+"In most places near the salt water. In the town where my home is,
+there are acres and acres of it; and may be at Thanksgiving time I can
+send you some to distribute, or, better still, you might make up a
+party, and come down. I'll promise you a fine tramp, plenty of
+berries, and perhaps my mother will let you taste of her Thanksgiving
+pies."
+
+Off went Fred's hat high in the air. "Hurrah for the pie! I'll
+certainly go, if you'd like to have me."
+
+Miss Walters laughed, and said nothing would give her greater pleasure
+than to welcome the whole party.
+
+"O, Miss Walters, what's this lovely flower?" "Come here, come here!"
+"O, how lovely! here's plenty more!" "And here, and here," were the
+exclamations of several of the advancing stragglers.
+
+All who were with Miss Walters hastened forward; and there, in a wet,
+treacherous-looking place, grew patches of a most delicate
+lilac-colored or light purple flower.
+
+"O, that's Arethusa," said the teacher; "it is very beautiful."
+Rubber boots only can get at them; and two or three boys soon returned
+with hands full, which they distributed. Miss Walters said they could
+not stop to analyze any that day, but some of each kind must be put in
+the botany box, for the class to work with at some future time. As
+they walked along, Miss Walters told them that the flower was named
+after Arethusa of Grecian story, who was changed by Diana into a
+fountain, to escape from the god of the river where she was one day
+surprised by him while bathing.
+
+They had not gone far when Phil and two of the girls came running up
+with hands full of the Sarracenia, or pitcher-plant.
+
+"What fine specimens!" said Miss Walters.
+
+"O, I know where they grow!" said Phil. "I always go for them every
+year, just over that old fence, in a boggy place. I like them better
+than almost any of the plants, they are so curious. But where's a
+basket?"
+
+"Here, Amy!" called Bessie White; "can't you let me put my small lunch
+in your big basket with yours, and let Phil have mine for a specimen
+basket?"
+
+This arrangement being satisfactorily made, they moved along, one of
+the girls telling the new comers of the Arethusa and its name. And it
+was decided that all Miss Walters might tell them concerning the
+flowers should be written down, for the benefit of all, as they were
+often separated, searching for specimens.
+
+In the next meadow they came upon beds of Menyanthes--an ugly name,
+and its common one of buck-bean is not much better. They could find
+but few perfect specimens of the pretty white velvety flowers, with
+their yellow and brown anthers, as it was rather late for them.
+
+They found Pogonias and buds of Calopogon,--pretty pinkish
+flowers,--both of which Miss Walters told them were closely related,
+and, indeed, belonged to the same family as the Arethusa. This was the
+Orchid family, which contained a large number of beautiful but strange
+plants, about a dozen of which were common in New England.
+
+On the edge of an overgrown ditch near by they found very nice
+specimens of Andromeda.
+
+"See," said Miss Walters, "how white and lovely these bells are, in
+spite of the cold wet places where it is compelled to grow. It is
+named after Andromeda, famed in Grecian myths, a victim to her
+mother's pride of beauty. Her mother had dared to compare herself to
+the sea nymphs, for which they, enraged, sent a huge monster to ravage
+the coast. To appease the nymphs, her father thought he must sacrifice
+his daughter; so he chained her to the water's edge; but as the
+monster approached, Perseus, assisted by the gods, killed him,
+delivered Andromeda, and afterwards married her."
+
+The party now turned from the meadows on to higher ground. Houstonias
+and violets, with here and there Potentilla, covered the ground, the
+last so called because it was supposed to be powerful in medicine,
+_potens_, from which it is derived, meaning powerful.
+
+The Saxifrage on the rocks, derived from Latin words, indicating its
+manner of growth.
+
+Anemones, or wind flowers, were not entirely gone; so named because it
+was formerly thought the flowers only opened when the wind blew.
+
+Specimens multiplied. Each little group found something new.
+
+Trilliums, remarkable for having leaves, sepals, petals, and
+seed-vessels in threes; Smilacina, with its clean, green leaves, and
+white flowers, grew plentifully about them; Streptopus, meaning
+twisted foot, called so because its foot, or pedicel, is twisted.
+
+About five o'clock they began their homeward walk, which took them
+round through some grand old pine woods. At last they came to their
+resting-place. All were more or less tired; and glad were they when
+they saw the black mouth of the cave open invitingly before them. Some
+threw themselves on the rock outside, some went in and rested on the
+fragrant hay that Arthur had piled on the floor.
+
+After resting a while in the cool shade, Phil said, "I have a bright
+thought that rhymes with 'light.'"
+
+"Is it the opposite of 'loose'?"
+
+"It is not 'tight.'"
+
+"Is it what you are sometimes?"
+
+"It is not 'bright.'"
+
+"O, I meant a 'fright'!"
+
+"Thank you; it is not 'fright.'"
+
+"Is it what we are all wishing for?"
+
+"It is a 'bite.'"
+
+This was greeted with a shout, and committee number one,
+self-appointed, started for the baskets. Others arranged the table
+with boards and rocks put outside the cave door. The eatables were
+soon temptingly arranged. The jug of coffee and bottle of milk, with
+rubber mugs, were placed under Arthur's care; and he soon had as much
+as he could do to pour the refreshing draughts.
+
+The girls had little to do, the boys doing the honors in fine style.
+Very merry they grew over the good things; and so intent were they
+trying to sell the last at auction, that they never noticed a large
+cloud that had overspread the sky, until a few drops of rain fell upon
+the table.
+
+"Here's a pretty go!" said Fred. "Run, Miss Walters; and, girls, get
+into the cave, and we'll clear the tables."
+
+[Illustration: {The friends' picnic is spoiled by the rain}]
+
+Busy hands quickly disposed of all the articles to be kept dry, and
+the boys were glad to get into the friendly shelter. Down came the
+rain, heavily rolled the thunder, and for a little while the lightning
+was vivid. Soon the rain began to find its way into the cave.
+
+"This will not do. Where's the table, Fred? We must have up a storm
+door," said Phil.
+
+"All ready to slide right up," said Fred. "Arthur, will you get the
+chandelier ready? for it will be rather dark when the door is up."
+
+Arthur crept on his hands and knees to a little crevice in the inner
+part of the cave, and drew out a tin box, with four holes in the
+cover. The girls gathered around, and were much amused to see him take
+out his four candles. These he stuck into the holes of the box; and
+lighting them, he placed them on a shelf prepared expressly for the
+occasion.
+
+Never were boys and girls more happy. They were enjoying excitement
+without danger or discomfort. They sang, played games; and when the
+rain had nearly ceased, some of the boys ran out and lighted the fire.
+They had kept the wood dry. Then turning the table on its side, they
+put out the candles, and had the full benefit of the fire-light. For a
+while conundrums were the order of the day; then they drew lots to
+determine who should tell the first story. It fell to Millie Gray,
+who, with timid modesty, demurred; but the penalty threatened for
+default was so great, that though she had never told a story in her
+life, she thought she had better begin now. Attentively they listened,
+waiting for her to begin. Presently she commenced.
+
+"There was, once upon a time, a beautiful little girl, with blue eyes
+and golden hair."
+
+"O," interrupted Fred, "can't we have this one with black eyes and
+red hair, or brown eyes; I'm tired of blue eyes and yellow hair."
+
+"No, no, no," said Arthur; "I like blue eyes. Go on, Millie." With a
+blush--for her own were blue, and she knew what Arthur meant--she
+continued.
+
+"Well, I like to oblige all parties," replied Millie. "Suppose we say
+her eyes were black and blue; but if any one else interrupts, I'll
+have them committed for contempt of court, and they shall be bound
+over to keep the peace."
+
+"Which piece?" Fred was beginning to say, when Arthur jumped up and
+placed his hand over Fred's mouth, saying, "Consider yourself bound
+over, sir."
+
+"Well, this little girl lived in a deep forest, in a little bit of a
+house, with no one for company but her grandmother and a little yellow
+dog.
+
+"The grandmother was just as cross as she could be, and poor
+little--let's see, what shall I call her?"
+
+"Odahbeetoqua," suggested Fred. "I suppose she was descended from the
+Indians."
+
+"Yes," said Millie, very seriously, "that was her name; but nobody
+called her by it all at one time; they said Daisy, for short.
+
+"Well, one day little Daisy felt so sad and lonely, and her
+grandmother had been so cross, that she said to the little yellow
+dog,--
+
+"'Tip, let's run away. I'm tired of staying here. Granny is so cross,
+I cannot stand it another minute.'
+
+"'Yes, indeed. I'll go with you, Daisy,' said Tip, wagging his tail;
+'for this morning, when I was licking up a bit of butter off the
+floor, she kicked me, and hit me over the head with a broom, and threw
+a stick of wood after me as I indignantly left the premises, and
+wounded my feelings very much.'
+
+"'But then, Tip, suppose we should get lost in the woods, and die of
+starvation, and bears should eat us up.'
+
+"'Trust to me, Daisy,' Tip replied. 'I will lead you safely out of the
+wood, and see that nothing hurts you.'
+
+"Just then a woman came to the door, and said, 'I have heard your
+conversation. Come with me, and you shall both live in a nice house,
+where you can play all day, and have fine clothes, and plenty to eat.'
+
+"'Ah, wouldn't that be pleasant!' said Daisy; and she was just
+preparing to go with the woman, when she stopped suddenly, and said,
+'But who will get wood for granny's fire? and who will pick berries
+for her? She'd die if we should leave her alone. No, I can't leave
+her. She's very cross; but then, she is sick all the time, nearly, and
+I won't go.'
+
+"'O, yes, do!' said the woman. 'I have a lovely white pony, as gentle
+as a kitten, that you shall have to ride, and beautiful dresses. You'd
+better come.'
+
+"'Thank you,' said Daisy; 'I'd like to go with you. You may take Tip.
+Perhaps he'd like to go, but I won't leave grandmother; she'd die if I
+did.'
+
+"No sooner had Daisy finished speaking, than the woman turned into a
+beautiful fairy, the shanty turned into a palace, granny turned into a
+queen, Daisy into a lovely princess, with black and blue--I mean
+heavenly--eyes, and Tip turned into a beautiful prince, all dressed in
+embroidered green velvet; and down on his knees he fell at the
+princess's feet, vowing love and fidelity untold.
+
+"The fairy spread her wings over the young couple, saying, 'Behold the
+reward of unselfishness!' and vanished, leaving them in all their
+bliss."
+
+Millie's story was greeted with shouts of applause and flattering
+comments.
+
+The boys were about renewing the fire, when Miss Walters announced
+that it was seven o'clock.
+
+"O, don't go yet!" shouted Phil from the wood-pile. "We've wood
+enough for an hour yet. Seven o'clock's awful early."
+
+"Don't go, don't go!" came from a chorus of voices; and Miss Walters,
+who only cared for their comfort, said she would stay if that was the
+general wish, or would go with any of the girls that were in haste to
+get home. No one made any movement to go, and she was quietly led back
+to her throne on the hay, at the entrance of the cave.
+
+A song was proposed, and Miss W. led them in the sweet words of "In
+the Beauty of the Lilies," the boys coming out strong with the chorus.
+Then two girls sang a duet very sweetly. Another hour glided swiftly
+away, when Miss Walters said, "Phil, your fire burns low; push the
+blazing ends for a final blaze, so we may get all our things; for we
+must go now."
+
+Everything arranged, they bade good by to the hospitable cave, then
+marched down the hill, the boys whistling "When Johnny comes marching
+Home."
+
+On they trudged, dropping various members of their little party as
+they turned off to go to their homes. All agreed they had had a
+delightful day.
+
+ F. E. S.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The lynx, bear and eagle go after the hunters' buffalo
+ carcass}]
+
+THE HAUNTS OF WILD BEASTS.
+
+
+In crossing the forests which lie about that singular system of ponds
+and lakes that occupy the northern interior of the State of Maine, the
+tourist and hunter will often come upon well-beaten paths, running
+through the woods, trodden hard, as if by the passage of myriads of
+feet; and this in a region rarely, or never, entered by man. They are
+the paths of wild beasts--bears, lynxes, wildcats, the moose, and the
+carribou,--along which they pass from lake to lake, in pursuit of
+their food, or upon hostile forays. When two lakes adjoin each other,
+with no more than a mile or half a mile of forest between them, there
+will nearly always be found, across the narrowest part of the isthmus,
+a path of this sort, more or less worn, according as the locality
+abounds with game, or the lakes with fish.
+
+[Illustration: THE GRIZZLY BEAR.]
