Morgan，Morganiswaitingforme!O，whatwillMorgansay？"
　　ButIheardthesoundoftramping，andkepthimbackfromthedoor——
　　Theringingsoundofhorses'hoofsthatIhadheardbefore。
　　Andon，oncamethesoldiers——theMichigancavalry——
　　Andfasttheyrode，andbacktheylooked，gallopingrapidly；
　　TheyhadfollowedhardonMorgan'strack；theyhadfolloweddayandnight；
　　ButofMorganandMorgan'sraiderstheyhadnevercaughtasight。
　　AndrichOhiosatstartledthroughallthesesummerdays；
　　Forstrange，wildmenweregallopingoverherbroadhighways；
　　Nowhere，nowthere，nowseen，nowgone，nownorth，noweast，nowwest，Throughriver-valleysandcorn-landfarms，sweepingawayherbest。
　　Aboldrideandalongride!Buttheyweretakenatlast；
　　Theyhadalmostreachedtheriverbygallopinghardandfast；
　　Buttheboysinbluewereuponthemereevertheygainedtheford，AndMorgan，Morgantheraider，laiddownhisterriblesword。
　　Well，Ikepttheboytillevening——kepthimagainsthiswill——
　　Buthewastooweaktofollow，andsattherepaleandstill；
　　Whenitwascoolanddusky——you'llwondertohearmetell——
　　ButIstoledowntothegully，andbroughtupKentuckyBelle。
　　Ikissedthestaronherforehead——mypretty，gentlelass——
　　ButIknewthatshe'dbehappy，backintheoldBlue-Grass:
　　AsuitofclothesofConrad's，withallthemoneyIhad，AndKentucky，prettyKentucky，Igavetotheworn-outlad。
　　Iguidedhimtothesouthward，aswellasIknewhow:
　　Theboyrodeoffwithmanythanks，andmanyabackwardbow；
　　Andthentheglowitfaded，andmyheartbegantoswell；
　　Anddowntheglenawayshewent，mylostKentuckyBelle!
　　WhenConradcameintheevening，themoonwasshininghigh，BabyandIwerebothcrying——Icouldn'ttellhimwhy——
　　Butabatteredsuitofrebelgraywashangingonthewall，AndathinoldhorsewithdroopingheadstoodinKentucky'sstall。
　　Well，hewaskind，andneveroncesaidahardwordtome，HeknewIcouldn'thelpit——'twasallfortheTennessee；
　　But，afterthewarwasover，justthinkwhatcametopass——
　　Aletter，sir，andthetwoweresafebackintheoldBlue-Grass。
　　Theladgotacrosstheborder，ridingKentuckyBelle；
　　AndKentuckshewasthriving，andfat，andhearty，andwell；
　　Hecaredforher，andkepther，nortouchedherwithwhiporspur；
　　Ah!we'vehadmanyhorses，butneverahorselikeher!
　　CONSTANCEFENIMOREWOOLSON。
　　Moseswasacamelthattraveledo'erthesand。
　　Ofthedesert，fiercelyhot，waydowninEgypt-land；
　　ButtheybroughthimtotheFair，Nowuponhishump，Everychildcantakearide，Whocanstandthebumpity-bump。
　　PROPHECIES。
　　Littleblueegg，inthenestsnugandwarm，Coveredsoclosefromthewindandthestorm，Guardedsocarefullydayafterday，Whatisyouruseinthisworldnow，pray？
　　"Bendyourheadcloser；mysecretI'lltell:
　　There'sababy-birdhidinmytinyblueshell。"
　　Littlegreenbud，allcoveredwithdew，Answermyquestionandanswerittrue；
　　Whatwereyoumadefor，andwhydoyoustayClingingsoclosetothetwigalltheday？
　　"Hidinmygreensheath，somedaytounclose，Nestlesthewarm，glowingheartofarose。"
　　Dear，littlebaby-girl，daintyandfair，Sweetestofflowers，ofjewelsmostrare，Surelythere'snootheruseforyouhereThanjusttobepettedandplayedwith，youdear!
　　"Oh，awonderfulsecretI'mcomingtoknow，Justababylikeme，toawomanshallgrow。"
　　Ah，swiftlythebirdfromthenestfliesaway，Andthebudtoablossomunfoldsdaybyday，Whilethewomanlooksforthinmybaby-girl'seyes，Throughherjoysandhersorrows，hertearsandsurprise——
　　Toosoonshalltheyearsbringthisgifttohercup，Godkeepher，mywomanwho'snowgrowingup!
　　BYKATHRINELENTESTEVENSON。
　　WhosaidthatIwasanaughtydog，AndcouldnotbehaveifItried？
　　IonlychewedupKatrina'sFrenchdoll，Andshookherragoneuntilitcried。
　　WHYHEWASWHIPPED。
　　Hewassevenyearsold，livedinCheyenne，andhisnamewasTommy。Moreoverhewasgoingtoschoolforthefirsttimeinhislife。Outherelittlepeoplearenotallowedtoattendschoolwhentheyarefiveorsix，fortheLawsays:"Childrenundersevenmustnotgotoschool。"
　　ButnowTommywassevenandhadbeentoschooltwoweeks，andsuchdelightfulweeks!Everydaymammalistenedtolongaccountsofhow"meandDickRayplayedmarbles，"and"usfellerscrackedthewhip。"Therewasanotherthingthatheusedtotellmammaabout，somethingthatinthosefirstdayshealwaysspokeofinthemostsubduedtones，andthat——Iamsorrytorecorditofanyschool，muchmoreaCheyenneschool——wasthenumerouswhippingsthatwereadministeredtovariouslittleboysandgirls。Therewassomethingpainfullyfascinatingaboutthosewhippingstorestless，mischievouslittleTommywhohadneverlearnedtheartofsittingstill。Heknewhisturnmightcomeatanymomentandonenighthecriedoutinhissleep:"Oh，dear，whatwillbecomeofmeifIgetwhipped!"Butasthedayspassedonandthispossibleretributionovertookhimnot，hisfearsgraduallyforsookhim，andinsteadofspeakingpitifullyof"thosepoorlittlechildrenwhowerewhipped，"hementionedtheminacausaloff-handmanneras，"thosecry-babies，youknow？"Oneafternoonmammasawhimsittingontheporch，slappinghislittlefathandwithastrap。"Tommy，child，whatintheworldareyoudoing？"
　　sheasked。
　　Intohispockethethrustthestrap，andthepinkcheeksgrewpinkerstillastheirowneranswered:
　　"I——I——wasjustseeing——howhardIcouldhitmyhand——withoutcrying；"andhedisappearedaroundthesideofthehousebeforemammacouldaskanymorequestions。
　　ThenextdayTommy'sseatmate，DickyRay，wasnaughtyinschool，andMissLinnetcalledhimup，openedherdesk，tookoutalittleridingwhip——itwasabrightblueone——andthenandthereadministeredpunishment。Andbecausehecried，whenrecesscame，Tommysaid:"Isn'tDickRayjustareg'largirlcry-baby？"Hehadlearnedthatwordfromsomeofthebigboys，but，mindyou!
