Suddenly the door was opened by the children's mother. You should have seen her. She was frightened almost to death.

But the youngest boy laughed and said, “We are playing soldiers, mother."

And just then the bear's master came running up and led him away.

Adapted.

THREE BUGS

BY ALICE CARY

Three little bugs in a basket,
And hardly room for two!

And one was yellow, and one was black,
And one like me, or you.

The space was small, no doubt, for all;
But what should three bugs do?

Three little bugs in a basket,

And hardly crumbs for two;
And all were selfish in their hearts,
The same as I or you;

So the strong ones said, "We will eat the bread,

And that is what we'll do."

Three little bugs in a basket,

And the beds but two would hold;
So they all three fell to quarreling—
The white, and the black, and the gold;
And two of the bugs got under the rugs,
And one was out in the cold.

He that was left in the basket,
Without a crumb to chew,

Or a thread to wrap himself withal,
When the wind across him blew,

Pulled one of the rugs from one of the bugs,
And so the quarrel grew!

So there was war in the basket

Ah! pity 'tis, 'tis true!—

But he that was frozen and starved, at last,
A strength from his weakness drew,
And pulled the rugs from both of the bugs,
And killed and ate them, too!

Now, when bugs live in a basket,

Though more than it well can hold, It seems to me they would better agreeThe white, and the black, and the gold— And share what comes of the beds and crumbs, And leave no bug in the cold!

DAMON AND PYTHIAS

FROM GREEK HISTORY

Many years ago two young men lived in Greece. They were great friends. Their names were Damon and Pythias.

The ruler of the country was a cruel man. He put Pythias into prison and set a day for his death. Pythias had done nothing wrong. He had only displeased the ruler.

The father and mother of Pythias lived in another part of the country. "May I go home to tell them good-by?" he asked.

The ruler laughed. to ask," said he. back."

66

That is a strange thing

"You would never come

At that Damon stepped up. "I am his friend," "Let me stay in prison till Pythias re

he said.

turns."

Then the ruler said, "Suppose Pythias does not return?"

"I will die for him," said Damon.

This surprised the ruler very much. He put Damon in prison and Pythias went home. Time went by and Pythias did not return.

day came.

The last

So Damon was led out to be put to death. He said, "I have not lost my faith in Pythias. He will yet come if he is alive."

Just then soldiers ran up shouting, "Here he comes! Here he comes!"

Yes, there was Pythias. He had been shipwrecked, and reached the shore many miles away. He had walked all those miles to get back in time.

The ruler looked at the two friends. "You are both free," said he. "I would give all I have for one such friend."

LITTLE WHITE LILY

BY GEORGE MACDONALD

Little white Lily

Sat by a stone, Drooping and waiting

Till the sun shone.

Little white Lily
Sunshine has fed;

Little white Lily

Is lifting her head.

Little white Lily

Said, "It is good;

Little white Lily's Clothing and food."

Little white Lily

Dressed like a bride!

Shining with whiteness,

And crowned beside!