civil Pe'ter Tow'ser ap pear'

a lone' Pin'dar per'sons trav'el ers

[Illustration: Man telling story to several children.]

THE STORY-TELLER

1. Peter Pindar was a great storyteller. One day, as he was going by the
school, the children gathered around him.

2. They said, "Please tell us a story we have never heard." Ned said,
"'Tell us something about boys and dogs."

3. "Well," said Peter, "I love to please good children, and, as you all
appear civil, I will tell you a new story; and it shall be about a boy
and some dogs, as Ned asks.

4. "But before we begin, let us sit down in a cool, shady place. And now,
John, you must be as still as a little mouse. Mary, you must not let
Towser bark or make a noise.

5. "A long way from this place, there is a land where it is very cold, and
much snow falls.

6. "The hills are very high there, and traveler's are often lost among
them. There are men there who keep large dogs. These are taught to hunt
for people lost in the snow.

7. "The dogs have so fine a scent, that they can find persons by that
alone.

8. "Sometimes it is so dark, that they can not see anything. Those who are
lost often lie hid in the snowdrifts. "

LESSON LI.

lain weak stiff shrill rode bleak

[Illustration: Dog searching on snowy mountain-side for lost traveler.]

THE STORY TELLER
(CONCLUDED)

1. "One cold, bleak night, the snow fell fast, and the wind blew loud and
shrill. It was quite dark. Not a star was to be seen in the sky.

2. "These good men sent out a dog, to hunt for those who might want help.
In an hour or two, the dog was heard coming back.

3. "On looking out, they saw him with a boy on his back. The poor child
was stiff with cold. He could but just hold on to the dog's back.

4. "He had lain for a long time in the snow, and was too weak to walk.

5. "He felt something pull him by the coat, and heard the bark of a dog.
He put out his hand, and felt the dog. The dog gave him another pull.

6. "This gave the poor boy some hope, and he took hold of the dog. He drew
himself out of the snow, but ho could not stand or walk.

7. "He got on the dog's back, and put his arms round the dog's neck, and
held on. He felt sure that the dog did not mean to do him any harm.

8. "Thus he rode all the way to the good men's house.

9. "They took care of him, till the snow was gone. Then they sent him to
his home."

LESSON LII.