+
+One of the widest and most used of these that I have ever seen, led
+from the bank of Moose River up to the low shores of Holeb Pond, in
+one of the not yet numbered townships near the Canada line--so near
+that the high, dingy summit of the "Hog's Back" was plainly visible to
+the north-westward. Starting out from between two large boulders on
+the stream, which at this point is broken by rips, it runs crooking
+and turning amid clumps of hazel and alder, till lost to view in a
+wide flat, covered with "high bush" cranberries, but lost to sight
+only, however; for its tortuous course still continues beneath the
+thick shrubs, until at a distance of two hundred rods it emerges on
+the pond.
+
+Happening to cross it a year ago last autumn, in company with Rod
+Nichols (my comrade on these tramps), the idea suggested itself that a
+good thing might perhaps be done by setting our traps along the path.
+For where there were so many passing feet, some of them might without
+doubt be entrapped.
+
+Rod thought it was the "beat" of some bears, or "lucivees," while I
+inclined to the opinion that otters or "fishers" had made it.
+
+So we brought up our traps,--half a dozen small ones, which we used
+for sable and otter--from the dug-out (canoe) down on the stream, and
+during the following afternoon set them at different points in the
+path, between the border of the cranberry flat and the river. Then
+drawing our canoe up out of the water, we encamped on the stream about
+a mile below the path, and waited for the game.
+
+Our stock of deer meat had got out. We had to content ourselves, both
+for supper and breakfast, the following morning, with a couple of
+hares--lean as usual. Who ever saw a fat hare?
+
+Old hunters are always telling the young sportsman about the
+marvellous properties of shaving-soap made from hare's tallow and
+cedar ashes. The flesh has about as much taste and nutrition in it
+as--so much paper pulp, for want of a better comparison to express its
+utter lack of flavor. But during the forenoon we managed to shoot four
+partridges. These we first parboiled in our camp kettle, then broiled
+on coals. They made us a comfortable dinner; and towards sunset we
+again paddled up the stream, to visit the traps.
+
+Coming near where the path strikes out from the river, we drew up the
+dug-out, and followed in to the place where we had set the first trap.
+It was gone; but the grass about the spot was beaten down, and the
+bushes broken. And on looking around, we discovered a trail leading
+off through the weeds. Following this for ten or a dozen rods, we came
+to a large, rough stone; and near it lay the trap, shattered and bent,
+with the springs broken, and the jaws gaping and powerless. The stone,
+too, looked newly scratched, as if from heavy blows. The trap had
+evidently been beaten upon.
+
+"Some large animal," said I.
+
+"Bear, probably," said Rod. "They will frequently smash up a small
+trap to get it off their feet."
+
+Whatever it was, the creature had freed himself and gone. Rod picked
+up the broken trap, and we went back, and on to the next.
+
+This one was just as we had placed it--not sprung. So we kept on to
+the third, which was sprung, but empty, with little clots of hair
+clinging to the teeth. The hair looked like that of a sable; but he,
+too, had escaped.
+
+The fourth was sprung and drawn out of the path. We crept cautiously
+up, and lo! we had a contemptible little musquash (muskrat)--skin not
+worth a shilling. He was busy as a bee gnawing at his leg. In a few
+minutes more he would have been at liberty--minus a foot. If left any
+length of time after being caught, they will frequently gnaw off the
+leg in the trap. For this reason, those who make a business of
+trapping them set their traps under water, well weighted. They will
+then drown in a few moments, and may thus be secured.
+
+The last two traps were not sprung.
+
+"A big thing this!" muttered Rod. "Had our labor for our pains. Too
+bad."
+
+We were near the edge of the cranberry flat; and just as Rod was
+bemoaning our poor luck, a slight crackling out in the thick cranberry
+bushes came to our ears.
+
+"Hark!" whispered Rod; "something out there. The bear, perhaps."
+
+Standing on tiptoe, we peeped quietly over the tops of the bushes, now
+laden with the green cranberries. Off some seventeen or eighteen rods,
+something was slowly moving. We could see it plainly--something which,
+at first sight, looked like the roots of an old dry pine stump, a
+great mass of stubs and prongs.
+
+"A moose!" exclaimed Rod, in an eager whisper. "A moose browsing the
+cranberries! Quick with your rifle! Together now!"
+
+We both fired. The huge animal, fully nine feet in height beneath his
+antlers, bounded into the air at the reports, with a wild, hoarse cry,
+which I can compare to nothing I have ever heard for hideousness. In a
+frightful way it resembled the neigh of a horse, or, rather, the loud
+squeal of that animal when bitten or otherwise hurt--bounded up, then
+fell, floundering and wallowing amid the cranberries, uttering
+hideous moans.
+
+As quickly as we could for the thick and tangled bushes, we made our
+way out towards the spot. The fearful struggles stilled as we drew
+near. Our aim, at so short a distance, had been thoroughly fatal. A
+great opening in the bushes had been smashed down, in the midst of
+which lay the moose, with its large nostrils dilated, gasping and
+quivering. But its great ox eyes were set, and rapidly glazing. The
+bushes were all besprinkled and drenched with blood. One bullet had
+struck and broken the skull into the brain; that was Rod's. Mine had
+gone into the breast, striking the lungs,--probably, from the profuse
+bleeding.
+
+"A pretty good shot!" exclaimed Rod, looking upon the slaughter from a
+purely business stand-point. "Moosehide is always worth something. So
+are those antlers. A noble set--aren't they? All of four feet broad
+across the top. Pretty heavy to lug; we can put them in the canoe,
+though."
+
+"Then there's the meat," said I.
+
+"That's so," cried Rod, smacking his lips. "No more rabbit's broth for
+us at present. O, won't we have some grand moose steaks! Do you hear
+that, old boy? How does that strike your fancy? Come, let's skin him,
+and cut him up. I long to behold some of that surloin broiling! Rabbit
+meat, indeed!" and Rod whipped out his hunting-knife, and fell upon
+the carcass with the zeal of a hungry bald eagle.
+
+In a few minutes we had stripped off the skin. Rod then wrenched off
+the antlers, cut out the muffle (the end of the nose), and also about
+a hundred weight of what he considered the choicest of the meat. The
+rest of it--nine or ten hundred pounds--we could only leave where it
+had fallen. It would be of no use to us, so far from the settled
+lands.
+
+[Illustration: THE TIGER.]
+
+To carry our spoils down to our canoe, we had to make two trips; for
+the antlers alone were as much as one could take along at once. We had
+gone back after them and the hide.
+
+"Too bad," remarked Rod, "to leave all this flesh here to rot above
+ground."
+
+"I doubt if it be left to rot above ground," said I. "There are too
+many hungry mouths about for that."
+
+"Right there," said Rod; "and that makes me think we might use it to
+lure them, and to bait our traps with. Drag it out to the path, and
+set the traps round it."
+
+The idea seemed a good one. So we cut the remains of the carcass in
+two. Whole it was too heavy to be moved. Then, fastening some stout
+withes into them, we dragged the pieces, one after the other, out to
+the path, and left it at the place where the path entered the
+cranberry bushes. This done, we set the traps about it,--the remaining
+five,--and then went back to the canoe with the antlers and skin.
+
+"Made a very fair thing of it, after all," remarked Rod, as we floated
+with the current down to our camp. "Tell you what, old fellow, these
+steaks are not to be sneezed at. More than ordinary pot luck just at
+this time."
+
+It is needless to say that we fully satisfied our taste for venison
+that night, or that our breakfast next morning was merely a repetition
+of supper. Such things are to be expected in the wilderness. Suffice
+it to add, that we neither overate nor overslept, but were up betimes,
+and off to examine our traps considerably before sunrise. We did not
+go up in the canoe on the river, but walked along the bank through the
+woods.
+
+"We may surprise a bear or a lynx at the carcass," said Rod.
+
+So, as we drew near the place where we had left it in the path the
+evening before, we made our way amid the brush with as little noise
+as possible. A small hollow, overrun with hackmatack, led up towards
+the spot. We crept along the bed of it, in order to approach
+unobserved. Pausing a moment to listen, the clank of a chain came
+faintly to our ears, then a growling, worrying noise, heard when two
+creatures, jealous of each other's rights, eat from the same piece.
+
+"Game!" whispered Rod.
+
+Climbing quietly up the steep side, we peeped out from amid the green
+boughs. We had got up within nine or ten rods; but intervening bushes
+partially hid the carcass. Something was moving about it,
+however--something black. The trap chains were rattling. Then a big
+black head was raised, to growl; and as if in reply came a sharp snarl
+from some animal out of sight. The black creature darted forward; and
+a great uproar arose, growling, grappling, and spitting, at which
+there flew up a whole flock of crows, cawing and hawing; and the noise
+increasing, there sprang into the air, at a single flap, a great
+yellow bird, uttering a savage scream.
+
+"An eagle!" whispered Rod; "and that black creature's a bear, I guess.
+Can't see him just plainly. Growls like one, though. Fighting with
+some other animal--isn't he? Some sort of a cat, by the spitting."
+
+"Shall we fire on them?" said I.
+
+"No; let 'em have it out," said Rod. "One of them will be pretty sure
+to get chewed up, and the other won't leave the carcass. Besides, the
+cat's in the trap, I reckon, by the rattling." For the jingling of the
+chain could still be heard over the howling they were making. But ere
+the fight had lasted many seconds, a suppressed screech, followed by a
+crunching sound, told ill for one or the other of the combatants. "The
+cat's got his death hug," muttered Rod.
+
+Presently the bear--a great, clumsy-looking fellow--came out into
+view, strutted along, scrubbing his feet on the grass, like a dog, and
+went back to the carcass. The eagle and the crows had come back to it.
+They flew before him.
+
+"Keep your eye on the eagle," whispered Rod. "I would like to get him.
+It isn't a 'white head.' Never saw one like it."
+
+The great bird circled slowly several times, then stooped, almost
+touching the bear's shaggy back with its hooked talons. At that the
+bear raised his ugly muzzle, all reeking from his feast, and growled
+menacingly. This was repeated several times, the bear warning him off
+at each stoop, and sometimes striking with his big paw. Finding the
+bear not inclined to divide with him, the eagle, with one mighty flap
+of his wings, rose up to the top of a tall hemlock standing near, and
+perched upon it. We could see the branches bend and sway beneath his
+weight.
+
+"I'll have him now," muttered Rod, poking the muzzle of his rifle out
+through the boughs. "You take the bear. Ready! now!"
+
+We blazed away. With a wild shriek the eagle came tumbling down
+through the hemlock. Rod ran out towards him, and I made up to the
+bear. Old Bruin was merely wounded--an ugly flesh wound; and not
+knowing whence it came, he had flown at the dead lynx,--for such it
+turned out to be,--and was giving him another hugging. Seeing me, he
+started up, to rectify his mistake, probably; but I had put in another
+charge, and instantly gave him a quietus. Just then Rod came up,
+dragging the eagle.
+
+"Never saw one like it," exclaimed he. "I mean to take it down to
+Greenville."
+
+After skinning the bear and the lynx, we gathered up the traps, and
+went down to our camp. Together with the spoils of the moose, we had
+now a full canoe load, and stowing them in, went down the river that
+afternoon. Two days after, we arrived at Greenville, at the foot of
+Moosehead Lake. There we fell in with a party of tourists--from
+Boston, I believe. They pronounced Rod's "big bird" to be a golden
+eagle.
+
+ C. A. STEPHENS.
+
+
+
+
+WORSHIP OF NATURE.
+
+
+ The green earth sends her incense up
+ From many a mountain shrine;
+ From folded leaf and dewy cup,
+ She pours her sacred wine.
+
+ The mists above the morning rills
+ Rise white as wings of prayer;
+ The altar curtains of the hills
+ Are sunset's purple air.
+
+
+
+
+A HUNTING ADVENTURE.
+
+
+Tired of the heat and confusion of the city, my friend Clarke and I
+left New York one fine morning for a hunting excursion on the
+prairies.
+
+At Galena, on the Mississippi, we went aboard a steamer which conveyed
+us to St. Paul. Here we fitted out for the trip, and finally, at Sauk
+Rapids set our foot for the first time on the prairie.
+
+From the Mississippi, at Sauk Rapids, we struck about north-west
+across the prairie for Fort Garry, a Hudson Bay Company's fort, at the
+junction of the Assiniboine and Red River, where we replenished some
+of our stores; and thence we travelled through the Sioux, or Da-ko-tah
+country, until we reached Turtle Mountain.
+
+Our party consisted of Clarke and myself, two French Canadians, whom
+we had engaged at St. Paul, and a half-breed, whom we had met on the
+frontier before reaching Fort Garry.
