ters, the little boy longed to be _of_ them and
_among_ them. But Uncle Charles said, "You are not quite old enough yet
to coast in public: you have not had practice enough."

Then a big boy, who had been admiring Robert's sled, stepped up and
said, "I should like to try that sled, sir: I can take the little fellow
on the sled in front of me. I will take good care of him, sir."

Robert begged so hard to take his first lesson in coasting under the
care of this big boy, that Uncle Charles at last consented; and in the
picture you may see Uncle Charles waiting for the two boys to come along
on the sled.

He could not see them at first: but in about five minutes down they came
like the rush of a torrent; and little Robert, as he saw Uncle Charles,
cried out as loud as he could, "Clear the coast, clear the coast!"

Uncle Charles clapped his hands; the ladies waved their handkerchiefs;
and Robert felt quite proud, when, as he reached the bottom of the hill,
some boys gathered round, and pronounced his sled "a first-rate
runner."

[Illustration]

That was a proud day for Robert; for, before he left the Common, he was
allowed to coast once all alone; and he did it in such good style, that
the big boy told him he would make a "prime coaster."

"What did he mean by a "_prime coaster_"?" asked Robert.

"He meant," said Uncle Charles, "that, with a little more practice, you
will coast very well,--as well, perhaps, as he does himself."

ALFRED SELWYN.

[Illustration]

OUR NEW DOG.

WE have a new dog. His name is Bright. He is only two years old. His
master one day took the cars near our place for California; and poor
Bright was left behind.

I met him at the railroad-station. He seemed to be in great distress. I
had some bread in my hand, and offered him a piece. He was too sad to
eat. I patted him on the head, and said, "Poor doggie, have you lost
your master?"

Bright howled as if he understood my question; and I believe he did.
When I got home that day, I found that he had followed me. As I stood on
the door-step, he fawned at my feet, and made a low, imploring noise, as
if he would like to say, "Do be my master, and let me be your dog: I
will be such a good dog!"

I understood what he wanted, and said, "Well, old fellow, you shall have
your wish. I adopt you as my own dog."

Thereupon Bright wagged his tail, and barked, and put his fore-feet on
my sho