old Biddy, who had a large family to provide
for, and who was almost tired out with hunting for worms, looked at
Willie's doughnut with a longing eye. She walked close up to the
doorstep, arched her neck, and clucked, asking as plainly as she knew
how for a piece of doughnut. But Willie was too busy even to look at
her.

At last Biddy became impatient. As no notice was taken of her civil
request, she made up her mind to take, without further asking, what
Willie did not seem inclined to give. She was a little afraid to do it;
but her chickens were teasing for more food, and she was determined to
get enough for them.

So she stepped up beside Willie, snatched the doughnut out of his hand,
and ran away with it as fast as she could. Her chickens ran after her,
screaming for the fine feast which their mother had stolen for them.

And there sat Willie on the doorstep, his eyes bigger and bluer than
ever, amazed to find himself robbed in this way by a respectable looking
old hen. He did not know what to do, and was half inclined to cry.

But, when little children are in trouble, there is always one thing they
can do: they can go to their mamma, and ask her help. Willie thought of
this, and trotted off with a very sober face to tell his mamma this
wonderful story of the hen who helped herself.

L.R.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

THE GREAT JOURNEY.

"Come, my baby, all alone!"
Was so long a baby-journey ever known?
All the way, so wide and bare,
From the table to the chair;
'Tis no wonder he should linger,
Holding on to papa's finger,
Though his mother beckons there
From her throne,
With, "Come, baby, all alone!"

"Come, my baby, all alone!"
Were such mingled doubt and daring ever shown?
Now he drops his hold, and then
Closer clings to it again;
Now he steps out with a shiver,
As one tries a rapid river,
And shrinks back, and wonders when,
Taller grown,
Baby shall go all alone.

"Here comes baby, all alone!"
Was a more victorious bravery ever known?
Right across the trackless space
The small feet have won their race;
And he tosses back thereafter
Such a peal of ringing laughter!
It laughs out from every face,
Proud to own
"Baby has gone all alone!'

Back goes baby all alone.
Oh what inche