ss, planting his fore feet more firmly and at a sharper angle
with the ground.

23. The impatient boy now struck the pony on the side of the head with his
clinched hand, and jerked cruelly at his bridle. It availed nothing,
however; Dick was not to be wrought upon by any such arguments.

24. "Don't do so, John!" I turned my head as the maiden's sweet voice
reached my ear. She was passing through the gate into the road, and in the
next moment had taken hold of the lad and drawn him away from the animal.
No strength was exerted in this; she took hold of his arm, and he obeyed
her wish as readily as if he had no thought beyond her gratification.

25. And now that soft hand was laid gently on the pony's neck, and a
single low word spoken. How instantly were the tense muscles relaxed--how
quickly the stubborn air vanished!

26. "Poor Dick!" said the maiden, as she stroked his neck lightly, or
softly patted it with a childlike hand. "Now, go along, you provoking
fellow!" she added, in a half-chiding, yet affectionate voice, as she drew
up the bridle.

27. The pony turned toward her, and rubbed his head against her arm for an
instant or two; then, pricking up his ears, he started off at a light,
cheerful trot, and went on his way as freely as if no silly crotchet had
ever entered his stubborn brain.

28. "What a wonderful power that hand possesses!" said I, speaking to my
companion, as we rode away.

29. He looked at me for a moment, as if my remark had occasioned surprise.
Then a light came into his countenance, and he said briefly, "She's good!
Everybody and everything loves her."

30. Was that, indeed, the secret of her power? Was the quality of her soul
perceived in the impression of her hand, even by brute beasts! The
father's explanation was doubtless the true one. Yet have I ever since
wondered, and still do wonder, at the potency which lay in that maiden's
magic touch. I have seen something of the same power, showing itself in
the loving and the good, but never to the extent as instanced in her,
whom, for want of a better name, I must still call "Gentle Hand."

DEFINITIONS.--2. Vi-cin'i-ty, neighborhood. 16. Un-ob-tru'-sive-ly, not
noticeably, modestly. 17. Re-pul'sive, repelling, forbid-ding. 18.
Po'tent, powerful, effective. Host, one from whom another receives food,
lodging, or entertainment. 20. Per'emp-to-ry, commanding, decisive. 21.
A-vailed', was of use, had effect. 22. Al-ly', a confederate, one who