time
swimming about, except in winter, when the pond was frozen. Emily had a
name for each one of them. They used to run to her when she called; for
they knew she loved them all, and would treat them well.

Among these six happy ducks there was a white one that was at one time
of his life a wild duck. Emily named him _Albus_; for _albus_ is Latin
for _white_. I will tell you how Albus happened to become tamed.

He was once on his way to the South with a large flock of his wild
companions, when, as they were alighting near a creek, Albus was shot in
the wing by Dick Barker, a sportsman who was out gunning. Dick ran with
his dog Spot to pick up the poor wounded bird; but Albus was not so much
hurt that he could not fly a little.

He flew and flew till he came to Emily's little garden; and then he fell
at her feet, faint, but not dead, as if pleading for protection. Emily
took him up in her arms, though she soiled her apron with blood in so
doing. Dick and Spot came up; and Dick said roughly, "Give me up that
duck."

"The duck has flown to my feet for protection; and I would be shot
myself before I would betray him and give him up," said Emily. "I shall
keep him, and heal his wounds."

Mr. Dick Barker scolded wildly; but it was of no use. He had to go off
duckless. As for Albus, he soon grew well under Emily's tender care; but
his wing was not as strong as it used to be: so he concluded he would
become a tame bird, and not try to fly off again with his wild
companions. He had a happy home, a kind mistress, and pleasant duck
acquaintances. So, like a good sensible waddler, he was content.

EMILY CARTER.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

THE BUNCH OF GRAPES.

"I AM thinking what I shall do with this beautiful bunch of grapes,"
said Reka Lane as she sat on the bench near the arbor. Her real name was
Rebecca; but they called her, for shortness, Reka.

"I know what I should do with it," said little Matilda, who had been
wading in the brook, and was without shoes and stockings. "I should
divide it among the present company."

"Good for Matty!" exclaimed brother Henry. "The best use you can put
grapes to is to eat them before they spoil. Come, Reka, divide, divide."

"I am not sure that I shall do that," said Reka.

"Look at that queer dog!" said Matty. "He has crept under the shawl on
the ground, and looks like a head with no body to it."

"That shawl w