+
+One evening, before camping at the base of Turtle Mountain, Clarke and
+I gave chase to some buffalo, and I killed one, which I proceeded to
+cut up at once by removing the tongue and undercut of the fillet. The
+meat I tied to the thongs of my saddle, placed there especially for
+that purpose, and I rejoined the camp before nightfall. Clarke came
+back shortly afterwards, having killed his buffalo in three or four
+shots, and after a long chase. This had delayed him so much, that he
+lacked time to cut up his animal; so he marked the spot as well as he
+could by its bearings with Turtle Mountain, and he rode homewards to
+the camp, intending to go on the following morning, and get the meat
+for home consumption.
+
+We cooked and ate our dinners, and rolling ourselves up in our buffalo
+robes, we slept most soundly. The following morning, Clarke went out
+and fetched his pony, which was picketed near the camp, saddled it,
+took his rifle and hunting-knife, and then off he started to look for
+the dead buffalo of the previous evening, cut it up, and bring home
+some of the meat.
+
+I remained in camp; and as my wardrobe was rather dilapidated from
+constant hunting, and the limited number of clothes I had with me, I
+proceeded to mend my trousers, which were worn through just where it
+might naturally be expected they would first give way. This I could
+only do by shortening the legs of the garment. However, the end
+justified the means in this case.
+
+These repairs, with other necessary work about our rifles and guns,
+occupied the morning very pleasantly; and about midday I went up the
+hill behind our camp, where a small bluff, or headland, projected from
+it over the vast grassy plain. I took my telescope with me, as every
+traveller in those wild regions should always do, when spying out
+either the fatness of the land or the possible surrounding dangers.
+Far and wide my eye fell over the gentle undulations of the prairie,
+but no deer or buffalo could I see.
+
+No; instead of quietly feeding game, I discovered my friend Clarke,
+some three or four miles from camp, galloping at the top of his
+horse's speed towards us, and five Indians in hot pursuit of him.
+
+Knowing his danger, I of course ran down the bluff as hard as I could
+to the camp, and holloaed to the men to make haste and come to the
+rescue. I then ran for my pony, which was picketed at a short distance
+from our tent; but he was difficult to catch, or had drawn his peg out
+of the ground. At any rate, I could not get hold of him; so I gave
+him up, and seizing my rifle, darted off as hard as I could to meet my
+friend.
+
+[Illustration: {Clarke being pursued by the Indians}]
+
+The men also turned out with their guns; and soon afterwards Clarke
+rode up, both he and his pony looking much distressed. Clarke was as
+white as a sheet, and his pony was completely blown. The Indians
+sheered off on seeing us ready with our rifles. So no shot was fired;
+for they never came within range.
+
+I then asked Clarke what had happened; and I give you his story of the
+affair.
+
+On leaving camp in the morning, he had gone in search of the dead
+buffalo of the previous night. He soon found the carcass; and wishing
+to bring home the meat, he got off his pony, tied the animal to the
+horns of the buffalo,--as you are always taught to do in the Indian
+country,--and straightway began to cut off the pieces of meat which he
+wished to bring back to camp. Whilst so employed, he thought he saw
+another herd of buffalo not far away; so he finished cutting off the
+meat, and rode towards the new herd, on murderous thoughts intent.
+
+He stalked the herd for some distance, until he thought himself
+tolerably near, when he looked round the corner of a hillock, and then
+to his horror found he had been carefully approaching five Indians,
+who were congregated round a dead buffalo, their horses close by, and
+the men occupied in cutting up the beast.
+
+Before he could turn to flee out of sight the Indians discovered him.
+They were Sioux, and at war with the whites. Instantly they jumped on
+their horses and gave chase, fired, no doubt, with the noble zeal to
+hang a white scalp in a Sioux lodge. Off went Clarke as hard as his
+little pony could carry him, the Indians shouting behind, and
+brandishing their guns in the air as they became excited by the chase,
+whilst he was thinking of the probability that existed of his scalp
+returning to camp, or dangling at the saddle-bow of one of these
+bloodthirsty savages.
+
+Clarke supposes that he was five or six miles from camp when the chase
+began; and he recollected well throwing the cover away from his rifle,
+in preparation for a fight should his pony fall, or the Indians catch
+him through the superior speed of their animals.
+
+Imagine the horrible feelings of a young fellow galloping away from
+five wild redskins, who not only desire to kill him then and there,
+but have, further, the sportsman-like anxiety to strip his scalp, and
+hang the dearly-beloved trophy in some filthy lodge, where it will
+gradually dry up, and remain the most valued heirloom in the family of
+the "Big Snake," or the "Screeching Eagle," or some other no less
+happily-named Sioux.
+
+Their horrible shrieks ring in his ears, whilst he anxiously measures
+with his eyes the distance betwixt himself and his bloodthirsty
+pursuers; he endeavors to estimate his chances of escape, and longs
+for the protection of the camp, as Wellington longed for night or
+Blucher, knowing that if he falls he will be shot, or tomahawked and
+scalped, in the course of a couple of minutes.
+
+No wonder, then, that poor Clarke did look as if he had seen a ghost,
+or encountered something even much worse; nor do I believe that during
+his subsequent army service he was ever much nearer a horrible death
+than during the few minutes which that pursuit lasted.
+
+To conclude the account of this adventure, we covered his return to
+camp with our rifles, as I mentioned in the earlier part of this
+story; and you may conceive that we kept a very strict watch in the
+camp during the night, fearing lest the Sioux should either stampede
+us with an increased number of their friends after nightfall, or try
+to carry off our horses, and leave us deserted in the midst of the
+prairie. However, the night passed off quietly; and often since then
+have Clarke and I talked over this memorable adventure.
+
+
+
+
+ One step and then another,
+ And the longest walk is ended;
+ One stitch and then another,
+ And the largest rent is mended.
+ One brick upon another,
+ And the highest wall is made;
+ One flake upon another,
+ And the deepest snow is laid.
+
+
+
+
+NEARLY LOST.
+
+
+"I know what I shall do!" exclaimed Walter Harrison to about a dozen
+other boys, his schoolfellows, who were standing round him. "I shall
+just tell 'old Barnacles' that my father and mother wish me to have a
+holiday this afternoon, and he can't say 'no' to that. It's the
+simplest and best way. If you all agree to it, we shall get a holiday
+all around. Who'll go in for my plan?"
+
+"I will! and I! and I!" responded nearly all the boys.
+
+The facts of the case were simply these: There were taking place in a
+park close by a series of athletic sports, and this afternoon the
+admission was free to any one who chose to go. Of course all the boys
+in Mr. Jackson's school were mad to see the sports; but by the time
+the school was out the best fun would be over, and the majority of the
+boys guessed pretty shrewdly what would be the result of asking their
+parents to let them stay away. The grand idea was to induce the master
+to give a general holiday, but the question was how that desirable end
+was to be brought about. It had been suggested to stay away bodily,
+without so much as saying, "With your leave or by your leave;" but as
+such a course carried a certainty of punishment in its train, it was
+universally rejected. Another idea, which had received some favor, had
+been to trip up the poor half-blind schoolmaster, quite by accident,
+and by rendering him incapable obtain the desired holiday, but there
+had been a majority found to protest against such cruelty; and now
+Walter Harrison had suggested his plan. But although most of them were
+inclined to adopt it, there were two who resolutely refused to do so.
+
+"Why won't you join us?" asked Walter of these two.
+
+"I sha'n't, because I'm not going to tell a pack of lies for the sake
+of a holiday," answered Willie Ford, the younger of the two.
+
+"How good we are!" replied Walter, tauntingly; and then throwing his
+cap up into the air, he sang out:
+
+ "'There was a curly-headed boy
+ Who never told a lie;
+ He knew a trick worth two of that:
+ That was the reason why.'
+
+"Sly fox!" he said, patting Willie on the back. "He does the 'good'
+dodge to perfection, and finds it answers too; don't you, Ford?"
+
+Walter's sallies were received with roars of laughter by the boys.
+Willie took no notice of them, although it was a difficult matter to
+restrain his anger.
+
+"What a milksop the fellow is!" cried out one of the boys.
+
+"A stupid little muff!" cried another.
+
+"Am I?" cried Willie, his temper now fully roused; "I'll show you
+about that. Although I'm not going to tell lies, I'll fight any one of
+you. Come now, Harrison, let's have it out together."
+
+Harrison burst out laughing: "Fancy me fighting with a little
+cock-sparrow like you! I should like to see myself!"
+
+Willie was about to burst out again, but a friendly hand was laid on
+his arm, and his friend Philip said, gently, "Come away, Will; no
+fighting about such a trifle as that, lad."
+
+"What a peppery little chap!" called out Walter as Willie turned away
+with his friend. "Pepper and sop! Ugh! what a nasty mess!"
+
+The boys followed out their plan, and got their holiday, all except
+Willie and Philip and several little fellows who had taken no interest
+in the matter.
+
+School over, the two boys rushed off in the hope that they might be in
+time to see something. They were too late, however, for the
+performances were just coming to an end when they arrived, so they
+started for a stroll through the beautiful park, which was not often
+open to the public.
+
+"Why, there are our fellows!" said Philip as they suddenly came in
+sight of a group of boys on the edge of the magnificent lake.
+
+"What are they up to? They're very busy about something!" exclaimed
+Willie.
+
+"Let's go and see," Philip said, in reply.
+
+As they came nearer they could tell that the boys were gesticulating
+and shouting to something in the water.
+
+"It can't be one of them gone in and lost his depth," said Willie,
+anxiously.
+
+No such thing, as they found when they got close--only a dog that the
+boys were amusing themselves by seeing how long they could keep under
+water. The creature was making frantic efforts to gain a
+landing-place, but as he approached the shore they drove him back with
+sticks and stones.
+
+"We're teaching him to swim," cried one as Philip and Willie came up.
+"A miserable little mongrel! he can't swim a bit!"
+
+"Why, don't you see," cried Willie, eagerly, "that he's as weak as a
+rat? He can scarcely support himself in the water. I should think he's
+been starved."
+
+At this moment the dog, being turned back once more, disappeared,
+quite close to the shore. With a loud cry of pain and anger, Willie
+darted through the boys, and wading into the shallow water succeeded
+in enticing the drowning dog toward him. He came out, holding the
+dripping creature safely in his arms.
+
+"We must carry it home," he said to Philip, after they had vainly
+endeavored to set it upon its feet; and accordingly, they started off
+at a good pace, the poor half-drowned animal safely sheltered in
+Willie's arms.
+
+Well might his mother be alarmed to see him come home to tea in such a
+plight; but when she heard his explanation, she was quite ready to
+sympathize with him, and told him he had done bravely and well to
+rescue the poor animal. As he seemed none the worse for his wetting,
+he was allowed to come down stairs again as soon as he had put on dry
+things. Very tenderly the little half-starved dog was fed with warmed
+milk. He had fallen into good hands. Willie's father and mother were
+kind Christian people, who had taught their children to be gentle and
+considerate to the meanest of God's creatures.
+
+"Why, Willie, he's a fine fellow, and only quite a puppy; he will be a
+splendid dog when he is fully grown," his father said, when the animal
+had recovered sufficiently to be examined.
+
+And so it proved. Bruno, as Willie named him, turned out a splendid
+creature. His devotion to the whole family, but especially to Willie,
+was quite touching to see. He would obey the slightest gesture of his
+young master in every matter except one. As a child once burned dreads
+the fire, so Bruno, once nearly drowned, could never be induced to
+enter the water.
+
+While Bruno was developing into a handsome dog, Willie, you may be
+sure, was not standing still. He had grown into a fine strong lad, and
+got beyond poor old Dr. Jackson's school.
+
+To the last day of his stay there he and Walter Harrison never managed
+to get on very good terms, and a suspected unfairness in the matter of
+obtaining a prize made them part with still greater coldness.
+
+A year or two after he had left school Willie's parents went with
+their family to spend the summer months near the sea. Before they had
+been in their new quarters many weeks, much to Willie's vexation and
+disappointment, he found that Walter and his parents were also staying
+in the same town, and quite close to him.
+
+The two lads frequently met, but they could get on no better now than
+they had done in the old days. Walter still looked upon Willie as a
+contemptible little milksop, and Willie was inclined to consider
+Walter's exploits more the result of foolhardiness than bravery.
+
+One day they met on the beach. Walter had come down with a friend to
+take a boat.
+
+"Rather rough for rowing," Willie called out as he passed, "but I
+suppose you're a good oar."
+
+"What's that to you?" responded Walter, insolently; "I suppose you're
+afraid of a little sea."
+
+"I don't see the pleasure of going out when there's any risk," Willie
+replied, good-humoredly.
+
+"How precious careful you are over yourself!" replied Walter.
