"'And while the noble steed has no shelter,' said his neighbor, 'his master sits at home, counting his gold.'
"'Bring his master to us!' cried the judges sternly.
"And so they brought him. In silence he waited to hear what the judges would say.
"'This brave steed of yours,' they said, 'has served you faithfully for many a long year. He has saved your life in times of danger. He has helped you to hoard your bags of gold. Therefore, hear your sentence, O Miser! Half of your gold shall be taken from you, and used to buy food and shelter for your faithful horse.'
"The miser hung his head. It made him sad to lose his gold; but the people laughed and shouted, as the old horse was led away to a comfortable stall and a dinner fit for the steed of a king."
"Hooray!" cried Don. "Good for the brave old horse! Grandpa, I'm so glad you aren't a miser!" He was thinking of old Ned, with his sleek, shining black coat.
"Bedtime!" announced Grandma, as she led the way into the house.
"Good-night, children—and happy dreams to you!"
Bee Loving
[Illustration]
When the children ran down to meet the mailman in the morning, he handed them another letter from Mother. She and Daddy were going home next Friday, she said; and they must be there Saturday, to start school on the following Monday.