they
have been represented to be by many. To be sure, they will steal
food, eggs, vegetables, and firewood, but nothing more. I have
known a mill to be open for over three months, with valuable tools
lying around, but never a one missing. The people are very polite,
and when passing one in the road they always say adios (good-by),
or buenos dias (good-day). The men all carry a large knife
suspended at the belt, but it is for such use as we make of a pen
or pocket knife.

Sir L. E. TOWER.
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA.

* * * * *

The Helping Hand.

A friend of the TABLE and of the School Fund wrote recently to Jules
Verne, telling him about Good Will Farm, and asking him for a letter to
be sold to that American admirer who would bid highest for it. The great
novelist readily responded, and the letter, wholly in Mr. Verne's own
hand, is now in our possession. Of course it is in French, but here is a
translation of it:

_March 27, 1895._

DEAR SIR,--I hasten to reply to your letter, which is inspired by
such a touching idea. I should be happy if these few lines, which
you request, could contribute, in some slight degree, to the
success of your charitable undertaking. I believe that I have in
your country many friends, unknown but sincere, judging from the
letters I receive. This will afford me an opportunity to pay my
tribute of gratitude to them, and I beg you to accept, with my
entire sympathy, the assurance of my sincere regard.

JULES VERNE.

The TABLE much appreciates the gentleman's kind act, and warmly thanks
him. The original of the letter is to be used in an exhibition of other
similar letters, and at the close of that exhibition will, with some
other rare manuscripts, including one by James Russell Lowell, kindly
given to the Fund by Professor Charles Eliot Norton, and original
letters by Sir Walter Scott, Victor Hugo, Alexander Hamilton, Charles
Dickens, William M. Thackeray, Louis XV. of France, and Emperor Napoleon
I. and others, all belonging to the Fund through the kindness of its
friends, be offered for sale to the highest bidders.

Our Fund grows slowly. Have you helped it along yet? We reprint the Mite
for your use. Any one of any age may contribute. Write plainly that no
errors may be made in the Honor Roll.

GOOD WILL MITE

HARPER'S ROUND TABLE

INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FUND

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