n which was crouching a lady almost lifeless with terror.
Thoughts as swift as lightning flashed through his mind; he might save
her--what though he was trampled to death. Then he surely would be
relieved from suffering!

"Summoning up all his little strength--then wonderfully increased by
excitement and manly courage--he rushed forward, faced the frightened
little animal, seized the reins, and was dragged some distance, still
holding firmly on--sustaining no injury save a few bruises--until he
succeeded in checking the wild flight. He saw his advantage; then,
with a kind voice, he spoke to the horse, patting and rubbing his head
and neck, until he became quite gentle. George knew the poor fellow
was not vicious but frightened at something he had seen or heard.

"In a few moments he was joined by a crowd--among whom came a
gentleman limping and wearing a look of great anxiety.

"George knew his thoughts, and said:

"'The lady is not at all hurt, sir, only frightened.'

"Several had seen the boy's action, and the owner of the horse soon
understood all about it. Many were his words of grateful
acknowledgment, and warmly shaking the boy's hand, he pushed into it a
half-eagle.

"Looking at this a moment, again tempted by hunger, he hesitated--then
exclaimed:

"'No, thank you, sir, I cannot take it. I am amply rewarded by having
succeeded in helping the lady.'

"'Oh, do let us do something to prove our thanks. You look so weary,
and indeed, almost sick. Tell us how can we serve you,' said the lady,
who had not spoken until then.

"These kind words brought tears to the boy's eyes; he tried to speak,
but his voice failed.

"'There, my boy,' said the gentleman, 'it is growing very cold. We
live only a short way from here. I shall lead my horse, and you must
follow on. Supper is waiting for us; and after we have been refreshed
by a cup of hot coffee and something substantial, I shall insist on
being allowed to prove my thankfulness in some way or other.'

"This kindness, George had neither the strength nor the will to
refuse.

"Following on, he soon reached with them, the house of Dr. Perry. Such
a supper the famished boy had not seen since his parents' death, and
he did full justice to it.

"The doctor's delicate kindness and cordial manner so won the boy,
that during the evening he told him his whole story, of his hard
struggles and dreadful temptation, and ended by producing the
pocketbook, and asking the do