　　heneverdaredtosayitbeforehismother。
　　Dick'sfaceflushedwithanger。"Neveryoumind，TommyBrown，"
　　saidhe，"Justwaittillyougetwhippedandwe'llseeatrulygirl-cry-babythen，won'twe，Daisy？"
　　Andblue-eyedDaisy，whowastheidoloftheirhearts，noddedhercurlylittleheadinthemostemphaticmanner，andsaidshe"wouldn'tbeonebits'prisedifhe'dhollersoloudthatheywouldhearhimwaydowninColorado。"
　　Tommystoodaghast!for，reallyandtruly，hewasn'tquitesostony-heartedalittlemortalasheappearedtobe；hehadbeensecretlyrathersorryforDick，but——hewantedDaisytothinkthathehimselfwasbigandmanly，andhehadtheopinionthatthiswasjustthewaytowinheradmiration。ButallthistimeHEDIDN'TKNOWWHATDAISYDID——thatDick'spocketswerefullofsugar-plums；tiptoponestoo，forDaisyhadtastedthem，andknewthatlittlepacketsofthemwouldfromtimetotimefindtheirwayintoherchubbyhand。
　　AlltherestofthemorningTommykeptthinking，thinking，thinking。Onethingwascertain:thepresentsituationwasnottobeenduredonemomentlongerthanwasabsolutelynecessary。
　　Butwhatcouldhedo？ShouldhefightDicky？Thisplanwasrejectedatonce，onhigh，moralgrounds。Well，then，supposingsomedarknightheshouldseeDaisyonthestreet，justgrabher，holdontightandsay:"Now，DaisyRivers，Iwon'tletyougotillyoupromiseyou'lllikemeagreatdealbettererthanyoudoDickRay。"Thereseemedsomethingniceaboutthisplan，verynice；themoreTommythoughtofit，thebetterhelikedit；onlythereweretwoobjectionstoit。Firstly:Daisyneverbyanychanceventuredoutdoorsafterdark。Secondly:NeitherdidTom。
　　Bothobjectionsbeinginsurmountable，thisdelightfulschemewasreluctantlyabandoned，andthethinkingprocesswentonharderthanever，tillatlast——oh，oh!ifheonlydared!Whatatriumphitwouldbe!Butthenhecouldn't——yes，hecouldtoo。
　　Didn'tshesaythatshe"wouldn'tbeonebits'prisedifheholleredsoloudthattheywouldhearhimwaydowninColorado？"
　　Colorado，indeed!He'dshowhertherewasoneboyintheschoolwhowasn'tagirl-cry-baby!
　　Yes，actually，foolishTommyhaddecidedtoprovehismanhoodbybeingwhipped，andthatthatinterestinglittleeventshouldtakeplacethatveryafternoon!
　　Whatdidhedo？Hewhisperedsixtimes!
　　Haditbeenanyotherchild，hewouldsurelyhavebeenpunished；
　　butMissLinnetknewbothTommyandhismammaquitewell，andthereforesheknewalso，quitewell，thatonlyafewdaysagotheonehorrorofTommy'slifehadbeenthethoughtthathemightpossiblybewhipped。Thentoo，itwashisfirsttermatschool，andhithertohehadbeenverygood。Soshedecidedtokeephimafterschoolandtalktohimofthesinfulnessofbadconductingeneral，andofwhisperinginparticular。Thisplanshefaithfullycarriedout，andthelittleculprit'sheartsomeltedwithinhimthatheclimbeduponhisteacher'slap，puthisarmsaroundherneckandkissedher，cryinghewouldneverbesonaughtyagain。HewasjustgoingtotellherallaboutDaisy，wheninwalkedafriendofMissLinnet's，sohewenthomeinstead。Thenextmorninghestartedforschoolwiththefirmdeterminationtobeagoodchild，andIreallybelievehewouldhavebeenhadnotthatprovokinglittlewitchofaDaisymarchedpasthiminaveryindependentmanner，hersaucynoseawayupintheair，andascornfullookintheprettyblueeyes。Itwasmorethanfleshandbloodcouldstand。AllTom'sgoodresolutionsflewsky-high。
　　Whentwelveo'clockcameMissLinnet'slistofdelinquentsbeguninthiswise:
　　WHISPERMARKS。ThomasBrown……15
　　MelindaJones……11
　　Therewasgreatexcitementamongthelittlepeople。Howdaredanyonebesodreadfullybad!Tommy'sheartsank，sank，sank，whenMissLinnetsaid:"WhenschoolbeginsthisafternoonIshallpunishTommyandMelinda。"
　　Andshedid!Shecalledthembothupontheplatform，madethemclasphandsandstandwiththeirbacksagainsttheblackboard，thenwrotejustabovetheirheads:
　　ThomasBrownandPartnersindisgrace。
　　MelindaJones15plus11=26。
　　Oh，howmortifiedandashamedTommywas!Ifonlyshehadwhippedhim，orifithadbeensomeothergirl。ButMELINDAJONES!!!
　　AttheendoftenminutesMissLinnetletthemtaketheirseats；
　　butTommy'sheartburnedwithinhim。DAISYHADLAUGHEDWHENHE
　　STOODTHEREHOLDINGMELINDA'SHAND!ThereweredeepcrimsonspotsonTommy'scheeksallthatafternoonandaresolute，determinedlookinhisbrightbrowneyes，buthewasverystillandquiet。
　　Laterinthedaythechildrenwerestartledbyasuddencommotionontheothersideoftheroom。DaisywaswritingonherslateandMelindaJones，inpassingtoherseat，accidentallyknockeditoutofherhands；withoutamoment'shesitation，Daisy，bywayofexpressingherfeelings，snatchedherslateandpromptlyadministeredsuchasounding"whack!"onMelinda'sbackandshouldersasbroughtashriekofanguishfromthatpoor，littleunfortunatewhobegantothinkthatifallthedaysofherlifeweretobelikeuntothisday，existencewouldcertainlyproveaburden。
　　JustabouttwominuteslaterMissLinnetwasstandingbyherdesk，arulerinonehandandDaisy'sopenpalmintheother，whileDaisyherself，miserablelittleculprit，stoodwhiteandtremblingbeforeher。Assheraisedtherulertogivethefirstblow，Tommysprangforward，placinghimselfatDaisy'sside，puthisopenpalmoverhers，andwithtearsinhiseyes，pleadedinthiswise:
　　"Please，MissLinnet，whipmeinstead!SheisonlyjustalittlegirlandIKNOWshe'llcry，itwillhurtherso!I'dratheritwouldbemeeverytimethanDaisy——trulyIwon'tcry。Oh，pleasewhipme!"
　　AndMissLinnetdidwhiphim，whileDaisy，filledwithremorse，clungtohimsobbingasifherheartwouldbreak。Tobesure，somebodywhooughttoknow，toldmeitwasthelightest"feruling"everchildreceived；butDaisyandTommybothassuredtheirmothersthatitwasthe"dreadfulest，cruelest，hardestwhippingeverwas。"
　　"Anddidmylittlemancry？"askedmamma。
　　"No，indeed!IstoodupbigasIcould，lookedatDaisyandsmiled，'causeIwassogladitwasn'ther。"
　　Thenthatproudandhappymammatookhiminherarmsandkissedhim；andrightinthemidstofthekissinginwalkedDaisy。
　　"WouldTommypleasecomeandtakesupperwithher？"
　　Ofcoursehewould，andtheywalkedoffhandinhand。WhentheypassedDicky'shouseTommysuggested。"S'posingtheyforgiveDickandlethimgo'longtoo。"AndDaisyagreeing，theycalledthatyounggentlemanoutandmagnanimouslyinformedhimthathewasforgivenandmightcomeandhavesupperwiththem。
　　Whatintheworldtheyhadtoforgive，nobodyknows；butthen，solongasforgivenessprovedsuchaneminentlysatisfactoryarrangement，allround——why，nobodyneedcare。
　　ThechildrenwaitedoutsidethegatewhileDickcoaxedhismothertolethimgo，andstandingthere，handinhand，Daisypluckedupheartofgraceandwithveryrosycheeksandanairaboutherofgeneralpenitence，saidsomethingverysweetinaverysmallvoice:
　　"I'msorryyouwerewhipped，andoh，Tommy，IwishIhadn'tsaidyou'dholler!"
