these dumb creatures, have become unselfish and thoughtful. They
had rather go to school without their own breakfast than have the
inmates of the stable go hungry. They are getting a humane
education, a heart education, added to the intellectual education of
their schools. Then it keeps them at home. I used to be worried
with the lingering about street corners, the dawdling around with
other boys, and the idle, often worse than idle, talk indulged in.
Now they have something to do, they are men of business. They
are always hammering and pounding at boxes and partitions out
there in the stable, or cleaning up, and if they are sent out on an
errand, they do it and come right home. I don't mean to say that we
have deprived them of liberty. They have their days for base-ball,
and foot-ball, and excursions to the woods, but they have so much
to do at home, that they won't go away unless for a specific
purpose."

While Mrs. Morris was talking, her visitor leaned forward in her
chair, and listened attentively. When she finished, Mrs. Montague
said, quietly, "Thank you, I am glad that you told me this. I shall
get Charlie a dog."

"I am glad to hear you say that," replied Mrs. Morris. "It will be a
good thing for your little boy. I should not wish my boys to be
without a good, faithful dog. A child can learn many a lesson from
a dog. This one," pointing to me, "might be held up as an example
to many a human being. He is patient, quiet, and obedient. My
husband says that he reminds him of three words in the Bible
'through much tribulation.'"

"Why does he say that?" asked Mrs. Montague, curiously.