+
+The boat pushed off, and away started the two friends. Willie, not
+caring to watch them after the haughty, rude manner in which his
+remark had been received, turned away; but before he had gone far his
+attention was attracted by a succession of shouts and ejaculations.
+
+The tiny boat had come to grief before they had got much more than
+fifty yards from the shore. In the unskilful hands of the two lads the
+little bark was a mere plaything in the angry sea. Carried on with a
+swiftness they were unable to check, they rushed headlong on to one of
+the hidden rocks with which the coast abounded. The boat turned over
+and disappeared, leaving its occupants struggling in the water.
+
+There were but few bystanders, and of these no one did more than talk
+and gesticulate and ask wildly what was to be done.
+
+The same impulse that had prompted Willie to rescue a drowning dog
+now caused him to risk his life in order to save that of the boy who
+had always shown so unfriendly a disposition toward him.
+
+Pulling off his coat, he threw it and his hat down on the shore; and
+giving Bruno an injunction to guard them, he plunged bravely into the
+tempestuous waves. He could swim well, and succeeded with great
+difficulty in reaching the spot where Walter had but a moment ago
+disappeared, and then began the terrible struggle for life.
+
+Bruno sat by his master's clothes and gazed out over the sea with eyes
+which looked almost human in their intelligent anxiety. Presently he
+grew restless, and in another moment the faithful creature dashed into
+the waves, and made resolutely for the spot where his master was
+laboriously engaged in trying to convey one of the drowning lads to
+shore.
+
+By the powerful aid of the noble dog Walter and Willie were saved; and
+a boat having now put off, Walter's friend was picked up after a
+while. What a cheer rent the air when the dog and the two lads gained
+the shore I cannot attempt to describe. Willie was never called a
+milksop any more, and Bruno was more loved and prized than ever.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+CHARLEY.
+
+
+I made the acquaintance of my little friend Charley under very unusual
+and startling circumstances. I saw a lad about fifteen years of age
+clinging desperately for very life to the topmast of a sunken ship. I
+will tell you how it happened.
+
+I must go back nearly twenty years. Indeed, I ought to explain that
+Charley was a little friend of mine a long time ago; now he's a
+grown-up man. Well, twenty years ago I was not very old myself, but my
+sister, who is some years older than I am, was already married, and
+her husband was very fond of yachting. They lived during a great part
+of the year in the Isle of Wight, and there I often used to go to stay
+with them.
+
+The "Swallow"--that was the name of my brother-in-law's yacht--was a
+beautiful boat, and many happy hours have I passed on board her as she
+skimmed merrily over the sparkling water. I delighted to sit on deck,
+watching the fishing-boats as they rode bravely from wave to wave, or
+sometimes wondering at some large ship as it passed by, on which men
+live for weeks and months without ever touching land. We used to sail
+long distances, and occasionally be out for several days and nights
+together. My brother-in-law's skipper could tell me what country
+almost every vessel that we saw was bound for. Some were sailing to
+climates where the heat is so great that our most sultry summer in
+England is comparatively cold; others were off northward, perhaps
+whale-fishing, where they would see huge icebergs and hear the
+growling of the polar bears.
+
+We were taking our last cruise of the season. It was already near the
+end of October, and the weather was becoming stormy. Passing out of
+the Solent into the Channel, we found the sea much rougher than we
+expected, and as night came on it blew a regular gale. The wind and
+sea roared, the rain poured down in torrents, and the night seemed to
+me to be the darkest I had ever known. But on board the "Swallow" we
+had no fear. We trusted to the seamanship of our skipper and the
+goodness of our vessel, and went to bed with minds as free from fear
+as if the sea were smooth and the sky clear.
+
+I awoke just as dawn was breaking, dressed quickly, and throwing a
+water-proof cloak over me popped my head up the companion-ladder to
+see how things looked. The old skipper was on deck; he had not turned
+in during the night. I wished him good-morning, and he remarked, in
+return, that the wind was going down, he thought. Looking at the sea,
+I observed two or three large fragments of wood floating near, and
+they attracted his notice at the same moment.
+
+"Has there been a wreck, captain?" I asked, with a feeling of awe.
+
+"That's about what it is, miss," answered the old seaman.
+
+"Do you think the people are drowned?" I inquired, anxiously.
+
+"Well," replied Captain Bounce, casting, as I thought, rather a
+contemptuous glance at me, "people don't in general live under water,
+miss."
+
+[Illustration: CHARLEY'S WELCOME HOME.]
+
+"Perhaps they may have had boats," I said, meekly. "Do you think
+boats could have reached the shore in such a storm?"
+
+"Well," answered the old captain, "they might have had boats, and they
+mightn't; and the boats, supposing they had 'em, might have lived
+through the storm, and at the same time they mightn't."
+
+This was not giving me much information, and I thought to myself that
+my friend the skipper did not seem so much inclined for a chat as
+usual. I turned to look at the sea in search of more pieces of wreck,
+when I discovered in the distance a dark speck rising out of the
+water. I pointed it out to the skipper at once, who took his glass out
+of his pocket, and after looking through it for a moment exclaimed,
+
+"There's something floating there, and a man clinging to it, as I'm
+alive!"
+
+As he spoke my brother-in-law came on deck, and also took a look
+through the telescope. Then he, the captain and every sailor on board
+became eager and excited. You would have thought it some dear friend
+of each whose life was to be saved. The yacht was headed in the
+direction of the object, the boat was quickly lowered, the captain
+himself, with four sailors, jumping into it, and in another minute
+they caught in their arms a poor little exhausted and fainting boy as
+he dropped from the mast of a large sunken ship. We could now
+distinguish the tops of all the three masts appearing above the waves,
+for the sea was not deep, and the ship had settled down in an upright
+position.
+
+Poor Charley Standish was soon in the cabin of the yacht, and after
+swallowing some champagne he revived sufficiently to tell us his
+story. The sunken ship was the "Melbourne," bound for Australia, and
+this was Charley's first voyage as a midshipman on board. During the
+darkness of the night she had been run into by a large homeward-bound
+merchantman of the same class. She sank within an hour of the
+collision. In the scramble for the boats Charley thought he had but
+little chance for finding a place; and as the ship filled and kept
+sinking deeper in the water, an instinct of self-preservation led him
+to climb into the rigging. Then up he went, higher and higher, even to
+the topmast; and at last, when the vessel went down all at once, he
+found himself, to his inexpressible relief, still above the surface.
+
+What most astonished us all was that a boy so young should have been
+able to hold on for more than an hour to a slippery mast, exposed to
+the fury of the wind, and within reach, even, of the lashing waves. We
+sailed home at once to the Isle of Wight, and wrote to the boy's
+mother, a widow living in London, to tell her of his safety. The boy
+himself stayed with us two or three days, until we bought him new
+clothes, and then went to his mother. Great was her joy when she once
+more clasped him to her loving heart. My brother-in-law took a great
+fancy to him. He has watched his career, and seen him at intervals
+ever since. Charley Standish is now a chief mate on board a great
+merchantman of the same class as the "Melbourne."
+
+
+
+
+THE PARSEES.
+
+
+The Parsees are supposed to be descendants of the ancient Persians,
+who, after the defeat of their King Yezdezerd, the last of the dynasty
+of Sassan, by the followers of Mohammed, fled to the mountains of
+Khorasan. On the death of Yezdezerd, they quitted their native land,
+and putting to sea, were permitted to settle at Sanjan, a place near
+the sea-coast, between Bombay and Surat, about twenty-four miles south
+of Damaun.
+
+The Parsees are now chiefly settled in Bombay, numbering about one
+hundred and fifteen thousand souls, or one fifth of the population.
+
+The most enterprising, in a commercial point of view, of the various
+races of Bombay, are the Parsees, some of whom are even more wealthy
+than the most successful of the European merchants. They bear the very
+highest character for honesty and industry, and are intelligent and
+benevolent. The late Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy was a faultless model of
+a merchant prince, in integrity, enterprise, and munificence. He
+founded a hospital that bears his name, and made himself conspicuous
+for his active benevolence up to the day of his death.
+
+Great numbers of the poorer Parsees are clerks in the government
+offices--a species of service for which they are peculiarly fitted, on
+account of their attention to business, industry, and general
+intelligence. Their inclinations are essentially pacific; and such a
+phenomenon as a Parsee soldier is almost unknown.
+
+The Parsees are alive to the advantage of affording a good education
+to their children; and among the largest seminaries in the city of
+Bombay are those belonging to this community. A Parsee school is an
+interesting sight. The children are decidedly pretty; and as they sit
+in rows, with glittering, many-colored dresses, and caps and jewels,
+they look like a gay parterre of flowers.
+
+On account of their peculiar religious belief, the Parsees are known
+also as "Fire Worshippers;" but however great their awe for fire and
+light, they consider them only as emblems of a higher power. The
+Parsees pay reverence to two kinds of fire--the Adaran, lawful for the
+people to behold; and the Behram, which must be seen by none but the
+chief Dustoor, or priest, and must be screened from the rays of the
+sun. When required for a new temple, a portion of the sacred fire is
+procured in a golden censer from Mount Elbourg, near Yezd, where
+resides the chief pontiff, and where the holy flame is perpetually
+maintained. The Behram fire is said to have had its origin from the
+natural bituminous fires on the shores of the Caspian, and to have
+never been extinguished. It is supposed to be fed with sandal and
+other precious and aromatic woods, and is kept burning on a silver
+grating.
+
+The Parsees are the only Eastern nation who abstain from smoking. They
+do not eat food cooked by a person of another religion, and object to
+beef and pork.
+
+When a Parsee dies, a dog must be present, as it is supposed to drive
+away evil spirits, who are on the alert to seize upon the dying man's
+soul. This precaution is called the _sagdad_, or dog-gaze. One of the
+chief reasons for the great veneration in which dogs are held by
+Parsees arises from the tradition that in their emigration from Persia
+to India their ancestors were, during a dark night, nearly driven upon
+the shores of Guzerat, and that they were aroused and first warned
+of their impending danger by the barking of the dogs on board their
+ships.
+
+[Illustration: PARSEE CHILDREN, BOMBAY.]
+
+When a Parsee dies, the body is dressed in clean, but old clothes, and
+conveyed to its last resting-place on an iron bier; meat and drink are
+placed at hand for three days, as during that time the soul is
+supposed to hover around in the hope of being reunited to its late
+earthly tenement.
+
+[Illustration: A PARSEE.]
+
+The Parsee sepulchres are of so peculiar a character as to merit
+particular notice. Should any of my readers ever go to Bombay, he will
+find two of these _dakhmas_, or Temples of Silence, in a secluded part
+of Malabar Hill, though admittance is denied within the walls
+enclosing the melancholy structures to aught but Parsees. The interior
+is fitted up with stages or stories of stone pavement, slanting down
+to a circular opening, like a well, covered with a grating, into which
+the bones are swept, after the fowls of the air, the dew, and the sun
+have deprived them of every particle of flesh.
+
+The Parsees assign as their reason for not burying their dead, that,
+having received many benefits from the earth during their lifetime,
+they consider it defiled by placing dead bodies in it. Similarly, they
+do not adopt the Hindoo custom of burning their dead, as another
+element, fire, would be rendered impure.
+
+The chief distinctive feature of the Parsee dress is the hat, to which
+the community cling with a pertinacity that would be extraordinary,
+were it not common. Even the Parsee representative of "Young Bombay,"
+dressed from top to toe in European costume, including a pair of shiny
+boots, cannot be induced to discard the abominable _topee_, or hat,
+distinctive of his race; though, perhaps, after all, we who live in
+glass houses should not throw stones; for what can be more hideous
+than the chimney-pot hat of our boasted civilization? The Parsee
+head-dress, which contests the palm of ugliness with its English
+rival, is constructed on a strong but light framework, covered with
+highly-glazed, dark-colored chintz. The priests, who dress like the
+laity, wear a hat of much the same shape as the former, but white,
+instead of a dark color.
+
+On occasions of ceremony, the ordinary tight-fitting narrow garment is
+exchanged for one with very full skirts, like a petticoat; and a shawl
+is usually worn round the waist, which is at other times omitted. The
+costume of the women is a combination of that of the Hindoos and
+Mussulmans, consisting of the short body and _sarree_ of the former,
+with the full trousers of the latter. Both sexes endue themselves, at
+seven years of age, with the sacred shirt, which is worn over the
+trousers; the _sadra_, as it is called, is made of a thin, transparent
+muslin, and is meant to represent the coat-of-mail the men wore when
+they arrived in India, and with which they believe they can resist the
+spiritual assaults of Ahriman, the evil principle. The hair of the
+women is concealed by linen skull-caps, fitting tight to the head.