　　Mrs。AMYTERESEPOWELSON。
　　Babythinksitfine，Inthesummer-time，Towadeinthebrookclearandbright。
　　ButabiggreenfrogJumpedoffofalog，AndgaveBabyCharlottequiteafright。
　　THETHREEFISHERS。
　　ThreefisherswentsailingawaytotheWest——
　　AwaytotheWestasthesunwentdown；
　　Eachthoughtonthewomanwholovedhimbest，Andthechildrenstoodwatchingthemoutofthetown；
　　Formenmustwork，andwomenmustweep，Andthere'slittletoearnandmanytokeep，Thoughtheharbor-barbemoaning。
　　Threewivessatupinthelight-housetowerAndtrimmedthelampsasthesunwentdown；
　　Theylookedatthesquall，andtheylookedattheshower，Andthenight-wrackcamerollingup，raggedandbrown。
　　Butmenmustworkandwomenmustweep，Thoughstormsbesuddenandwatersdeep，Andtheharbor-barbemoaning。
　　ThreecorpseslayoutontheshiningsandsInthemorninggleamasthetidewentdown，Andthewomenareweepingandwringingtheirhands，Forthosewhowillnevercomebacktothetown；
　　Formenmustwork，andwomenmustweep——
　　Andthesoonerit'sover，thesoonertosleep——
　　Andgood-bytothebaranditsmoaning。
　　CHARLESKINGSLEY。
　　Lionwithyourshaggymane，Tellme，areyouwildortame？
　　Onlittleboysdoyouliketosup，IfIcomenear，willyoueatmeup？
　　"APPLESFINKEY"——THEWATER-BOY。
　　"ApplesFinkey!"ManyanameHasagrandersoundintherolloffame；
　　ManyamoreresplendentdeedHasbursttolightinthehourofneed；
　　Butneveraonefromatruerheart，Strivingtoknowandtodoitspart。
　　Striving，underhisskinoftan，Withtheyearsofaladtoactlikeaman。
　　Andwhowas"Apples？"Ihearyouask。
　　Totracehisdescentwereindeedatask。
　　Windingandvaguewasthefamilyroad——
　　And，perhaps，likeTopsy，"heonlygrowed。"
　　Butintothecamphelolledonenoon，Barefoot，andwhistlingadarkytune，Intothecampofhisduskypeers——
　　Thegallantnegrocavaliers——
　　TheTenth，preparing，atbreako'day，Tomovetothetransportdowninthebay。
　　Boom!roaredthegun——theshipswungfree，WithhergoodprowturnedtotheCaribSea。
　　"Pityitwas，forthelittlecuss，Wecouldn'ttake'Apples'alongwithus，"
　　Thetroopersaid，ashewalkedthedeck，AndTampabecameavanishingspeck。
　　What'sthat？AstirandacreakdownthereInthepiled-upfreight——thenatuftofhair，Crinkledandwoollyandunshorn——
　　Andoutpopped"Apples""ezshore'syerborn!"
　　Ofcoursehewasn'tprovidedforInthecolonel'srollortherulesofwar；
　　ButsomehoworotherthetroopwasgladTowelcomethelittledarkylad。
　　Youknowhowourbravemen，whiteandblack，LandedandfollowedtheSpaniard'strack；
　　AndtheTenthwasthereintheveryfront，Seekingandfindingthebattle'sbrunt。
　　OnwardtheymovedthroughthelivinghellWheretheenemy'sbulletslikeraindropsfell，Downthroughthebrush，andonwardstillTilltheycametothefootofSanJuanhill——
　　Thenuptheywent，withneverafear，Andtheheightswerewonwithamad，wildcheer!
　　Andwherewas"themascotFinkey"then？
　　Inthesurgingranksofthefightingmen!
　　Whereveratrooperwasseentofall，Intheopenfieldorthechaparral；
　　Whereverwasfoundawoundedman；
　　"Apples"wastherewithhiswaterandcan。
　　Abouthimtheshrapnelburstinvain——
　　Hewasupandonwithhisworkagain。
　　Thesharpshootersrattledasharptattoo，Thesingingmausersaroundhimflew。
　　But"Apples"wasbusy——toobusytocareFortheinstantdeathandthedangerthere。
　　Manyaparchedthroatburninghot，ManyavictimofSpanishshot，Wasblessedthatday；erethefightwaswonUnderthetropical，deadlysun，Bythecooldropspouredfromthewater-canOftheduskyladwhowasallaman。
　　Intheforwardtrenches，atcloseofday，Burningwithfever，"Finkey"lay。
　　Heseemedtothinkthroughthelong，wetnight，Hestillwasoutintheragingfight，Foroncehespokeinhistroubledsleep；
　　"I'secomin'，Cap。，efmylegs'llkeep!"
　　Nextday——andthenext——andthenext——hestayedInthetrenchesdugbytheSpaniard'sspade，ForthesickandwoundedcouldnotgetbackOverthemountainous，muddytrack。
　　ButthetroopersgavewhattheyhadtogiveThatthelittlemascotmightstickandlive。
　　Overhimmanyadarkfacebent，Andthroughitallhewaswellcontent——
　　WellcontentasasoldiershouldWhohadfoughthisfightandthefoewithstood。
　　SlowlythesesternbeleagueredmenNursedhimbacktohisstrengthagain，TillonefairdayhisgladeyessawAsightthatfilledhimwithprideandawe，Forthere，ashelookedonthestrongholddown，Theflagwashoistedoverthetown，AndnoneinthathostfeltasweeterjoyThan"ApplesFinkey，"thewater-boy——
　　JOHNJEROMEROONEY，inNewYorkSun。
　　Downatthepondinzeroweather，Tohaveafineskatethegirlsandboysgather。
　　EventheBabythinksitatreat，Butsomehowcannotstayuponhisfeet。
　　Tom，Tom，thepiper'sson，Stoleapigandawayherun!
　　Thepigwaseat，AndTomwasbeat，AndTomwentroaringdownthestreet。
　　THESOLDIER'SREPRIEVE。
　　"Ithought，Mr。Allen，whenIgavemyBennietohiscountry，thatnotafatherinallthisbroadlandmadesopreciousagift——no，notone。Thedearboyonlysleptaminute，justonelittleminuteathispost；Iknowthatwasall，forBennieneverdozedoveraduty。Howpromptandreliablehewas!Iknowheonlyfellasleeponelittlesecond——hewassoyoungandnotstrong，thatboyofmine。Why，hewasastallasI，andonlyeighteen!
