He halted for a moment, looked at the little birds in the nest below, and then gave the order, "Left oblique!"
Men, horses, mules, and wagons turned aside and spared the home of the helpless bird. Months, and even years after, those who crossed the plains saw a great bend in the trail. It was the bend made to avoid crushing the bird's nest. Truly, great hearts are tender hearts, and "the loving are the daring."
"There is one language that all creatures comprehend—the language of loving-kindness. Love to an animal is what sunshine is to a plant. It has a tonic effect, and they thrive on it. This does not mean fussiness —it means a combination of sympathy, wisdom and justice." The Humane Pleader
LINES TO A SEABIRD.
Bird of the stormy wave! bird of the sea!
Wide is thy sweep, and thy course is free;
Cleaving the blue air, and brushing the foam,
Air is thy field of sport, ocean thy home.
Bird of the sea! I could envy thy wing,
O'er the blue waters I mark thy glad spring;
I see thy strong pinions as onward I glide,
Dashed by the foam of the white-crested tide.
M. A. STODART.
THE TRUE HERO.
FOUR WAYS OF LOOKING AT IT.
Four boys were standing at the corner of the street. Bound the next turn, with a great burst of splendid music, came the regiment on its way to the troop-ship. Along the street were lines of eager faces, some sad and anxious, to be sure, but all interested and full of excitement.
"It must be glorious to fight for your country," said George, feeling his heart beat faster and faster as the regiment drew near. "I'm going to be a soldier when I grow up."