"YOU BELONG TO GOD! This is what I want you to remember to-day!
"There was once a little boy—he was a slave in South America—whose master was very hard and cruel, often having him beaten when he had done no harm, and teaching him many cruel and wicked ways.
"One day a traveller came to this hard master's plantation. He was driven to take shelter there while a swarm of locusts passed over. His horse refused to go a step further, and turning in at the gate, he asked if he might remain there for a few hours. Leave was readily given; for people are very hospitable in South America, and this little slave was sent forward to put the stranger's horse in the stable.
"The traveller noticed the miserable plight of the poor boy, and gave him a kind word, at which the boy looked up astonished. He pitied the little slave, and afterwards, conversing with the master of the plantation, offered to buy him.
"'What, Harry?' said the master. 'He is a rascal, as idle as can be! But if you want him you shall have him, at my price; but you'll repent it!'
"The traveller paid the price, and by-and-by went out to find his horse and his slave. The boy was lying under a verandah; not attempting to work, but thinking how he could be idle, and yet avoid a fresh beating.
"The traveller strolled up to him. 'Harry,' he said, 'why do you not work?'
"'No good working, massa,' answered the boy sullenly. 'Harry work, gets a beating; Harry no work, gets beating too. So Harry please 'self, and no work.'
"'But I want you to untie my horse,' said the traveller.
"'Yes, massa,' said the boy, rousing himself a little at the mild tone; 'I get your horse for you.'