　　Andnowtheyshoothimbecausehewasfoundasleepwhendoingsentinelduty。"Twenty-fourhours，'thetelegramsaid，onlytwenty-fourshours。WhereisBennienow？"
　　"WewillhopewithhisheavenlyFather，"saidMr。Allensoothingly。
　　"Yes，yes；letushope；Godisverymerciful!'Ishouldbeashamed，father，'Benniesaid，'whenIamamantothinkIneverusedthisgreatrightarm'——andhehelditoutproudlybeforeme——'formycountrywhenitneededit。Palsyit，ratherthankeepitattheplow。''Go，then，myboy，andGodkeepyou!'I
　　said。Godhaskepthim，Ithink，Mr。Allen!"Andthefarmerrepeatedtheselastwordsslowly，asifinspiteofhisreasonhisheartdoubtedthem。
　　"Liketheappleoftheeye，Mr。Owen；doubtitnot。"
　　Blossomsatnearthemlisteningwithblanchedcheek。Shehadnotshedatear。Heranxietyhadbeensoconcealedthatnoonehadnoticedit。Shehadoccupiedherselfmechanicallyinthehouseholdcares。Now，sheansweredagentletapatthedoor，openingittoreceivefromaneighbor'shandaletter。"Itisfromhim，"wasallshesaid。
　　Itwaslikeamessagefromthedead!Mr。Owentooktheletter，butcouldnotbreaktheenvelopeonaccountofhistremblingfingers，andheldittowardMr。Allen，withthehelplessnessofachild。Theministeropeneditandreadasfollows:
　　"DearFather:——WhenthisreachesyouIshallbeineternity。Atfirstitseemedawfultome，butIhavethoughtsomuchaboutitthatnowithasnoterror。Theysaytheywillnotbindme，norblindme，butthatImaymeetdeathlikeaman。Ithought，father，thatitmighthavebeenonthebattlefield，formycountry，andthatwhenIfell，itwouldbefightinggloriously；
　　buttobeshotdownlikeadogfornearlybetrayingit——todieforneglectofduty!O，father!Iwondertheverythoughtdoesnotkillme!ButIshallnotdisgraceyou；Iamgoingtowriteyouallaboutit，andwhenIamgoneyoumaytellmycomrades。I
　　cannot，now。
　　"YouknowIpromisedJemmieCarr'smotherIwouldlookafterherboy；andwhenhefellsickIdidallIcouldforhim。Hewasnotstrongwhenhewasorderedbackintotheranks，andthedaybeforethatnight，Icarriedallhisluggagebesidesmyownonourmarch。Towardsnightwewentinondoublequick，andthoughtheluggagebegantofeelveryheavy，everybodyelsewastired，too；andasforJemmie，ifIhadnotlenthimanarmnowandthenhewouldhavedroppedbytheway。Iwasalltiredoutwhenwecameintocamp，andthenitwasJemmie'sturntobesentry。I
　　wouldtakehisplace；butIwastootired，father。Icouldnothavekeptawakeifagunhadbeenpointedatmyhead；butIdidnotknowituntil——well，untilitwastoolate。"
　　"Godbethanked"interruptedMr。Owen，reverently，"IknewBenniewasnottheboytosleepcarelesslyathispost。"
　　"Theytellmeto-daythatIhaveashortreprieve，'timetowritetoyou，'thegoodColonelsays。Forgivehim，Father，heonlydoeshisduty；hewouldgladlysavemeifhecould；anddonotlaymydeathagainstJemmie。Thepoorboyisheart-broken，anddoesnothingbutbegandentreatthemtolethimdieinmyplace。
　　"Ican'tbeartothinkofmotherandBlossom。Comfortthem，Father!TellthemIdieasabraveboyshould，andthat，whenthewarisover，theywillnotbeashamedofme，astheymustbenow。Godhelpme!Itisveryhardtobear!Good-bye，father，Godseemsnearanddeartome；notatallasifhewishedmetoperishforever，butasifhefeltsorryforhispoorsinful，broken-heartedchild，andwouldtakemetobewithhimandmySaviorinabetterlife。"
　　AdeepsighburstfromMr。Owen'sheart。"Amen，"hesaid，solemnly，"amen。"
　　"To-night，intheearlytwilight，Ishallseethecowsallcominghomefromthepasture，andpreciouslittleBlossomstandingonthebackstoop，waitingforme!ButIshallnever，nevercome!
　　Godblessyouall!ForgiveyourpoorBennie!"
　　Latethatnightthedoorofthe"backstoop"openedsoftlyandalittlefigureglidedoutanddownthefootpaththatledtotheroadbythemill。Sheseemedratherflyingthanwalking，turningherheadneithertotherightnorleft，lookingonlynowandthentoheaven，andfoldingherhandsisifinprayer。Twohourslaterthesameyounggirlstoodatthemilldepot，watchingthecomingofthenighttrain；andtheconductor，ashereacheddowntoliftherintothecar，wonderedatthetear-stainedfacethatwasupturnedtowardthedimlanternheheldinhishand。Afewquestionsandreadyanswerstoldhimall；andnofathercouldhavecaredmoretenderlyforhisonlychildthanheforourlittleBlossom。ShewasonherwaytoWashingtontoaskPresidentLincolnforherbrother'slife。Shehadstolenaway，leavingonlyanotetotellthemwhereandwhyshehadgone。
　　ShehadbroughtBennie'sletterwithher；nogood，kindheartlikethePresident'scouldrefusetobemeltedbyit。ThenextmorningtheyreachedNewYork，andtheconductorhurriedherontoWashington。Everyminute，now，mightbethemeansofsavingherbrother'slife。Andso，inanincrediblyshorttime，BlossomreachedtheCapitolandhastenedtotheWhiteHouse。
　　Thepresidenthadjustseatedhimselftohismorningtaskofoverlookingandsigningimportantpapers，whenwithoutonewordofannouncementthedoorsoftlyopened，andBlossom，withdown-casteyesandfoldedhands，stoodbeforehim。
　　"Well，mychild，"hesaidinhispleasant，cheerfultones，"whatdoyouwantsobrightandearlythismorning？"
　　"Bennie'slife，sir，"falteredBlossom。
　　"WhoisBennie？"
　　"Mybrother，sir。Theyaregoingtoshoothimforsleepingathispost。"
　　"O，yes，"andMr。Lincolnranhiseyeoverthepapersbeforehim。
　　"Iremember。Itwasafatalsleep。Yousee，mychild，itwasatimeofspecialdanger。Thousandsoflivesmighthavebeenlostbyhisculpablenegligence。"
　　"Somyfathersaid，"repliedBlossom，gravely。"ButpoorBenniewassotired，sir，andJemmiesoweak。Hedidtheworkoftwo，sir，anditwasJemmie'snight，nothis；butJemmiewastootired，andBennieneverthoughtabouthimselfthathewastiredtoo。"
　　"Whatisthisyousay，child？Comehere，Idonotunderstand，"
　　andthekindmancaughteagerlyaseveratwhatseemedtobeajustificationoftheoffense。
　　Blossomwenttohim；heputhishandtenderlyonhershoulderandturnedupthepalefacetowardhis。Howtallheseemed!AndhewasthePresidentoftheUnitedStates，too!AdimthoughtofthiskindpassedforaminutethroughBlossom'smind，butshetoldhersimple，straightforwardstoryandhandedMr。LincolnBennie'slettertoread。
　　Hereaditcarefully；thentakinguphispen，wroteafewhastylines，andranghisbell。
　　Blossomheardthisorder:"Sendthisdispatchatonce!"
　　ThePresidentthenturnedtothegirlandsaid:"Gohome，mychild，andtellthatfatherofyours，whocouldapprovehiscountry'ssentenceevenwhenittookthelifeofachildlikethat，thatAbrahamLincolnthinksthelifefartooprecioustobelost。Goback，or——waituntiltomorrow。Benniewillneedachangeafterhehassobravelyfaceddeath；heshallgowithyou。"
　　"Godblessyou，sir!"saidBlossom；andwhoshalldoubtthatGodheardandregisteredtherequest？
　　Twodaysafterthisinterview，theyoungsoldiercametotheWhiteHousewithhislittlesister。HewascalledintothePresident'sprivateroomandastrapfasteneduponhisshoulder。
　　Mr。Lincolnthensaid:"Thesoldierthatcouldcarryasickcomrade'sbaggageanddiefortheactsouncomplaininglydeserveswellofhiscountry。"ThenBennieandBlossomtooktheirwaytotheirGreenMountainhome。Acrowdgatheredatthemilldepottowelcomethemback；andasFarmerOwen'shandgraspedthatoftheboy，tearsfloweddownhischeeks，andhewasheardtosayfervently:
　　"TheLordbepraised!"——
　　FromtheNewYorkObserverIfIhadahorseIwouldcallhim"Gay，"
　　Feedandcurryhimwelleveryday，Hitchhimupinmycartandtakearide，WithBabyBrothertuckedinatmyside。
　　LITTLEBROWNTHRUSHES。
　　LittlebrownthrushesatsunriseinsummerAftertheMay-flowershavefadedaway，Warbletoshowuntoeverynew-comerHowtohushstars，yettowakentheDay:
　　Singingfirst，lullabies，then，jubilates，Watchingtheblueskywhereeverybird'sheartis；
　　Then，aslamentingtheday'sfadinglight，Downthroughthetwilight，whenweariedwithflight，Singingdivinely，theybreatheout，"good-night!"
