WHEN Eddy¹ went to his room for the night, his mother always went with him, and, as he said, they had a fine time together. First he knelt by his low chair and repeated his prayers and hymns², and then she added a few simple petitions, asking the protection of God through the night. After this he loved to call to mind the actions of the past day, to receive praise when he had tried to conquer his quick temper, or encouragement to do better when he confessed his faults. On the evening following this day, Mrs. Lander summoned them earlier than usual, and then said, "I have a story, a true story, to tell you—one which I want you, Eddy, to remember as long as you live."

 

"There was once a little boy, whom I will call James. When he was very young he began to show a cruel disposition³. He loved to stand near the window and pull the wings off the flies. Then he would laugh and clap his hands to see how they writhed⁴ about in their agony."

 

"As he grew older he tormented⁵ every animal on the place. One day he caught two kittens, and having tied their tails together, hung them over the clothes-line. Then he ran to call his companions, and tried to make them enjoy the cruel sport as much as he did. When his sister came home from school, and found what he was doing, she burst into tears. Instead of soothing⁶ her by the promise that he would never do so again, he laughed as he related the torture of the poor kittens."

 

"His father had a favorite dog, named Frisk, a faithful creature, to whom all the family were attached; but so dreadfully cruel was this wicked boy, that one day when his parents were absent from home, he found a large piece of board, and nailed Frisk to it by his four legs, each being stretched to its utmost length."

 

"The poor dog whined⁷ and cried most piteously, but James

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