+
+It is a singular and interesting sight to watch the Parsees assembled
+on the sea-shore, and, as the sun sinks below the horizon, to mark
+them prostrating themselves, and offering up their orisons to the
+great giver of light and heat, which they regard as representing the
+Deity. Their prayers are uttered, it is said, in an unknown tongue;
+and after the fiery face of the orb of day has disappeared in his
+ocean bed, and the wondrous pillars of light shooting aslant the sky,
+proclaim that the "day is done," and the night is at hand, they raise
+themselves from their knees, and turn silently away from the beach,
+which is left once more to twilight and the murmur, or, if in angry
+mood, the roar, of the sea as it breaks on the shore.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The unknown man rescues the girl from the burning
+ building}]
+
+THE CRIPPLED BOY.
+
+FROM THE FRENCH.
+
+
+"Don't cry any more, Genevieve; you must get married again," said a
+man in the working dress of a slater, just returning from his day's
+work, to a poor woman who was sitting at the foot of a camp bed,
+weeping, and rocking her baby at the same time. "Your husband is
+dead; he fell from a ladder, and it killed him. It is a great
+misfortune for you and your family; but crying won't help you."
+
+Saying these words in a rough voice, to hide the emotion caused by the
+poor woman's despair, the workman brushed away a tear with his coat
+sleeve.
+
+"My poor George!" said the woman.
+
+"If your son was only good for anything," added the workman, rudely,
+throwing a glance of disdain upon a poor, pale, weak, and crippled
+boy, who was seated on the floor in a corner of the room; "if that
+child would ever grow into a man, I would take him with me, and teach
+him how to clamber over roofs, and to keep his balance upon the beams,
+and drop from the end of a rope. But no, he grows worse and worse
+every day; and now he can hardly bear his own weight. He is almost
+twelve years old, that son of yours; and if they said he was four, it
+would be a compliment."
+
+"Is it the fault of Jacques that he came crooked into the world, my
+brother?"
+
+"No, certainly not. I don't blame him, poor child, I don't blame him;
+but he will always be a useless mouth in the world. Luckily, he will
+not live long," he whispered in the ear of his sister. Then he rose,
+and went out, calling, "Good by till to-morrow," in a tone of voice
+which betrayed the anxiety he felt at the situation of his sister and
+her children.
+
+"_Luckily_ I shall not live long," was repeated by a sweet, sad voice,
+in an accent which only belongs to those who have suffered deeply.
+
+"What are you saying, Jacques?" inquired Genevieve.
+
+"That I am good for nothing. My uncle was right."
+
+"Take courage, my son. When you are older, you will grow stronger."
+
+"Yes, if--" said the boy.
+
+But he left the sentence unfinished, and his mother was too much
+absorbed in her grief to ask him what he meant. It was late, and in a
+few minutes the poor family retired. It was hardly light when Jacques
+went down into the court-yard to see the grooms curry the horses, wash
+the carriages, and get ready for the day.
+
+It was summer, and very soon a pretty little girl came down into the
+court. Jacques uttered a loud cry when he saw her.
+
+"Without crutches, Mademoiselle Emilie!"
+
+"So you see, Jacques," replied the young girl, with a sweet smile. "I
+shall not use them any more. To be sure, I am a little weak here," she
+added, showing her left arm and foot, which were smaller than the
+right; "and besides," she said, "I am a little crooked."
+
+"And mademoiselle believes that she is entirely cured?"
+
+"Certainly, Jacques. Only think, I was worse than you are! Stop,
+Jacques! I do really believe that _you_ would be cured if you would go
+with me, and take lessons in gymnastics at the house of Colonel
+Amoros."
+
+"I am too poor to do that, mademoiselle. Somebody told my mother that
+these academies of gymnas--gym--I don't know what--are very expensive;
+and besides that, what good would they do me? for my uncle says I
+shall not live long."
+
+"Perhaps your uncle does not know any better than our doctor. But
+really, Jacques, have you not seen sometimes old people crooked and
+deformed? They have lived long, perhaps, those same old people."
+
+"But it is not at all likely that they were obliged to earn their
+living, mademoiselle."
+
+[Illustration: THE LITTLE CRIPPLE BOY.]
+
+"Poor Jacques!" exclaimed Emilie, in a tone of compassion. "You listen
+to me. When I am married, and have lots of money, I promise you that
+it will give me pleasure to make any sacrifice to pay for your being
+cured."
+
+"Ah, I shall be too old then, or dead--who knows?"
+
+"What can be done?" she exclaimed, tapping the toe of her boot on the
+ground with an air of vexation.
+
+Then seeing an elderly lady come into the court, she ran to meet her,
+exclaiming,--
+
+"My dear friend, allow Jacques to go with us to the Amoros gymnasium.
+You gave me one ticket. Say, will you give me two?"
+
+"It is impossible, mademoiselle. I cannot give away your tickets
+without leave from your father."
+
+"Leave from my father, who is not here!" cried Emilie. "He is in
+Martinique. Before we could get an answer--O, dear! O, dear!"
+
+"Do not distress yourself so, my child," said the governess. "I have
+heard that they receive free pupils in the gymnasium conducted by M.
+Amoros. For many years they have taken those unfortunate children who
+are unable to pay the price of subscription. It is very generous and
+kind in Colonel Amoros, for it must be very expensive to support an
+establishment of this kind in the city."
+
+"It is very good in the colonel; but then I want to pay for Jacques,
+because if every one went without paying, the school would soon come
+to an end."
+
+"But what money have you to pay with?"
+
+"Ah, you shall see, my kind friend.--Jacques," she added, turning to
+the poor boy, whose pale and suffering face expressed all the interest
+he took in this conversation,--"Jacques, you must come with me to the
+gymnasium."
+
+"Never, for I cannot walk so far as that, mademoiselle," said Jacques,
+sadly.
+
+"But you must ride in my carriage."
+
+"Just think of that, mademoiselle! No, I am too poorly clothed," said
+the poor son of the slater, glancing at his worn-out vest and at his
+green trousers patched with gray.
+
+"Haven't you any Sunday clothes?"
+
+"Yes, mademoiselle, but they are very little better."
+
+"They must be cleaner, certainly. Go and put them on. Hurry!"
+
+Jacques obeyed. A few moments later, he came down, looking a little
+better dressed; but it was owing to the careful hands of a good
+workwoman, and not to the quality of the cloth which made his
+garments.
+
+Emilie was obliged to use all her authority before the servants would
+allow the little peasant to enter the coach. At last she placed him on
+the seat before her, and he was much more astonished than delighted at
+finding himself run away with by a pair of frisky young horses.
+
+In a street named Jean-Goujon you can see a large white building, of a
+very elegant style of architecture. On the front of it was printed, in
+large letters, the words GYMNASE CIVIL ORTHOSOMATIQUE, and other
+inscriptions to explain the object of the edifice.
+
+In 1815 Colonel Amoros made the first effort to introduce gymnastics
+into France. Messrs. Jomard and Julien not only seconded him fully,
+but insisted on the importance of these exercises, not alone for
+physical development, but for moral and intellectual strength.
+
+Colonel Amoros was of Spanish origin, and became distinguished in the
+Spanish army. He formed two companies of Zouaves, and achieved the
+most daring exploits with them in Europe and Africa. Then he became
+private secretary to King Charles IV. He formed a large gymnasium in
+Madrid, which was destroyed in the war of 1808. But in devoting, his
+life to the physical training of children in Paris, Colonel Amoros
+performed the greatest service to humanity. Though societies decorated
+him with medals, and France gave him funds for his military gymnasium,
+he will find in grateful hearts his best reward.
+
+But let us return to little Emilie, when the coach stopped at the
+gymnasium.
+
+The exercises had not begun. The professors, who were all young and
+active men, wore the same dress--a white vest and trousers, with a
+tri-colored belt, and a little blue cap on the head. They only waited
+for a signal to begin, as they stood in groups in the centre of the
+court. Very soon a middle-aged gentleman appeared among them. Though
+he was no longer young, he was still strong and active, and seemed to
+have a powerful constitution. He wore a blue coat, and a decoration at
+his button-hole, which was given as a token of bravery. He wore a cap
+upon his head.
+
+He came forward to speak to Emilie, and his eye fell upon poor
+Jacques, who was overcome with emotion at seeing a school where
+children who had been lame from weakness found the use of their limbs
+on recovering their health.
+
+Before the colonel had time to ask who this boy was,--for he knew
+Jacques was not one of his scholars,--Emilie seized his hand, and with
+the coaxing voice that children know how to use so well when they want
+to ask a favor, she said,--
+
+"I can walk without crutches now, colonel."
+
+"I am rejoiced to hear it, my child. You ought to be able to do so."
+
+"And I have grown almost an inch in six months. O, I am so much
+obliged to you, colonel!"
+
+"You mean to my gymnasium, my dear child."
+
+"No, to you, colonel, to you. For really I was much worse than Jacques
+is, and to-day I am better than he is."
+
+"Who is Jacques?"
+
+"This boy that you see here," said Emilie, taking the hand of Jacques,
+who was hiding behind her, and making him come forward before the
+colonel. "He is the son of a slater. His father is dead. He fell from
+a roof. Poor man! His mother is very miserable, for she has another
+child to take care of; so you see yourself, colonel, it is quite
+necessary that he should be able to stand alone."
+
+All the time that M. Amoros was examining Jacques, rolling up the
+sleeves of his jacket to see his arms, turning up his trousers to look
+at his legs, feeling his spine, and making him stretch out his limbs,
+Emilie continued, with a coaxing voice,--
+
+"If you are willing, Colonel Amoros, we can make an arrangement. O,
+you must not refuse me, I beg of you!"
+
+"What?" said the kind man, continuing his examination.
+
+"This boy is very poor--very, very poor. If he is not cured, he will
+never be able to get his living. He has a mother and sister to
+support; and see, colonel, I am very sure my poor Jacques will die
+soon."
+
+"Will you hold your tongue, you little simpleton?" said the colonel,
+suddenly turning round at the word "die."
+
+"He will die soon if you don't take pity on him, dear Colonel Amoros,"
+added the little girl, clasping her small hands eagerly before the
+colonel, who was too much engaged in examining poor Jacques, and
+considering the best way to cure him, to pay much attention to
+Emilie's words.
+
+"Please let Jacques take part in the exercises, and I will pay you out
+of my savings; or if you are willing to wait, I will pay it when I am
+married. And besides that, I will write to my father, and tell him to
+let me come and take lessons here after I am entirely cured."
+
+The colonel could not restrain his mirth at the idea of Emilie
+wishing to pay him for a kind action, which his generous heart
+prompted him to do without any persuasion.
+
+"It does not require so much eloquence to urge me to do a kindness, my
+little friend," he replied. "Do you think I don't enjoy my practice? I
+will receive your protege with pleasure, if he will promise to obey my
+orders, and if he will resemble his protectress in the love of doing
+good."
+
+While speaking these words, the colonel called one of the teachers,
+and pointing to Jacques,--who did not know whether he was dreaming or
+not,--he said,--
+
+"Take this boy, give him a belt, and a knot of scarlet ribbon on the
+left shoulder; that is the side which needs strengthening."
+
+Then he explained which exercises he should take, and those he ought
+to avoid.
+
+He then gave a signal for the bell to ring, and the professors and
+children were soon busy in the centre of the gymnasium.
+
+It was a pretty sight, I can assure you. Such a wonderful combination
+of poles, ropes, posts, and ladders! You might wonder, at first, what
+they all meant. But soon every child came along in his turn, without
+effort, and with such perfect enjoyment, that it explained the
+mystery.
+
+Gymnastic exercises were practised with great care by the ancients.
+They formed part of the education of a gentleman. They give that
+physical beauty and grace which only spring from a fine muscular
+development. Among the Greeks and Romans, men frequented the gymnasium
+and the circus. Philosophers, judges, and soldiers took part in these
+exercises with the citizens, that they might become stronger and more
+athletic, more active and capable of bearing fatigue.
+
+M. Amoros not only gave health and strength to the pupils of his
+gymnasium, but he taught them to call only those deeds _great_ which
+were inspired by bravery, love of humanity, and pure benevolence.