　　Littlebrownthrusheswithbirdsyellow-breastedBrightasthesunshinethatJunerosesbring，Climbupandcarolo'erhillssilver-crestedJustasthebluebirdsdointhespring，Seeingthebeesandthebutterfliesranging，Pointed-wingedswallowstheirsharpshadowschanging；
　　Butwhilesomesunsetisfloodingthesky，Upthroughtheglorythebrownthrushesfly，Singingdivinely，"good-nightandgood-by!"
　　BYMrs。WHITON-STONE。
　　ThistallGiraffe，Measurestenfeetandahalf，AndIwonderifhisneckOfrubberismade。
　　OutofthesunHethinkshehasrunButonlyhisfeetAreintheshade。
　　THESTORYOFTHEEMPTYSLEEVE。
　　Here，sityedownalongsideofme；I'mgettingoldandgray；
　　Butsomethinginthepaper，boy，hasriledmybloodtoday。
　　Tostealapurseismeanenough，themostofmenagree；
　　Butstealingreputationseemsameanerthingtome。
　　AletterintheHeraldsayssomegeneralsallowThattherewa'n'tnofightwhereLookoutrearsaloftitsshaggybrow；
　　Butthiscoatsleeveswingingemptyherebesideme，boy，to-day，Tellsamightydifferentstoryinamightydifferentway。
　　Whensunbeamsflashedo'erMissionRidgethatbrightNovembermorn，ThemistycaponLookout'screstgavetokenofastorm；
　　ForgrimKingDeathhaddrapedthemountingrayish，smokyshrouds——
　　Itscraggypeakswerelosttosightabovethefleecyclouds。
　　Justatthemountain'srockybaseweformedinserriedlines，Whilelightningwithitsjaggededgeplayedonusfromthepines；
　　Themissionourstostormthepits'neathLookout'screstthatlay；
　　Westormedthevery"gatesofhell"with"FightingJoe"thatday。
　　Themountainseemedtovomitflames；theboomofheavygunsPlayedtoDixie'smusic，whileatrebleplayedthedrums:
　　Theeagleswakingfromtheirsleep，lookeddownuponthestarsSlowclimbingupthemountainside，withmorning'sbrokenbars。
　　WekeptoureyesupontheflagthatupwardledthewayUntilwelostitinthesmokeonLookoutsidethatday；
　　Andthenlikedemonsloosedfromhellweclamberedupthecrag，"Excelsior，"ourmotto，andourmission，"Savetheflag。"
　　Inanswertotherebelyellwegavearingingcheer；
　　Welefttherifle-pitsbehind，thecrestloomedupwardnear；
　　Alightwindplaying'longthepeaksjustlifteddeath'sgrayshroud；
　　Wecaughtthegleamofsilverstarsjustbreakingthroughthecloud。
　　AshatteredarmhungatmysidethatdayonLookout'scrag，AndyetI'dgivetheothernowtosavethedearoldflag。
　　TheregimentalrollwhencalledonLookout'screstthatnightWasmorethandoubledbytherollDeathcalledinrealmsoflight。
　　Justasthesunsankslowlydownbehindthemountain'screst，Whenmountainpeaksgavebackthefirethatflamedalongthewest，Swiftridingdownalongtheridgeuponachargerwhite，Came"FightingJoe，"theheronowofLookout'sfamousfight。
　　Heswunghiscapastearsofjoyslowtrickleddownhischeek，Andasourcheeringdiedaway，thegeneraltriedtospeak。
　　Hesaid，"Boys，I'llcourt-martialyou，yes，everymanthat'shere；
　　Isaidtotaketheriflepits，"westoppedhimwithacheer，"Isaidtotaketheriflepitsuponthemountain'sedge，AndI'llcourt-martialyoubecause——becauseyoutooktheridge"
　　ThensuchalaughasswepttheridgewherelateKingDeathhadstrode!
　　Andsuchacheerasrenttheskies，asdownourlinesherode!
　　I'mgettingoldandfeeble，I'venotlongtolive，Iknow，ButthereWASAFIGHTATLOOKOUT。Iwastherewith"FightingJoe。"
　　SothesegeneralsintheHerald，theymayreckonandallowThattherewarn'tnofightatLookoutonthemountain'sshaggybrow，Butthisemptycoat-sleeveswingingherebesideme，boy，to-dayTellsamightydifferenttaleinamightydifferentway。
　　R。L。CARY，JR。
　　Arace!Arace!Whichwillwin，ThinlittleHaroldorchubbyJim？
　　SurelynotHaroldfortherehegoesDownsoflathebumpshisnose，WhileJimmystopsshort。
　　Thefatlittleelf，Sayshecan'trunaraceallbyhimself。
　　FACINGTHEWORLD。
　　"GladIam，mother，theholidaysareover。It'squitedifferentgoingbacktoschoolagainwhenonegoestobecaptain——asI'msuretobe。Isn'titjolly？"
　　Mrs。Boyd'sfaceasshesmiledbackatDonaldwasnotexactly"jolly。"Still，shedidsmile；andthentherecameoutthestronglikenessoftenseenbetweenmotherandson，evenwhen，asinthiscase，thefeatureswereverydissimilar。Mrs。Boydwasapretty，delicatelittleEnglishwoman:andDonaldtookafterhisfather，abig，brawnyScotsman，certainlynotpretty，andnotalwayssweet。Poorman!hehadoflateyearshadonlytoomuchtomakehimsour。
　　Thoughshetriedtosmileandsucceeded，thetearswereinMrs。
　　Boyd'seyes，andhermouthwasquivering。Butshesetittightlytogether，andthenshelookedmorethaneverlikeherson，orrather，hersonlookedlikeher。
　　Hewastooeagerinhisdelighttonoticehermuch。"Itisjolly，isn'tit，mother？IneverthoughtI'dgettothetopoftheschoolatall，forI'mnotnearsocleverassomeofthefellows。ButnowI'vegotmyplace；andIlikeit，andImeantokeepit；you'llbepleasedatthat，mother？"
　　"Ishouldhavebeenif——if——"Mrs。Boydtriedtogetthewordsoutandfailed，closedhereyesastightashermouthforaminute，thenopenedthemandlookedherboyinthefacegravelyandsadly。
　　"Itgoestomyhearttotellyou——Ihavebeenwaitingtosayitallmorning，but，Donald，mydear，youwillnevergobacktoschoolatall。"
　　"Notgoback；whenI'mcaptain!why，youandfatherbothsaidthatifIgottobethat，IshouldnotstoptillIwasseventeen——andnowI'monlyfifteenandahalf。O，mother，youdon'tmeanit!Fathercouldn'tbreakhisword!Imaygoback!"
　　Mrs。Boydshookherheadsadly，andthenexplainedasbrieflyandcalmlyasshecouldtheheavyblowwhichhadfallenuponthefather，and，indeed，uponthewholefamily。Mr。Boydhadlongbeentroubledwithhiseyes，aboutasseriousatroubleascouldhavebefallenamaninhisprofession——anaccountant——astheycallitinScotland。Latelyhehadmadesomeseriousblundersinhisarithmetic，andhiseyesightwassoweakthathiswifepersuadedhimtoconsultafirst-rateEdinburghoculist，whoseopinion，givenonlyyesterday，aftermanydaysofanxioussuspense，wasthatinafewmonthshewouldbecomeincurablyblind。
　　"Blind，poorfatherblind!"Donaldputhishandbeforehisowneyes。Hewastoobigaboytocry，oratanyrate，tobeseencrying，butitwaswithachokingvoicethathespokenext:"I'llbehiseyes；I'moldenough。"
　　"Yes；inmanywaysyouare，myson，"saidMrs。Boyd，whohadhadadayandanighttofacehersorrow，andknewshemustdosocalmly。"Butyouarenotoldenoughtomanagethebusiness；yourfatherwillrequiretotakeapartnerimmediately，whichwillreduceourincomeone-half。Thereforewecannotpossiblyaffordtosendyoutoschoolagain。Thelittleonesmustgo，theyarenotnearlyeducatedyet，butyouare。Youwillhavetofacetheworldandearnyourownliving，assoonaseveryoucan。Mypoorboy!"
