e worse than the one
I have read.'

THE PEDLAR.

Down the quiet village street,
The pedlar takes his way,
His old top hat, and long black coat,
Have weathered many a day.

Before an open door he stays,
With cheery word and smile,
Where mother, with her babe in arms,
Is standing for a while.

A little lass is by her side,
Her eyes with longing bright,
For see, the pedlar has displayed
A lamb, all soft and white!

Ah, well he knows, the wise old man,
The way his wares to ply,
For Mother, moved by childish plea,
Is tempted soon to buy.

He next admires the bonny babe,
His pretty curls of gold,
And after bargaining awhile,
Another toy is sold!

His sunny smile and pleasant words
Beguile both old and young,
Whatever else the pedlar lacks,
He has a winning tongue.

[Illustration: "He has a winning tongue."]

[Illustration: "They were passing a field of ripe corn."]

TEACHING HIM A LESSON.

A conceited young nobleman was riding over part of his estate in the
company of a farmer, an industrious and honest old man, whose hair was
grey, and his shoulders bent with age and hard work. The young man
thought he would have a little cheap fun at his companion's expense. So
he said, 'Why don't you keep yourself straight, and hold your head up as
I do?' Just then they were passing a field of ripe corn, and the farmer
quietly answered, 'Look at the ears of grain over there, my lord. The
heavy, valuable, full heads hang down, while the light, worthless, and
empty ones stand bolt upright.' The young man did not attempt another
joke at the old fellow's expense. He had the worst of the laugh.

A GENTLE DONKEY.

(_Concluded from page 402._)

IV.

'Please, sir, could you speak to Simmons?'

'Ask him to come in here. Wonder what Simmons wants at this hour?' said
Major Raeburn to his wife, when the parlour-maid had closed the door.

'Well, Simmons,' as the groom quietly entered the room, 'what is the
trouble?'

'It's the oats, sir. Some one is stealing them.'

'Are you sure?'

'Certain, sir. It has been going on for a day or two.'

'Extraordinary,' murmured the Major. 'Well, we must watch. Have other
things disappeared?'

'No, sir, not so far as I have seen. I can't make head or tail of it.
The two lads are as honest as the day; indeed, it was one of them who
first noticed it. He refills the bin in the stable, an