ore."

It took the brothers only an instant to realize their good fortune. The
alligator was only the dead carcass of a big bull 'gator, which the sun
had swollen and distended. It was so light that it could almost carry a
man on its back without sinking. The boys threw an arm over either side
of the carcass, and then with the other they began to paddle for dear
life.

The pursuing alligators were close upon them, but, with their strange
support, they easily held their own in the race.

They reached the bank in time, and, leaving the dead 'gator in the
shallow water, they staggered up in the woods to a place of safety.

When they recovered their breath and strength they began a search for
their boat, which they found at length drifting close into the shore.

Then they returned to the scene of their battle and recovered their gun.
When they started home they towed with them the carcass of the alligator
which had saved their lives.

Their corner in alligators was over with, and ever afterward they took
good care to see that they were not cornered before they counted their
gains in cornering the market in 'gator skins.

As Jed expressed it:

"We've got to get over our careless ways, if we're going to do anything
with these 'gators. They don't make any allowances for forgetfulness, as
mother does, _and perhaps she shouldn't, either_."

* * * * *

--"Decide not rashly. The decision made
Can never be recalled. The gods implore not,
Plead not, solicit not; they only offer
Choice and occasion, which once being past
Return no more." _--Longfellow._

INTERNATIONAL LESSON--FOR JAN. 11.

I Kings 12: 25-33.

Subject--Idolatry in Israel.

by REV.G. E. STROBRIDGE, D.D.

GOLDEN TEXT.

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image" (Exod. 20:4).

INTRODUCTION.

Jeroboam reigned twenty-two years, beginning in the year 975 B.C. The
extent of his territory was larger than that of the kingdom of Judah,
over which Rehoboam ruled after the division. Jeroboam's portion, called
the Kingdom of Israel, and comprising the northern portion of the land,
was about the size of the State of New Hampshire.

Rehoboam first made an attempt to recover the allegiance of the revolted
tribes, and sent his representative to take tribute from them, but he
was promptly killed. Rehoboam then made preparations for war; but he
was admonished to