　　"Don'tcallmepoor，mother。I'vegotyouandfatherandtherest。And，asyousay，I'vehadagoodeducationsofar。AndI'mfifteenandahalf，no，fifteenandthree-quarters——almostaman。I'mnotafraid。"
　　"NorI，"saidhismother，whohadwaitedafullminutebeforeDonaldcouldfindvoicetosayallthis，anditwasatlaststammeredoutawkwardlyandatrandom。"No；Iamnotafraidbecausemyboyhastoearnhisbread；Ihadearnedmineforyearsasagovernesswhenfathermarriedme。IbeganworkbeforeIwassixteen。Mysonwillhavetodothesame，thatisall。"
　　Thatdaythemotherandsonspokenomoretogether。Itwasasmuchastheycoulddotobeartheirtrouble，withouttalkingaboutit，andbesides，Donaldwasnotaboyto"makeafuss"overthings。Hecouldmeetsorrowwhenitcame，thatis，thelittleofithehadeverknown，buthedislikedspeakingofit，andperhapshewasright。
　　Sohejust"madehimselfscarce"tillbedtime，andneversaidawordtoanybodyuntilhismothercameintotheboys'roomtobidthemgood-night。Therewerethreeofthem，butallwereasleepexceptDonald。Ashismotherbentdowntokisshim，heputbotharmsroundherneck。
　　"Mother，I'mgoingtobeginto-morrow。"
　　"Beginwhat，myson？"
　　"Facingtheworld，asyousaidImust。Ican'tgotoschoolagain，soImeantotryandearnmyownliving。"
　　"How？"
　　"Idon'tquiteknow，butI'lltry。ThereareseveralthingsI
　　couldbe，aclerk——orevenamessage-boy。Ishouldn'tlikeit，butI'ddoanythingratherthandonothing。"
　　Mrs。Boydsatdownonthesideofthebed。Ifshefeltinclinedtocryshehadtoomuchsensetoshowit。Sheonlytookfirmholdofherboy'shand，andwaitedforhimtospeakon。
　　"I'vebeenthinking，mother，IwastohaveanewsuitatChristmas；willyougiveitnow？Andletitbeacoat，notajacket。I'mtallenough——fivefeetsevenlastmonth，andgrowingstill；Ishouldlookalmostaman。ThenIwouldgoroundtoeveryofficeinEdinburghandaskiftheywantedaclerk。I
　　wouldn'tmindtakinganythingtobeginwith。AndIcanwriteadecenthand，andI'mnotbadatfigures；asformyLatinandGreek——"
　　HereDonaldgulpeddownasigh，forhewasacapitalclassic，andithadbeensuggestedthatheshouldgotoGlasgowUniversityandtryfor"theSnell"whichhassentsomanycleveryoungScotsmentoBalliolCollege，Oxford，andthenceontofameandprosperity。
　　Butalas!nocollegecareerwasnowpossibletoDonaldBoyd。
　　Thebesthecouldhopeforwastoearnafewshillingsaweekasacommonclerk。Heknewthis，andsodidhismother。Buttheynevercomplained。Itwasnofaultoftheirs，norofanybody's。
　　Itwasjustastheydevoutlycalledit，"ThewillofGod。"
　　"YourLatinandGreekmaycomeinsomeday，myboy，"saidMrs。
　　Boydcheerfully。"Goodworkisneverlost。Inthemeantime，yourplanisagoodone，andyoushallhaveyournewclothesatonce。Then，doasyouthinkbest。"
　　"Allright；good-night，mother，"saidDonald，andinfiveminutesmorewasfastasleep。
　　But，thoughhewasmuchgiventosleepingofnights——indeed，heneverrememberedlyingawakeforasinglehourinhislife——duringdaytimethereneverwasamore"wideawake"boythanDonaldBoyd。Hekepthiseyesopentoeverything，andneverletthe"goldenminute"slipbyhim。Heneveridledabout——playhedidn'tconsideridlingnordoI。AndIamboundtoconfessthateverydayuntilthenewclothescamehomewasscrupulouslyspentincricket，football，andalltheotheramusementswhichhewasasgoodatashewasathislessons。Hewanted"tomakethebestofhisholidays，"hesaid，knowingwellthatforhimholidaytimeaswellasschooltimewasnowdone，andtheworkoftheworldhadbeguninearnest。
　　TheclothescamehomeonSaturdaynight，andhewenttochurchinthemonSunday，tohislittlesister'sgreatadmiration。Stillgreaterwastheirwonderwhen，onMondaymorning，heappearedinthesamesuit，lookingquiteaman，astheyunanimouslyagreed，andalmostbeforebreakfastwasdone，startedoff，notsayingawordofwherehewasgoing。
　　Hedidnotcomebacktilltheyoungeroneswereallawaytobed，sotherewasnoonetoquestionhim，whichwasfortunate，fortheymightnothavegotverysmoothanswers。Hismothersawthis，andshealsoforbore。Shewasnotsurprisedthatthebright，bravefaceofthemorninglookeddullandtired，andthatevidentlyDonaldhadnogoodnewsofthedaytotellher。
　　"IthinkI'llgotobed，"wasallhesaid。"Mother，willyougivemea'piece'inmypocketto-morrow？Onecanwalkbetterwhenoneisn'tsodesperatelyhungry。"
　　"Yes，myboy。"Shekissedhim，sawthathewaswarmedandfed——hehadevidentlybeenonhislegsthewholeday——thensenthimofftohisbed，whereshesoonheardhimdelightfullysnoring，obliviousofallhiscares。
　　Thesamethingwentondayafterday，forsevendays。Sometimeshetoldhismotherwhathadhappenedtohimandwherehehadbeen，sometimesnot；whatwasthegoodoftelling？Itwasalwaysthesamestory。Nobodywantedaboyoraman，forDonald，trustingtohisinchesandhiscoat，hadappliedforman'sworkalso，butinvain。Mrs。Boydwasnotastonished。Sheknewhowharditistogetone'sfootintoeversosmallacornerinthisbusyworld，wheretenarealwaysstrugglingfortheplaceofone。
　　Still，shealsoknewthatitneverdoestogivein；thatonemustleavenostoneunturnedifonewishestogetworkatall。Alsoshebelievedfirmlyinanaxiomofheryouth——"Nothingisdeniedtowell-directedlabor。"Butitmustberealhard"labor，"anditmustalsobe"welldirected。"So，thoughherheartachedsorely，asonlyamother'scan，sheneverbetrayedit，buteachmorningsentherboyawaywithacheerfulface，andeacheveningreceivedhimwithone，which，iflesscheerful，wasnotlesssympathetic，butsheneversaidaword。
　　Attheweek'send，infact，onSundaymorning，astheywerewalkingtochurch，Donaldsaidtoher:"Mother，mynewclotheshaven'tbeenoftheslightestgood。I'vebeenalloverEdinburgh，toeveryplaceIcouldthinkof——writers'offices，merchants'offices，wharves，railway-stations——butit'snouse。
　　EverybodywantstoknowwhereI'vebeenbefore，andI'vebeennowhereexcepttoschool。IsaidIwaswillingtolearn，butnobodywillteachme；theysaytheycan'taffordit。Itislikekeepingadog，andbarkingyourself。Whichisonlytootrue，"
　　addedDonald，withaheavysigh。
　　"Maybe，"saidMrs。Boyd。Yetasshelookedupatherson——shereallydidlookupathim，hewassotall——shefeltthatifhishonest，intelligentfaceandmanlybearingdidnotwinsomethingatlast，whatwastheworldcomingto？"Myboy，"shesaid，"thingsareveryhardforyou，butnotharderthanforothers。I
