As Tamerlane looked, he saw that there was a hole in the tree only a little way above, and that this was the home of the ant. "You are a brave fellow, Mr. Ant," he said; "but you have a heavy load to carry."
Just as he spoke, the ant lost its footing and fell to the ground. But it still held on to the grain of wheat.
A second time it tried to carry its load up the rough trunk of the tree, and a second time it failed.
Tamerlane watched the brave little insect. It tried three times, four times, a dozen times, twenty times—but always with the same result.
Then it tried the twenty-first time. Slowly, one little step at a time, it crept up across the rough place where it had slipped and fallen so often. The next minute it ran safely into its home, carrying its precious load. "Well done!" said Tamerlane. "You have taught me a lesson. I, too, will try, try again, till I succeed."
And this he did.
Of what other story does this remind you?
WHY HE CARRIED THE TURKEY
In Richmond, Virginia, one Saturday morning, an old man went into the market to buy something. He was dressed plainly, his coat was worn, and his hat was dingy. On his arm he carried a small basket.
"I wish to get a fowl for to-morrow's dinner," he said.