could not have done had these things been different.

The summer vacation was over. The glorious days of early autumn, with
sunshine glinting through the crimson foliage, dropping nuts and
golden harvests, passed swiftly away, and cold weather came.

The school-room was pleasant still with its cheery fire and bright
faces. One day, when all were busy as usual, a cry rang out,

"Fire! Fire! The school-house is on fire!"

Books and pens dropped from trembling hands, little faces paled, and
eager, appealing eyes turned instantly to the teacher.

"Run, children!" she said, hurriedly.

Only one moved--lame Susie. She limped along as fast as she could, and
all the rest, frightened as they were, remained in their places till
she was safe outside the walls. Then with a rush they cleared the room
almost in an instant. Even in that time of peril and dread they
remembered their duty and kindness toward her, and gave her the
richest proof in their power of their thoughtful love. Not mere
obedience to a rule could have prompted this unselfish act, and as
such a proof she must have felt it.

It is a beautiful illustration, as it is a _true_ one, of God's love
for all living and for all times.

"As ye would they should do to you, do ye to them."

[Decoration]

[Illustration: {Pepper the dog is told a secret}]

THE SECRET.

Pepper Baker, don't you tell!
If you ever do, I'll-- Well,
I'll do something you'll remember
Till the last day of December.

Pepper, look me in the eye!
You must be as shy, as shy--
Play, you don't know where I'm going,
Don't know anything worth knowing!

When the bell for breakfast rings,
I will bring you cakes and things;
Don't go down till Ben calls, "Pupper,
Pupper; come and 'ave your supper!"

What I've told you no one knows,
Only you, and I, and Rose
(Maybe she has told her kitty),
No one else in Boston city.

Pepper, look at me, and say
With your eyes,--look straight this way,--
With your teeth, and mane so shaggy,
With your ears and tail so waggy,--

"I will never, never tell.
They may tie a ding-dong-bell
To my little tail so waggy,
Singe my ears and coat so shaggy.

"They may drown me in the well,
All because I will not tell."
That will do, you grim old Quaker!
I can trust you Pepper Baker.

MARY R. WHITT