　　rememberonce，whenIwasonlyafewyearsolderthanyou，findingmyselfwithonlyhalfacrowninmypocket。Tobesureitwasawholehalf-crown，forIhadpaideveryhalf-pennyIowedthatmorning，butIhadnoideawherethenexthalf-crownwouldcomefrom。However，itdidcome。Iearnedtwopoundsten，theverydayafterthatday。"
　　"Didyoureally，mother？"saidDonald，hiseyesbrightening。
　　"ThenI'llgoon。I'llnot'gangawabacktomymither，'asthatoldgentlemanadvisedme，whoobjectedtobarkhimself；aqueer，crabbedoldfellowhewastoo，buthewastheonlyonewhoaskedmynameandaddress。Therestofthem——well，mother，I'vestoodagooddealthesesevendays，"Donaldadded，gulpingdownsomethingbetweena"fuff"ofwrathandasob。
　　"Iamsureyouhave，myboy。"
　　"ButI'llholdon；onlyyou'llhavetogetmybootsmended，andmeantime，Ishouldliketotryanewdodge。Mybicycle，itliesinthewashing-house；yourememberIbrokeitandyoudidn'twishitmended，lestIshouldbreaksomethingworsethanawheel，perhaps。Itwasn'tworthwhileriskingmylifeformerepleasure，butIwantmybicyclenowforuse。Ifyouletmehaveitmended，Icangoupanddownthecountryforfiftymilesinsearchofwork——toFalkirk，Linlithgow，orevenGlasgow，andI'llcostyounothingfortravelingexpenses。Isn'tthatabrightidea，mother？"
　　Shehadnotthehearttosayno，ortosuggestthataboyonabicycleapplyingforworkwasathingtoonoveltobeeminentlysuccessful。Buttogetworkwasatoncesoessentialandsohopeless，thatshewouldnotthrowanycoldwateronDonald'seagernessandpluck。Shehopedtoo，that，spiteoftheeccentricityofthenotion，someshrewd，kind-heartedgentlemanmighthavesenseenoughtoseethehonestpurposeofthepoorladwhohadonlyhimselftodependupon。Forhisfatherhadnowfallenintoastateofdepressionwhichmadeallapplicationtohimforeitheradviceorhelpworsethanuseless。AndasbothheandMrs。Boydhadbeensolitaryorphanswhentheyweremarried，therewerenonearrelativesofanykindtocometotherescue。
　　Donaldknew，andhismotherknewtoo，thathemustshiftforhimself，tosinkorswim。
　　So，aftertwodays'rest，whichhemuchneeded，theboywentoffagain"onhisownhook，"andhisbicycle，whichwasadegreebetterthanhislegs，hesaid，asitsavesshoe-leather。Also，hewasabletocomehomeprettyregularlyatthesamehour，whichwasagreatrelieftohismother。Buthecamehomenearlyastiredasever，andwithadespondentlookwhichdeepenedeveryday。Evidentlyitwasjustthesamestory；noworktobehad；oriftherewaswork，itwasstruggledforbyascoreoffellows，withage，character，andexperiencetobackthem，andDonaldhadnoneofthethree。Buthehadonequality，therootofallsuccessintheend，doggedperseverance。
　　Thereisasaying，thatweBritishgainourvictories，notbecauseweareneverbeaten，butbecauseweneverwillseethatwearebeaten，andsogoonfightingtillwewin。"Neversaydie，"wasDonald'swordtohismothernightafternight。ButsheknewthatthosewhoneverSAYdie，sometimesDOdie，quitequietly，andshewatchedwithasoreheartherboygrowingthinnerandmoreworn，eventhoughbrownasaberrywithconstantexposurealldaylongtowindandweather，foritwasnowlessautumnthanwinter。
　　Afterafortnight，Mrs。Boydmadeuphermindthatthiscouldnotgoonanylonger，andsaidso。"Verywell，"Donaldanswered，acceptingherdecisionashehadbeeninthehabitofdoingallhislife——Mrs。Boyd'schildrenknewverywellthatwhateverherwillwas，itwassuretobeajustandwisewill，herselfbeingthelastpersonsheeverthoughtof——"Yes，I'llgivein，ifyouthinkIought，forit'sonlywearingoutmyselfandmyclothestonogood。OnlyletmehaveonedaymoreandI'llgoasfaraseverIcan，perhapstoDunfermline，orevenGlasgow。"
　　Shewouldnotforbid，andoncemoreshestartedhimoffwithacheerfulfaceinthetwilightofthewetOctobermorning，andsatalldaylongintheemptyhouse——fortheyoungeroneswerenowallgoingtoschoolagain——thinkingsorrowfullyofhereldest，whosemerryschooldaysweredoneforever。
　　Intheduskoftheafternoonacardwasbroughtuptoher，withthemessagethatanoldgentlemanwaswaitingbelow，wishingtoseeher。
　　Ashudderranthroughthepoormother，who，likemanyanothermother，hatedbicycles，andneverhadaneasymindwhenDonaldwasawayonhis。Thestranger'sfirstwordwasanythingbutreassuring。
　　"Begpardonma'am，butisyournameBoyd，andhaveyouasoncalledDonald，whowentoutonabicyclethismorning？"
　　"Yes，yes!Hasanythinghappened？Tellmequick!"
　　"I'mnotaware，ma'am，thatanythinghashappened，"saidtheoldgentleman。"Isawtheladatlightthismorning。Heseemedtobemanaginghismachineuncommonlywell。ImethimatthefootofahillnearEdinburghCastle。Hehadgotoffandwaswalking；
　　sohesawme，andtookoffhiscap。Ilikerespect，especiallyinayoungfellowtowardsanoldone。"
　　"Didheknowyou，forIhavenotthatpleasure？"saidMrs。Boyd，polite，thoughpuzzled。Fortheoldmandidnotlookquitelikeagentleman，andspokewiththestrongaccentofanuneducatedperson，yethehadakindlyexpression，andseemedhonestandwell-meaning，thoughdecidedly"canny。"
　　"Icannotsayheknewme，butherememberedme，whichwascivilofhim。AndthenImindedtheladastheonethathadcometomeforworkaweekortwoago，andItookhisnameandaddress。
　　That'syourson'swriting？"hejumbledoutandshowedascrapofpaper。"It'sbonafide，isn'tit？
　　"Andhereallyisinsearchofwork？Hehasn'trunawayfromhome，orbeenturnedoutbyhisfatherformisconduct，oranythingofthatsort？Heisn'tascamp，orane'er-do-weel？"
　　"Ihopehedoesn'tlooklikeit，"saidMrs。Boyd，proudly。
　　"No，ma'am；you'reright，hedoesn't。Hecarrieshischaracterinhisfacewhich，maybe，isbetterthaninhispocket。Itwasthatwhichmademeaskhisnameandaddress，thoughIcoulddonothingforhim。"
　　"Thenyouwerethegentlemanwhotoldhimyoucouldn'tkeepadogandbarkyourself？"saidMrs。Boyd，amused，andjustashadehopeful。
　　"Precisely。NorcanI。Itwouldhavebeencoolimpudenceinaladtocomeandasktobetaughthisworkfirstandthenpaidforit，ifhehadn'tbeensoverymuchinearnestthatIwasrathersorryforhim。I'minclinedtobelieve，fromthetalkIhadwithhimatthefootofthebraeto-day，thatheisayoungdogthatwouldbarkwithuncommonlittleteaching。Material，ma'am，iswhatwewant。Idon'tcareforitsbeingrawmaterial，ifit'sonlyoftherightsort。I'vemadeupmymindtotryyourboy。"
　　"ThankGod!"
