lessons.'

"'So was I, truly,' cried Kline, who, although a good merry boy, hated
his books as he did medicine.

"'Ah, thou didst always like play better than work, my Kline,' said Max,
'and so do I. Meinherr Friedrich will be wise if he keep me and thee
apart during school hours; but come, see which can get home first--one,
two, three!' and away they all scampered, laughing and shouting as only
schoolboys can.

"The following day, the boys were all standing around the schoolhouse,
when the door opened, and Master Friedrich himself, appeared, and cried
in a cheery, hearty voice, 'Welcome, my children.'

"'Welcome, master,' cried they.

"And now they entered and took their seats, and were quite still while
the good master read a short chapter in the Book of Books; and then
reverently kneeling, prayed that the dear Jesus would guide him in his
teachings, and bless them, and send His Holy Spirit to watch over them
all.

"School began; the thumb-worn books were brought out--the lazy boys
began to sigh and frown, and wish impatiently for the recess, and wonder
why Latin dictionaries were ever invented; when, as if by magic, they
found themselves listening to the pleasant voice of Master Friedrich,
and actually understanding their lessons, so clear and simple were his
explanations; and the time for recess came, to their great astonishment,
long before they had expected.

"When the studies were over, the master drew from his desk a box; and
whilst the children gathered around, he opened it and drew out charming
little pink-and-white seashells, pretty pictures, and many other
beautiful things, which he gave to the children, with loving words.

"But the most lovely thing of all, was a little porcelain statuette of
an angel. She stood, so fair, so pure--with her small white hands folded
upon her breast, and her eyes uplifted, that the children gazed
enchanted.

"'Oh the dear angel! the beautiful angel!' cried they all. 'Wilt thou
not give it to me, Master Friedrich?'

"But the good master smiled, and said--'The little angel is too lovely
to be given to any boy who is not good and true of heart. We shall
presently see who shall deserve her. He who brings me, to-morrow, the
brightest thing on earth, shall have the angel.'

"At this the children looked at each other, as if wondering what the
good master might mean; but he said no more, and they went home
thoughtful.

"The next day, after the lessons (which had now b