+
+Two years had passed away; spring had arrived at the old chateau on
+the Loire, and M. Martel, the father of little Emilie, had returned
+from his voyage to Martinique. He was busy in making many necessary
+repairs in his family mansion, and many workmen came from Paris for
+that purpose. The night after their arrival, the chateau was
+discovered to be on fire. M. Martel awoke in haste; startled by the
+light of the flames, which suddenly illuminated his room, he ran to
+see where the fire sprang from, and called aloud for his daughter,
+whom he could not see anywhere. The spectacle that met his view quite
+overwhelmed him. The story that was on fire was the place where his
+daughter slept. It could be reached only from a neighboring roof, that
+was almost consumed. A single beam connected one building with the
+other. Notwithstanding his age and the gout, which paralyzed one of
+his limbs, the poor father wished to climb up and save his daughter,
+or to die with her. They held him back; he uttered fearful shrieks,
+when a young man, little more than a boy, was seen on the beam, which
+tottered with his weight. He walked along without fear. A profound
+silence succeeded to the cries of terror. The souls of the spectators
+seemed to look out of their eyes. M. Martel fell upon his knees.
+
+The intrepid youth reached the window, and scaled it. They saw him
+unroll a long rope, or rope-ladder, and fasten it securely to the iron
+balcony which ornamented the window; then he disappeared.
+
+Not a sound betrayed the anxiety of the spectators. The unknown man
+returned; he held a young person supported upon his back. He mounted
+the iron balcony, and suspended himself with his precious burden upon
+it, for she was well secured by a strong belt. This horrible suspense
+was more than M. Martel could bear. He covered his face with his
+hands. But soon the universal shouts of joy told him that his daughter
+was safe.
+
+After the first moments of delight, the young girl turned to her
+deliverer. An exclamation of surprise fell from their lips.
+
+"Jacques!"
+
+"Mademoiselle Emilie!"
+
+Then they gazed at each other in silence by the red light of the fire.
+
+They were no longer two pale, sad children, with haggard little faces,
+already prematurely old. They had been separated ever since Emilie had
+left the gymnasium, and, not living in the same place, they hardly
+recognized each other. Emilie was a tall and beautiful girl, enjoying
+all the delight of perfect health. Jacques almost had become a man.
+
+M. Martel had not heard without emotion about his daughter's generous
+act, and her efforts to have Jacques received as a pupil in the Amoros
+gymnasium.
+
+"Am I not well rewarded?" she exclaimed, extending her hand to the
+young man. "You would not have had any daughter without him, papa. The
+horror of my position, the impossibility of my finding a rope, a
+ladder, or any way of escape, frightened me so, that I lost my senses,
+and I should have been burned alive, if it had not been for Jacques."
+
+"Ah, mademoiselle," said the slater's son, with emotion, "it is not
+life alone that I owe to you; is it not more than life? It is health,
+the use of my limbs, and the happiness of being able to support my
+mother. Yes, mademoiselle," added Jacques, with fervor, "I am a
+workman, and thanks to the lessons of our excellent professor, Colonel
+Amoros, I am more skilful than any of my fellow-laborers. I can
+support my family, and my wages are higher, because I can work harder
+and work longer than the rest."
+
+"Brave boy!" exclaimed M. Martel, pressing Jacques in his arms, who
+was quite overcome at the meeting. "From this day forward you shall be
+my son. I will take charge of your education and your advancement, of
+your mother and your sister. Brave boy! My daughter has done much for
+you, but you deserve it; she understood your heart."
+
+M. Martel kept his word. And some days after, when Jacques and his
+uncle met in the small attic of the poor widow, and were rejoicing
+over the happy change in their fortunes, the poor mother clasped her
+boy's head to her heart, and bathed his curls with tears, and covered
+them with kisses, exclaiming,--
+
+"Now you see, brother, Jacques was not a useless creature. It is owing
+to him that our fortune is made."
+
+"Yes, thanks to Colonel Amoros," said the workman.
+
+"Thanks to Mademoiselle Emilie," said Jacques, heaving a sigh.
+
+ S. W. LANDER.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {The girl kisses her father on the forehead}]
+
+A DINNER AND A KISS.
+
+
+ "I have brought your dinner, father,"
+ The blacksmith's daughter said,
+ As she took from her arm the kettle,
+ And lifted its shining lid.
+ "There is not any pie or pudding;
+ So I will give you this;"
+ And upon his toil-worn forehead
+ She left the childish kiss.
+
+ The blacksmith took off his apron,
+ And dined in happy mood,
+ Wondering much at the savor
+ Hid in his humble food,
+ While all about him were visions
+ Full of prophetic bliss;
+ But he never thought of the magic
+ In his little daughter's kiss.
+
+ While she, with her kettle swinging,
+ Merrily trudged away,
+ Stopping at sight of a squirrel,
+ Catching some wild bird's lay,
+ O, I thought, how many a shadow
+ Of life and fate we would miss,
+ If always our frugal dinners
+ Were seasoned with a kiss!
+
+
+
+
+MY MOTHER.
+
+"Honor thy father and thy mother."
+
+
+ Father and mother! sacred names and dear;
+ The sweetest music to the infant ear,
+ And dearer still to those, a joyous band,
+ Who sport in childhood's bright enchanted land.
+
+ And when, as years roll on, night follows day,
+ The young wax old and loved ones pass away,
+ Through mists of time yet holier and more dear,
+ "Father and mother" sound to memory's ear.
+
+ The days, the hours, the moments as they speed,
+ Each crowned by loving thought or word or deed,
+ Oh, heart's long-suffering, self-denying! sure
+ Earth holds no love more true, and none so pure.
+
+ Thou happy child whom a good God hath given
+ A parents' shelt'ring home, that earthly heaven,
+ Where ceaseless care, where tireless love and true,
+ Nurse thy young life as flowers are nursed by dew.
+
+ E'en as the flowers, for the dear debt they owe,
+ Bloom, and sweet odors in rich meed bestow,
+ Let the fair blossoms of thy love and duty
+ Cluster about thy home in fragrant beauty.
+
+ Never from eye or lip be seen or heard
+ The sullen glance or the rebellious word,
+ And never wilfully or heedless pain
+ The tender hearts that cannot wound again.
+
+ But fond caress, sweet smile and loving tone,
+ Obedience prompt and glad, be thine alone,
+ For filial love, like mercy, is twice blest;
+ While to the parent of earth's joys the best,
+ Richer than treasures of the land or sea,
+ It wins God's blessing, O my child, for thee!
+
+[Illustration: MY MOTHER.]
+
+
+
+
+REGINALD'S FIRST SCHOOL-DAYS.
+
+
+One frosty morning in January two delicate-looking children were
+sitting before a blazing fire in a long, low nursery with oak rafters
+running across the ceiling. Between them lay a great shaggy dog.
+
+"You will take good care of Rover whilst I am away?" said the boy,
+winding his fingers in Rover's shaggy hair and leaning his head
+against him.
+
+"Yes; he shall go for a walk with me every day, and in the twilight I
+will talk to him about you," answered Alice. "You might send messages
+to him in your letters," she added.
+
+"Would you understand them, old fellow?" asked Reginald, lifting up
+the dog's head and looking into his eyes.
+
+The dog wistfully returned his master's gaze and gave him his paw.
+
+"I believe he understands," said Reginald, throwing his arms round the
+dog's neck. "Oh, Rover, Rover, if I could only take you with me!"
+
+"It would not be so bad then," sighed Alice.
+
+"It won't be really bad when I get accustomed to it. Just at first it
+may be strange, but I shall be sure to like one, at any rate, out of
+the forty boys. It is going out into the world, and my father says it
+is well for a boy to learn his level early. On the whole, I am glad I
+am going; it is only the first bit of it that one is not sure about."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+It was a large room, with desks and benches on either side, and an
+aisle, as Reginald called it, up the middle. It had four large windows
+looking out on the playground, and a fireplace at each end, round
+which some dozen or two of boys were clustered.
+
+Reginald advanced toward the fireplace at the lower end of the room,
+hoping that some one might speak to him and rid him of the strange,
+uncomfortable feeling that crept over him; but none of the boys spoke,
+though they regarded him critically, as if measuring the sort of being
+he was before committing themselves to any closer acquaintance.
+
+So he sat down on a bench halfway down the school-room, tried to look
+unconscious, and half wished himself at home again.
+
+"Have any of you fellows got a knife? I want to cut this piece of
+string," said a tall boy, addressing the group generally.
+
+In a moment Reginald had taken out his new knife and offered it to the
+speaker.
+
+"Ah!" said Thompson, the tall boy; "a capital knife. Much obliged;
+will borrow it for the present;" and after using it he quietly put it
+into his pocket.
+
+Some of the boys laughed. One of them, however, murmured, in an
+undertone, "What a great shame!"
+
+Reginald's color rose. He walked straight up to Thompson:
+
+"Will you please to give me my knife again?"
+
+Thompson looked surprised:
+
+"No; I shall please to do nothing of the kind. You offered it, and I
+accepted it. An offer's an offer."
+
+"I lent it to you to cut the string."
+
+"You did not say so."
+
+"I do not think it just of you to take my knife in that way," said
+Reginald, thoroughly aroused; "and if you do not return it at once, I
+shall speak to Dr. Field about it."
+
+"Oh!" said Thompson, coolly; "you're a sneak, are you?"
+
+[Illustration: INDUSTRIOUS REGINALD.]
+
+The boys, who had been gathering round Reginald, admiring his spirit
+in confronting the tall boy, now drew back, and the words "tell-tale!"
+"blab!" "sneak!" were distinctly heard. And Reginald found himself
+standing alone, deserted by those who had drawn near in sympathy with
+him, for Thompson was the tyrant of the school.
+
+Presently, when the boys had returned to their places by the fire, and
+Reginald was apparently forgotten, a merry-looking boy a year older
+than himself sat down by him.
+
+"No," said he; "you must not say anything to Dr. Field. You must let
+your knife go, and learn wisdom for the future."
+
+Reginald looked up.
+
+"It's mean and unfair," he said.
+
+"That may be, but the boys would say it was meaner still to complain.
+One has to put up with things of this sort at school, and make the
+best of them."
+
+"What's your name?" asked Reginald, suddenly, for there was something
+about the boy that he liked, and he thought this might be the one who
+was to be his friend.
+
+"Barton. And yours?"
+
+"Reginald Murray."
+
+"Murray's enough, without the other."
+
+"I should like you to be my friend."
+
+Barton glanced at the large dark eyes that were fixed upon him, and at
+the delicate and somewhat mournful face, and felt attracted also.
+
+"I think I shall like you," he returned; "but I must wait and see how
+you go on. I think you've the right spirit; but you must take my
+advice about the knife. Will you?"
+
+There was a struggle in Reginald's mind. It was very hard to give up
+the knife that Alice had saved up her pocket-money to buy for him.
+Still, Barton had been at school for some time, and knew better than
+he what ought to be done, so he answered, "I will."
+
+But Barton was not prepared for his manner of carrying out the
+decision. To his great surprise, Reginald marched straight up to
+Thompson. "I shall not," he said, "speak to Dr. Field about the knife.
+It's unfair and unjust of you to take it, and I sha'n't be friends
+with you as long as you keep it. But Barton says it would be telling
+tales if I made a complaint."
+
+Some of the younger boys stood quite aghast at Reginald's boldness;
+one or two even murmured, "Well done!"
+
+Thompson stared, half in astonishment, half in anger. "You're too
+fast, young sir; you'll have to be put down, I see," said he. But he
+did not give Reginald his knife again.
+
+School was indeed a new world to Reginald. He made friends and found
+enemies; he worked hard--indeed, often sat up by candle-light to
+prepare examples for the next day. He played well, and on the whole
+was tolerably popular. Thompson, however, still kept the knife, using
+it upon all occasions, which caused a thrill of indignation to go
+through Reginald's delicate frame.
+
+"If I can't get it one way, I will another," thought he; and he
+brooded over the knife until he magnified every word that Thompson
+said into a series of insults to himself, and Thompson, pleased with
+the power he possessed over the boy, exercised it on all occasions.
+
+So the spring went by, and the summer came, and the days slipped away,
+and the holidays were close at hand.
+
+"If I were strong enough, I would fight him for it," said Reginald to
+Barton, one day, when Thompson had been more than usually aggravating.
+
+The remark was repeated to Thompson, who was standing by the side of
+the river that ran at the foot of the playground.
+
+At that moment Reginald drew near.
+
+"So you would like to fight me if you were big enough?" said he, with
+a sneer.
+
+"I should!" answered Reginald, warmly.
+
+"Ah! it's a bad state of feeling. If the knife causes such wicked
+thoughts, the best way is to get rid of it. So here it goes, and there
+is an end of it!" And drawing the knife from his pocket, he flung it
+into the river. It fell short of where he intended, and Reginald saw
+his beloved knife through the clear river, lying within what he
+supposed to be an easy reach. Without a moment's thought he jumped in
+after it, regardless of the cry that rose, "The water's deeper than it
+looks!"
