Two boys were one day on their way from school, and as they were passing a cornfield, in which there were some plum trees, full of nice ripe fruit, Henry said to Thomas, “Let us jump over and get some plums.  Nobody will see us, and we can scud along through the corn and come out on the other side.”

Thomas said, “I cannot.  It is wrong to do so.  I would rather not have the plums, than to steal them, and I think I will run along home.”

“You are a coward,” said Henry, “I always knew you were a coward, and if you don’t want any plums you may go without them, but I shall have some very quick.”

Just as Henry was climbing the fence, the owner of the field rose up from the other side of the wall, and Henry jumped back, and ran away.  Thomas had no reason to be afraid, so he stood still, and the owner of the field, who had heard the conversation between the boys, told him that he was very glad to see that he was not willing to be a thief.  He then told Thomas that he might step over the fence and help himself to as many plums as he wished.  The boy was pleased with the invitation, and soon filled his pockets with plums which he could call his own.  Honesty will always get its reward.

[Illustration]

GEORGE AND HIS DOG.

    George had a large and noble dog. 
      With hair as soft as silk;
    A few black spots upon his back,
      The rest as white as milk.

    And many a happy hour they had,
      In dull or shining weather;
    For, in the house, or in the fields,
      They always were together.

    The faithful creature knew full well
      When Master wished to ride;
    And he would kneel down on the grass,
      While Georgy climbed his side

    They both were playing in the field. 
      When all at once they saw
    A little squirrel on a stump,
      With an acorn in his paw

    The dog still looked with eager eye,
      And George could plainly see,
    It was as much as he could do
      To let the squirrel be.

    The timid creature would have feared
      The dog so bold and strong,
    But he seemed to know the little boy
      Would let him do no wrong.

    He felt a spirit of pure love
      Around the gentle boy,
    As if good angels, hovering there,
      Watched over him in joy.

    And true it is that angels oft
      Good little George have led;
    They’re with him in his happy play. 
      They guard his little bed;

    They keep his heart so kind and true,
      They make his eye so mild,
    For dearly do the angels love,
      A gentle little child.

THE FIRST DOLLAR.

I will tell you an affecting story about a young lad by the name of Emerson Terry, who lived in Hartford, Ct.  He was very kind to the poor, and could never see the suffering of his fellow beings without making an effort for their relief.  Here is one instance of his kindness and liberality.