MERCY. 85

Elated with his prize, James put a little
notched stick through one of the gills, and
bore it home. “I have caught a fish!” said
he to every one he met. Having announced
his good luck to all the household, he took
the perch and put it into a bowl of water.
But alas, it was dead! it floated sideways
upon the water, but it was without life and

 

motion. With a sad face, he went to his
mother.

“ Mother,” said he, “my fish is dead. I
wish it was alive again!» Cannot you bring
it to life ?” |

“No, my boy, it is impossible,” was the
answer.

“Tam sorry I killed it,” said James, the
tear gathering in his eye; “ it was so happy

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