Saturday night, and that I needn't be frightened if I
heard any unusual noise. But I forgot to tell the boys, and was so
startled and confused in waking from a sound sleep, that I at first
thought it was a burglar, and after I did recollect that it was only
Pat, I concluded not to say anything, but test their courage, as I
supposed there was no danger in it.'

"'Well, Pat,' said doctor, 'when you visit your cousin again, don't
climb through the window on your return. And, boys, the next time you
hear any suspicious sound at midnight, come and call me the first thing
you do.'

"So having brought in a verdict of 'not guilty of any evil intentions,'
the doctor adjourned the court.

"Poor Fred was never heard to boast of his bravery, or even to mention
the word 'burglar,' after that. So true it is that boasters usually
prove cowards when put to the test."

C. S. SLEIGHT.

[Illustration: decoration]

[Illustration: decoration]

LADY FERRY.

We have an instinctive fear of death; yet we have a horror of a life
prolonged far beyond the average limit: it is sorrowful; it is pitiful;
it has no attractions.

This world is only a schoolroom for the larger life of the next. Some
leave it early, and some late: some linger long after they seem to have
learned all its lessons. This world is no heaven: its pleasures do not
last even through our little lifetimes.

There are many fables of endless life, which in all ages have caught
the attention of men; we are familiar with the stories of the old
patriarchs who lived their hundreds of years; but one thinks of them
wearily, and without envy.

When I was a child, it was necessary that my father and mother should
take a long sea-voyage. I never had been separated from them before;
but at this time they thought it best to leave me behind, as I was not
strong, and the life on board ship did not suit me. When I was told of
this decision, I was very sorry, and at once thought I should be
miserable without my mother; besides, I pitied myself exceedingly for
losing the sights I had hoped to see in the country which they were to
visit. I had an uncontrollable dislike to being sent to school, having
in some way been frightened by a maid of my mother's, who had put many
ideas and aversions into my head which I was very many years in
outgrowing. Having dreaded this possibility, it was a great relief to
know that I was not to be sent to school at all, but to be