+
+His hand had, as if by instinct, grasped the knife, but as he tried to
+struggle back through the swiftly-running water he got confused, for,
+as the boys had called out to him, it was a great deal deeper than it
+looked, and just there the ground shelved suddenly, and Reginald,
+taking a false step, lost his footing.
+
+There was a general outcry, which brought Dr. Field and a visitor who
+had just arrived to the spot:
+
+"Murray's in the river!"
+
+And they pointed to the spot where the poor boy had sunk.
+
+With such a cry as the boys long remembered, the visitor had plunged
+into the water, and had caught the boy, who had risen for the last
+time, by the arm.
+
+And the next thing that the boys knew was that a white, dripping form
+was carried through the playground into the house.
+
+Then a whisper went round, "It was his father."
+
+Then a whispered question, "Is he dead?"
+
+And Thompson shuddered as he heard it.
+
+But Reginald did not die; he opened his eyes to find his father
+clasping his hand. At first he could remember nothing, then he looked
+round anxiously: "Is the knife safe? I went to pick up my knife."
+
+Then he closed his eyes and remained for a long time silent; and when
+he spoke again, it was in the wild ravings of delirium.
+
+The shock had been too much for the delicate boy. Fever came on, and
+it was weeks before he could be moved home. And then he was ordered to
+the South, and Italy was the chosen place in which Mr. and Mrs. Murray
+and their two children should sojourn until Reginald should have
+completely recovered his health.
+
+And this time Rover was to go with his young master.
+
+The day before Reginald left home a carriage drove up to the door, and
+Thompson stepped out of it.
+
+He and Reginald were alone for a quarter of an hour, and they parted
+friends.
+
+"I have my knife now, Thompson," said Reginald, "and so the quarrel is
+over."
+
+And Thompson returned to Dr. Field's a better and a wiser boy. He
+never bullied any one again.
+
+[Decoration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: {Three kittens, two wrestling and one clasping a ball
+ in its front paws}]
+
+CLEOPATRA.
+
+
+ We've called our young puss Cleopatra;
+ 'Twas grandpa who named her like that.
+ He says it means "fond of good living"--
+ A queer enough name for a cat!
+
+ She leads the most lovely existence,
+ And one which appears to enchant;
+ Asleep in the sun like a snow-flake
+ That tries to get melted and can't;
+
+ Or now and then languidly strolling
+ Through plots of the garden, to steal
+ On innocent grasshoppers, crunching
+ Her cruel and murderous meal!
+
+ Or lapping from out of her saucer--
+ The dainty and delicate elf!--
+ With appetite spoiled in the garden,
+ New milk that's as white as herself.
+
+ Dear, dear! could we only change places,
+ This do-nothing pussy and I,
+ You'd think it hard work, Cleopatra,
+ To live, as the moments went by.
+
+ Ah! how would you relish, I wonder,
+ To sit in a school-room for hours?
+ You'd find it less pleasant, I fancy,
+ Than murdering bugs in the flowers.
+
+ EDGAR FAWCETT.
+
+
+
+
+DECLAMATION.
+
+SHAKSPEARE.
+
+
+ She sat in her eternal house,
+ The sovereign mother of mankind;
+ Before her was the peopled world,
+ The hollow night behind.
+
+ "Below my feet the thunders break,
+ Above my head the stars rejoice;
+ But man, although he babbles much,
+ Has never found a voice.
+
+ "Ten thousand years have come and gone,
+ And not an hour of any day
+ But he has dumbly looked to me
+ The things he could not say.
+
+ "It shall be so no more," she said;
+ And then, revolving in her mind,
+ She thought, "I will create a child
+ Shall speak for all his kind."
+
+ It was the spring-time of the year,
+ And, lo! where Avon's waters flow,
+ The child, her darling, came on earth
+ Three hundred years ago.
+
+ There was no portent in the sky,
+ No cry, like Pan's, along the seas,
+ Nor hovered round his baby mouth
+ The swarm of classic bees.
+
+ What other children were he was;
+ If more, 'twas not to mortal ken;
+ The being likest to mankind
+ Made him the man of men.
+
+ Before he came, his like was not,
+ Nor left he heirs to share his powers.
+ The mighty mother sent him here
+ To be her voice and ours;
+
+ To be her oracle to man;
+ To be what man may be to her;
+ Between the Maker and the made
+ The best interpreter.
+
+ RICHARD H. STODDARD.
+
+
+
+
+SMILES AND TEARS.
+
+
+ Both sword and guns are strong, no doubt,
+ And so are tongue and pen,
+ And so are sheaves of good bank-notes,
+ To sway the souls of men;
+ But guns and swords, and gold and thought,
+ Though mighty in their sphere,
+ Are often poorer than a smile,
+ And weaker than a tear.
+
+
+
+
+NICOLO'S LITTLE FRIEND.
+
+
+"Nicolo, Nicolo, where are you? Where have you hidden yourself? Come
+here; I want you."
+
+It was a very bright-eyed little girl who spoke these words--under a
+bright sky, too--the sunny sky of Italy.
+
+But Nicolo, a boy some years older than herself, looked far from
+bright or happy; he was lying full length on the ground in the
+sunlight; but his face was overcast and melancholy.
+
+"Lazy fellow!" said little Gianetta, laughingly, as she came up to
+him; "I am out of breath calling to you. Come along; I want you.
+Mother has done with me, and we can make some music together."
+
+But Nicolo shook his head, though he smiled at his little friend.
+
+"What is it?" asked Gianetta. "Why can't you come? Is it the father
+again?"
+
+Nicolo sighed. He was a cheerful, happy-tempered boy by nature. And
+yet Gianetta often found him looking very sad.
+
+"Tiresome, bad man!" broke forth the little girl. "He has been
+scolding you again; but no. Stop; I will say no wicked things of him,
+for he is your father; and we must honor our parents, be they bad or
+good, Father Clement says. But tell me, Nicolo, what has he said or
+done?"
+
+"It is nothing," said Nicolo, rousing himself at length--"nothing, my
+little Gianetta; but it wearies me. It is the old tale; he likes not
+my music--thinks it an excuse for idleness. Listen, little one. I make
+my plans now. I cannot bear this life. I must do as he wishes--learn a
+trade or somewhat, and give up my violin."
+
+"That you never shall do," said Gianetta, earnestly. "You think me
+naughty, Nicolo; but I am not. I only see it plainer than you or your
+father. God has given you this talent,--this great one,--and you shall
+not hide it, you shall not bury it." The little girl's face was so
+eager, that Nicolo smiled at her.
+
+But she went on, more excitedly:--
+
+"Get up this moment, Nicolo, and come in with me. We will play
+somewhat together. Your father never scolds you when I am by. And you
+shall not give up your music."
+
+The boy, half in earnest, and half amused, let the child drag him into
+a little house near, put his violin into his arms, and then seat
+herself at the piano, while in the distance sat Nicolo's father,
+gloomily watching the pair.
+
+"Begin," said Gianetta, "and tell me when I play wrongly."
+
+But for such a mere child, Gianetta played with marvellous
+correctness. As for Nicolo, his countenance cleared with every sound
+that he drew from his beloved violin; he forgot his gloomy father; he
+thought no longer of his dull, sad home. He was wrapped in that
+wonderful content which the possession of some great talent gives.
+
+With the last chord the brightness faded, however, out of his face.
+
+"Take me home now," said the little girl.
+
+Home was only across the street; but Gianetta wanted another word in
+private with her friend.
+
+"Nicolo," she said, gravely, "never speak more of giving up the music;
+it is not to be. I am sorry for you, my poor boy; I know it is a hard
+life, but--"
+
+"But I will make a name for myself at last," said Nicolo, catching her
+enthusiasm; "and then, perhaps, my father will have faith in me. Till
+then I will be brave, little one; so good night."
+
+It _was_ a hard life for Nicolo--his mother dead, his father with no
+care for his son's one great passion--music. Many a time the boy's
+spirit failed, and he even grew to doubt his own powers under the cold
+glance and cruel taunts which daily met him.
+
+He was sitting one day, feeling even sadder than usual,--discontented
+even with the sounds he drew from his instrument,--when Gianetta's
+mother stood in the doorway.
+
+"The child is ill," she said, hurriedly--"very ill, and calls ever for
+you. Come."
+
+So Nicolo went, and, though tossed with fever, his little friend
+smiled on him. There was, however, a longing look in her eyes; but her
+parched lips could not form a word.
+
+"Is it the violin?" asked Nicolo, softly.
+
+She smiled again, and Nicolo fetched his treasure.
+
+"A sleeping song?" he questioned.
+
+The little face grew calm and soft at his question. Sweetly the music
+floated through the room, stilling the little sufferer, and comforting
+the watchers. When he had finished, Gianetta stretched out her arms.
+
+"Thank you, dear Nicolo," she said; "that was pleasant. Now I shall
+sleep; but _you_ must never sleep; you have much else to do; you must
+go out into the world, and be famous--go away far, far from here. Do
+you mind my words? Will you remember them?"
+
+And she lay back exhausted on her pillow, never more to ask for music
+in this world. Gianetta was listening even then to the angels' song.
+
+That night Nicolo sat beside the dead body of his little friend.
+Lights burned, flowers were scattered round her, and prayers were said
+without ceasing in all those long hours. It was the custom of the
+country; it did not disturb the dead, and it comforted the living.
+
+And when morning dawned, the friendless boy went back to his little
+room across the road, and there he poured out his heart in a farewell
+strain to his dear companion who had thus suddenly been snatched from
+him.
+
+There was no more now to be done but to fulfil her last command--to
+go out into the world, and to make himself famous.
+
+Did he do so?
+
+Ask those who love music, and hold dear all great names in its roll of
+fame, if they ever heard of Nicolo Paganini; for it is of his boyhood
+that I write.
+
+How far he owed his success in life to a little girl, each reader may
+judge for himself. She certainly inspired him with courage when he was
+very down-hearted; and through all his brilliant career, I think he at
+least must always have remembered her with gratitude.
+
+ H. A. F.
+
+
+
+
+A CHILD'S PETITION.
+
+
+ O thou above,
+ From whose great love
+ The world all good receives,
+ Make me as bright
+ With thy blessed light
+ As a rose with all her leaves.
+
+ Wash me as clean
+ From every sin,
+ O pitiful, pitiful One;
+ And make me shine
+ With thy grace divine,
+ Like a lily with the sun.
+
+ Take pride away,
+ Dear Lord, I pray,
+ And make me pure and true,
+ That I may be fed
+ On thy living bread,
+ As the daisy is fed on the dew.
+
+ Help me still
+ To do thy will
+ Till life has passed away,
+ And in the dark
+ To sing like a lark
+ At the golden gate of the day.
+
+
+
+
+THE TRUANT.
+
+
+"What's the matter with Neddy Oram?" I said as a noise outside drew me
+to the window, and I saw old Mrs. Oram dragging her grandson along the
+street. She looked angry and determined.
+
+"He's played truant, I guess," answered my little girl as she came to
+my side. "He played truant last week, and Mr. Jonas made him stand on
+one foot ever so long a time. And when he got tired and put the other
+one down, he switched him on the leg. Oh dear! I don't want to go this
+morning. I wish Neddy wouldn't play truant, nor be bad in school! He's
+such a nice boy, and I can't bear to see him whipped. Mr. Jonas will
+cut him dreadfully, I know he will, for he said he'd take the skin off
+of him if ever he played truant again."
+
+Neddy was a nice boy, as my little girl said. He was bright and
+active, kind-hearted and generous. I never saw him do a mean or
+selfish thing. But he had a free, rather reckless spirit and a will
+that was stubbornness itself when aroused. Kindness softened, but
+anger hardened, him.
+
+Neddy's father and mother were both dead, and the boy lived with his
+grandmother, who was rather a hard woman, and believed more in the
+power of force than in the power of kindness.
+
+As soon as I understood the case I put on my bonnet hastily and ran
+after Mrs. Oram, hoping to come up with her before she reached the
+school-room. I was a few moments too late for this, but in time to
+have a word with Mr. Jonas, who stood at the door holding the
+struggling boy firmly by the arm.
+
+"I want you to promise me one thing," I said, laying my hand on the
+schoolmaster's. I spoke in as quiet a voice as I could assume, but
+very seriously. My words and manner threw Mr. Jonas off of his guard.
+His hold on the boy relaxed, and in the next instant Neddy was beyond
+his reach and running off as fast as his feet could carry him.
+
+"After him!" cried the schoolmaster, greatly excited. "After him, John
+Wilkins!"
+
+A large, coarse-looking boy started forward, and was about passing
+through the door, when I put my hand on him, and pressing him back
+said,
+
+"Wait a moment, John. Maybe, after I've said a word to Mr. Jonas,
+he'll not want you to go. Tell him to wait, Mr. Jonas; do, now,
+because I want you."