　　"Whatdidyousay，ma'am？But——Ibegyourpardon。"
　　ForhesawthatMrs。Boydhadquitebrokendown。Intruth，thestrainhadbeensolongandsogreatthatthissuddenreliefwasquitetoomuchforher。Shesobbedheartily。
　　"Ioughttobegyourpardon，"shesaidatlast，"forbeingsofoolish，butwehavehadhardtimesoflate。"
　　Andthen，inafewsimplewords，shetoldDonald'swholestory。
　　Theoldmanlistenedtoitinsilence。Sometimeshenoddedhishead，orbeathischinonhisstoutstickashesat；buthemadenocommentwhatever，exceptabrief"Thankyou，ma'am。"
　　"Nowtobusiness，"continuedhe，takingouthiswatch；"forI'mdueatdinner:andIalwayskeepmyappointments，evenwithmyself。IhopeyourDonaldisapunctuallad？"
　　"Yes。Hepromisedtobebackbydark，andIamsurehewillbe。
　　Couldyounotwait？"
　　"No。Ineverwaitforanybody；butkeepnobodywaitingforme。
　　I'mBethune&Co。，LeithMerchants——practically，oldJohnBethune，whobeganlifeasamessage-boy，andhasdoneprettywell，considering。"
　　Hehad，asMrs。Boydwaswellaware。Bethune&Co。wasanamesowellknownthatshecouldhardlybelieveinherboy'sgoodluckingettingintothathouseinanycapacitywhatever。
　　"Soallissettled，"saidMr。Bethune，rising。"LethimcometomeonMondaymorning，andI'llseewhatheisfitfor。He'llhavetostartattheverybottom——sweeptheoffice，perhaps——I
　　diditmyselfonce——andI'llgivehim——letmesee——tenshillingsaweektobeginwith。"
　　"'Tobeginwith，'"repeatedMrs。Boyd，gentlybutfirmly；"buthewillsoonbeworthmore。Iamsureofthat。"
　　"Verywell。WhenIseewhatstuffheismadeof，heshallhavearise。ButIneverdothingsathaphazard；andit'seasiergoingupthancomingdown。I'mnotabenevolentman，Mrs。Boyd，andyouneednotthinkit。ButI'vefoughttheworldprettyhardmyself，andIliketohelpthosethatarefightingit。Goodevening。Isn'tthatyoursoncomingroundthecorner？Well，he'sbackexacttohistime，atanyrate。TellhimIhopehewillbeaspunctualonMondaymorning。Goodevening，ma'am。"
　　Now，ifthiswereanimaginarystory，ImightwinditupbyadelightfuldenoumentofMr。Bethune'sturningoutanoldfriendofthefamily，ordevelopingintoanewone，andtakingsuchafancytoDonaldthatheimmediatelygavehimaclerkshipwithalargesalary，andthepromiseofapartnershiponcomingofage，orthisworthygentlemanshouldbeaneccentricoldbachelorwhoimmediatelyadoptedthatwonderfulboyandbefriendedthewholeBoydfamily。
　　Butneitherofthesethings，noranythingelseremarkable，happenedintherealstory，which，asitisliterallytrue，thoughtoldwithcertainnecessarydisguises，IprefertokeeptoascloselyasIcan。Suchastonishingbitsof"luck"donothappeninreallife，orhappensorarelythatoneinclines，atleast，tobelieveverylittleineithergoodorillfortune，asamatterofchance。Thereisalwayssomethingatthebackofitwhichfurnishesakeytothewhole。Practically，aman'slotisofhisownmaking。Hemayfail，forawhileundeservedly，orhemaysucceedundeservedly，but，inthelongrun，timebringsitsrevengesanditsrewards。
　　AsitdidtoDonaldBoyd。HehasnotbeentakenintothehouseofBethune&Co。，asapartner；anditwaslongbeforehebecameevenaclerk——atleastwithanythinglikeahighsalary。ForMr。
　　Bethune，sofarfrombeinganoldbachelor，hadalargefamilytoprovidefor，andwasbringingupseveralofhissonstohisownbusiness，sotherewaslittleroomforastranger。Butayoungmanwhodeservestofindroomgenerallydoesfindit，ormakeit。
　　AndthoughDonaldstartedatthelowestrungoftheladder，hemayclimbtothetopyet。
　　Hehad"afairfield，andnofavor。"Indeed，heneitherwishednoraskedfavor。Hedeterminedtostandonhisownfeetfromthefirst。Hehadhardworkandfewholidays，mademistakes，foundthemoutandcorrectedthem，gotsharpwordsandborethem，learnthisownweakpointsand——notsoeasily——hisstrongones。
　　Stillhedidlearnthem；for，unlessyoucantrustyourself，besurenobodyelsewilltrustyou。
　　ThiswasDonald'sgreatpoint。HEWASTRUSTED。Peoplesoonfoundoutthattheymighttrusthim；thathealwaystoldthetruth，andneverpretendedtodomorethanhecoulddo；butthatwhichhecoulddo，theymightdependuponhisdoing，punctually，accurately，carefully，andneverleavingofftillitwasdone。
　　Therefore，thoughothersmightbequicker，sharper，more"uptothings"thanhe，therewasnoonesoreliable，anditsoongottobeaproverbintheofficeofBethune&Co——andotheroffices，too——"Ifyouwishathingdone，gotoBoyd。"
　　Iamboundtosaythis，forIampaintingnoimaginaryportrait，butdescribinganindividualwhoreallyexists，andwhomaybemetanydaywalkingaboutEdinburgh，thoughhisnameisnotDonaldBoyd，andthereisnosuchfirmasBethune&Co。Butthehousehedoesbelongtovaluestheyoungfellowsohighlythatthereislittledoubthewillriseinit，andriseineveryway，probablytotheverytopofthetree，andtellhischildrenandgrandchildrenthestorywhich，initsmainfeatures，Ihaverecordedhere，ofhowhefirstbeganfacingtheworld。
　　BYTHEAUTHOROF"JOHNHALIFAX，GENTLEMAN。"
　　WewenttotheZootheLeopardtosee，Butfoundhimanunsociablefellow。
　　HewouldnotlookatusorsaywhereheboughtHispolka-dotsuitofyellow。
　　ROBERTOFLINCOLN。
　　Merrilyswingingonbriarandweed，Neartothenestofhislittledame，Overthemountain-sideormead，RobertofLincolnistellinghisname；
　　Bob-o'-link，bob-o'-link，Spink，spank，spink；
　　Snugandsafeinthatnestofours，Hiddenamongthesummerflowers。
　　Chee，chee，chee。
　　RobertofLincolnisgaylydressed。
　　Wearingabrightblackwedding-coat；
　　Whitearehisshouldersandwhitehiscrest，Hearhimcallinghismerrynote:
　　Bob-o'-link，bob-o'-link，Spink，spank，spink；
　　Look，whatanicenewcoatismine，Suretherewasneverabirdsofine。
　　Chee，chee，chee。
　　RobertofLincoln'sQuakerwife，Prettyandquiet，withplainbrownwings，Passingathomeaquietlife，Broodsinthegrasswhileherhusbandsings:
　　Bob-o'-link，bob-o'-link，Spink，spank，spink；
　　Brood，kindcreatures；youneednotfearThievesandrobberswhileIamhere。
　　Chee，chee，chee。
　　Modestandshyasanunisshe，Oneweakchirpisheronlynote，Braggartandprinceofbraggartsishe，Pouringboastsfromhislittlethroat:
　　Bob-o'-link，bob-o'-link，Spink，spank，spink；
　　NeverwasIafraidofman；
　　Catchme，cowardlyknaves，ifyoucan。
　　Chee，chee，chee。
　　Sixwhiteeggsonabedofhay，Fleckedwithpurple，aprettysight!
　　Thereasthemothersitsallday，Robertissingingwithallhismight:
　　Bob-o'-link，bob-o'-link，Spink，spank，spink；
　　Nicegoodwife，thatnevergoesout，KeepinghousewhileIfrolicabout。
　　Chee，chee，chee。
　　Soonasthe-littleoneschiptheshellSixwidemouthsareopenforfood；
　　RobertofLincolnbestirshimwell，Gatheringseedforthehungrybrood。
　　Bob-o'-link，bob-o'-link，Spink，spank，spink；
　　ThisnewlifeislikelytobeHardforagayyoungfellowlikeme。
　　Chee，chee，chee。