while, they felt
weaker. So he determined to go to sea with no rum in his ship. Once out
on the ocean, of course the men could not get any.

At first, they did not like it; but the captain was very careful to have
their food good and plentiful; and, when a storm came, and they were wet
and cold and tired, he gave them hot coffee to drink. By the time they
had crossed the ocean, the men said: "The captain is right. We have
worked better, and we feel stronger, for going without the rum."

STRENGTH OF MIND.

We have been talking about the strength of muscles; but the very best
kind of strength we have is brain strength, or strength of mind.

Alcohol makes the head ache and deadens the nerves, so that they can
not carry their messages correctly. Then the brain can not think well.
Alcohol does not strengthen the mind.

Some people have little or no money, and no houses or lands; but every
person ought to own a body and a mind that can work for him, and make
him useful and happy.

Suppose you have a strong, healthy body, hands that are well-trained to
work, and a clear, thinking brain to be master of the whole. Would you
be willing to change places with a man whose body and mind had been
poisoned by alcohol, tobacco, and opium, even though he lived in a
palace, and had a million of dollars?

If you want a mind that can study, understand, and think well, do not
let alcohol and tobacco have a chance to reach it.

REVIEW QUESTIONS.

1. What things were left out of our bill of fare?

2. How could you measure your strength?

3. How can you gain strength?

4. Why does drinking beer not make you strong?

5. Show why drinking wine or any other alcoholic
drink will not make you strong.

6. Why do people imagine that they feel strong
after taking these drinks?

7. Tell the story which shows that alcohol does
not help sailors do their work.

8. What is the best kind of strength to have?

9. How does alcohol affect the strength of the
mind?

CHAPTER XIV.

THE HEART.

[Illustration: T]HE heart is in the chest, the upper part of the strong
box which the ribs, spine, shoulder-blades, and collar-bones make for
each of us.

It is made of very thick, strong muscles, as you can see by looking at a
beef's heart, which is much like a man's, but larger.

HOW THE HEART WORKS.