+
+I softened my voice to a persuasive tone, and so made my interference
+effectual. The schoolmaster told John Wilkins to go back to his seat.
+
+Mrs. Oram had started after her troublesome grandson on the instant of
+his escape, and so I was left alone with the excited teacher.
+
+"Now, don't be angry with me," said I, "nor tell me to go away and
+mind my own business. Two heads are sometimes better than one; and
+it's my opinion that if you and I put our heads together, we can save
+this poor boy from being ruined. There is a great deal of good in
+him, but as things go now I'm afraid it will be lost. With natures
+like his, 'love has readier will than fear.' His grandmother doesn't
+know how to manage him. Let us try to show her a better way."
+
+[Illustration: THE TRUANT.]
+
+By the time I had said this the thoughts of Mr. Jonas had become
+clearer and his anger against Neddy much abated. I saw this in his
+face.
+
+"Let the boy go now," I added. "After school come and see me, and
+we'll have a long talk over the matter. But promise me one thing."
+
+"What is that?" he asked.
+
+"If old Mrs. Oram brings Neddy back to-day, don't punish him."
+
+"Very well. It shall be as you say," answered the schoolmaster.
+
+That evening Mr. Jonas called to see me. He was a better man, on the
+whole, than he was a schoolmaster. Out of school he was kind and
+genial, but as a teacher he was not always as wise and as patient as
+he should be. Like Neddy's grandmother, he believed more in the power
+of force than he did in the power of kindness. His rod was always in
+sight, and too often in his hand. He ruled by fear, and not by love.
+
+"Did Neddy come back to school?" I asked.
+
+Mr. Jonas shook his head gravely.
+
+"Oh, mother," cried my little girl, rushing into the room just at this
+moment, "Neddy Oram's lost or run away!"
+
+She stopped on seeing Mr. Jonas; her face, that had been a little
+pale, flushed deeply, and her eyes had an angry flash. "And it's all
+your fault!" she added, with a sudden brave indignation in her tiny
+voice as she turned on the schoolmaster and looked at him steadily.
+
+"My fault!" said the schoolmaster, in a startled voice.
+
+"Yes, sir. It's all your fault. If you hadn't made him stand on one
+leg until he was almost tired to death, and switched him when he put
+the other down, and if you hadn't said you'd cut the skin off of him,
+he wouldn't have run away."
+
+And here little Carrie burst out crying, and buried her face, sobbing,
+in my lap.
+
+"Brave talk for my timid little girl, Mr. Jonas," I said, in an
+undertone, "but all true, I'm afraid."
+
+"What is true?" he asked, looking bewildered.
+
+"All that Carrie has said. This way you have of flogging children does
+more harm than good. A man of your clear mind and kindly nature might
+surely find some better way to govern your scholars."
+
+Mr. Jonas did not answer. There was a look of pained surprise on his
+face.
+
+"Run away, lost!" he exclaimed, after a few moments, rising to his
+feet. His manner had become suddenly agitated. "Poor boy! I must see
+about this;" and he went out hastily.
+
+When Neddy Oram, who was only ten years old, escaped from the
+schoolmaster, he went directly home and hid himself in the garret,
+behind some boxes and old furniture. He ran so much faster than his
+grandmother that she lost sight of him and did not see him go into the
+house. So no search was made for him in the garret. Like some poor
+hunted animal that had gained a place of safety, he crouched panting
+in his hiding-place, enjoying for a time a sweet sense of security.
+But Neddy could not long forget how small and weak and dependent he
+was. It was all very well to hide away from his grandmother, but how
+was he to get anything to eat?
+
+"Run away!" said a voice that spoke inside of him, but so loud and
+clear that he almost started. "Run away!" repeated the voice.
+"Grandmother Oram will find you out up here and take you back to
+school, and Mr. Jonas will switch you half to death."
+
+I wonder who it was that said this, or how a voice could speak inside
+of Neddy Oram? It was a bad spirit, I think, that wished to do him
+harm. We may often hear these bad spirits speaking in our thoughts and
+telling us to do naughty things. Good spirits speak in our thoughts as
+well as bad ones, and they tell us to do what is right, to be kind and
+generous and loving and true.
+
+I am sorry to say that Neddy, who was not only angry with his
+grandmother and the schoolmaster, but on account of his wrong-doings
+and disobedience afraid of them, listened to this voice, and as he
+listened the bad spirit made the voice seem so like his own thoughts
+that he knew not but that all came from himself.
+
+So under this wrong influence he planned an escape from the house,
+which was to be made as soon as his grandmother went out. For an hour
+or two he heard her moving around. At last all was still. Then he
+stole from his hiding-place and listened at the head of the stairs.
+Not the slightest sound broke the deep silence. Grandmother had gone
+away. Then he took a loaf of bread, a large slice of cake and some
+apples, which he tied up in a handkerchief; and stealing out of the
+back door, he ran through the garden and out of a gate that opened
+into a lane. At the end of this lane was a piece of woods, and beyond
+this wood a deep hollow, along which it was easy to go without danger
+of being seen by any one.
+
+How strangely the little boy's heart beat as he hurried along, going
+he knew not whither! It was not long before he reached the hollow
+beyond the woods. After crossing this hollow, he entered another wood
+by a narrow path made by the cattle. The trees in this wood were very
+tall and close together, and the underbrush grew so thick that he
+could see before him only for a short distance.
+
+The silence and darkness of this heavy forest caused a lonely feeling
+to come over Neddy. All at once the thought of bears and wolves came
+into his mind, and with the thought fear crept into his heart. A
+weakness fell upon him, and he stood still with drops of cold sweat
+on his forehead. Then he turned and ran back, but in doing so missed
+the way and took a path that, instead of taking him out of the forest,
+led him farther into it. He ran and ran, panting for breath, until he
+was so tired that he had to sit down to rest.
+
+"What if I am lost?" he said to himself, a cold chill running over him
+at the thought. Lost! How wildly the poor little boy's heart began to
+beat! As he sat there, feeling too weak from weariness and fear to
+arise, he heard not far off the sound of feet cracking the dry sticks
+and rustling the leaves that lay upon the ground. He held his breath
+in terror, for he was sure it was a bear or wolf. Nearer and nearer
+the animal came, passing only a few rods from where he sat motionless.
+
+"Oh, oh!" exclaimed Neddy, in tones of relief, starting to his feet as
+he saw a young heifer which was astray in the woods.
+
+At sight of the boy the heifer, scared by his sudden appearance,
+started off at a run and was soon out of sight, leaving Neddy again
+alone. He tried to follow her, but was not able to get on her track.
+Oh how he did wish himself at home! How sorry he was that he had
+played truant on the day before!
+
+In trying to follow the heifer, Neddy left the narrow path along which
+he had been going, and now he was among the thick undergrowth of the
+forest, his hands and face scratched with briars. The trees stood so
+close together that no sunshine came down through their thick
+branches. All was dim and shadowy.
+
+Poor Neddy! A great fear and loneliness fell on him again; and sitting
+down on the limb of a fallen tree, he began to cry bitterly. But
+crying was of no use. It wouldn't get him out of the woods and safely
+home again. So he dried his tears and started on again, hoping to find
+the path he had left. But he tried in vain. All at once he noticed
+that the light was fading rapidly and the air growing cold. The sun
+had gone down, and night was falling. Neddy's heart began to beat
+wildly; he could feel the throbs all over him; there was a great
+pressure as if a hand were laid on his breast; he could scarcely
+breathe, so strong was the feeling of suffocation that oppressed him.
+He tried to run, but his foot caught in a vine, and he fell upon the
+ground, where he lay for a long time before he had strength enough to
+arise.
+
+In his weakness and exhaustion the poor boy found strength and
+courage. How! Think, my little reader. What would you have done if
+lost in the woods as Neddy was lost? Where would you have looked for
+help? You would have done, I am very sure, just as he did. And what
+did he do? Why, he put his little hands together, and lifting his
+tearful eyes upward prayed that God would take care of him, and not
+let any wild beasts eat him up.
+
+As soon as he had done this the dreadful fear from which he was
+suffering went out of his heart. Just a little way beyond the spot
+where Neddy had fallen was a small clear place in the forest, where
+grew a bed of soft green moss. A few rays of light came down through
+an opening in the trees and showed him this cosy nook. Once in it,
+there seemed to grow all about him a wall of darkness. So he sat down
+upon the moss with a strange feeling of peace and security in his
+heart.
+
+And now, for the first time, Neddy felt hungry. So he opened the
+bundle of bread and cake which he had brought with him, and ate with a
+keen relish. Then he began to feel tired and heavy. The soft moss on
+which he was resting was just the bed for a poor tired boy like him,
+and before he had time to think of his loneliness and danger he was
+fast asleep.
+
+But sleep sometimes gives us frightful dreams, and one of these came
+to Neddy. He still thought himself a poor lost boy in the woods trying
+to find his way out. He heard wolves howling, and saw bears and tigers
+and all kinds of wild beasts. At last a wolf with great red jaws came
+after him, and he started to run, but his terror was so great that he
+could scarcely move his feet. A fearful growl ran through the woods,
+and the dreadful beast came rushing down upon him. At this frightful
+moment he heard his name called; and turning, he saw Mr. Jonas, the
+schoolmaster, running toward him with an axe in his hand, with which
+he struck the wolf just as he was about seizing him. The wolf fell
+dead, and the schoolmaster, catching Neddy up in his arms, said,
+tenderly, "My poor, poor boy!" and hugged him tightly to his breast.
+
+Was all this a dream? No, not all, for Neddy awoke and found himself
+in the schoolmaster's arms, with two or three men around holding
+lanterns in their hands.
+
+"My poor, poor boy!" said the schoolmaster again, laying his hand
+tenderly on his recovered scholar; and this time Neddy heard the words
+in full wakefulness.
+
+He did not stir, but lay with his head close against Mr. Jonas, who,
+guided by the men with lanterns, walked hurriedly through the forest,
+and soon came to the road that led to the village.
+
+I was at Grandmother Oram's, waiting anxiously for news of the lost
+boy, when the schoolmaster came in with Neddy in his arms. I had been
+talking long and seriously with the frightened old lady about her way
+of treating Neddy, and she had promised me not to say a hard or angry
+word to him when he came home, if that ever should be. She was very
+much softened, and her real love for Neddy was having its full course.
+
+It was after ten o'clock when we heard the sound of coming feet. The
+poor old lady started up and stood pale and breathless. The door
+opened and Mr. Jonas came in, carrying Neddy in his arms. His face was
+softer in expression than I had ever seen it. He did not say a word
+until he came close up to Mrs. Oram, when, holding out the boy, he
+said, in a low voice that was broken and tender, "Be kind to the poor
+child, Mrs. Oram. I will see you about him in the morning," then
+merely adding, as he turned to leave, "We found him asleep in the
+woods," went out hastily.
+
+There was a new order of things in the village school after that. The
+rod fell from Mr. Jonas' hand, never to be lifted again, and he soon
+learned that in kindness was greater power than in fear. Neddy was in
+his place on the next day, and from that time onward was one of the
+most obedient and faithful scholars in school. Mr. Jonas' manner
+toward him was kind and gentle, and Neddy felt drawn toward him by a
+strange attraction that gave the schoolmaster the power over him of a
+wise and loving father. No thought of disobedience crossed the boy's
+mind. It was his delight to obey.
+
+All this happened many years ago, and now the boy Neddy has grown to
+be a strong, wise, good man, an honor to the position he holds, and
+one of the best of citizens. He had the opportunity of doing Mr. Jonas
+many kind acts; and when at last the old man grew too feeble to earn
+his living, Mr. Oram made his last days comfortable by placing him
+above the reach of want.
+
+[Illustration: THE END.]
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+Archaic spelling is preserved as printed. Variable spelling and
+inconsistent hyphenation is preserved as printed across different
+pieces, but has been made consistent within pieces if there was a
+prevalence of one form. Punctuation and printer errors (e.g. omitted
+or transposed letters) have been repaired.
+
+The following amendments have also been made:
+
+ Page 133--omitted word 'the' added--""Tell mother we want to
+ make coffee in the field, too" ..."
+
+ Page 341--mud amended to snow, based on the context--"... enable
+ it to wade through the deep snow, ..."
+
+In the story "How a Good Dinner was Lost" the older sister is named as
+both Rosa and Rosy.
+
+Illustrations have been moved where necessary so that they are not in
+the middle of a paragraph.
+
+Illustration captions in {braces} have been added by the transcriber
+for the convenience of the reader.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Happy Days for Boys and Girls, by Various
+
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