THE SCHOOL-MASTER.

and, by means of the cord, a stout rope capable of sustaining
his own weight. Thus was he enabled at last to escape from
his. place of confinement. We see, then, from this story, what
great endings may be brought about by small beginnings.”

The boys were all highly amused with the tale which had
been told them ; but the cheerful school-master had not yet done
with his story, for, without losing any time, in a lively and
encouraging manner he made the following remarks:

“Tt appears to me that our tale is well suited to all of us.
Every boy in my school, though he does not wear a turban, may
be called a vizier, and may be said to be shut up in a high
tower—the tower of ignorance—from which he ought to do his
best to deliver himself.

“The vizier’s wife may be set forth by the printing-press,
which has provided what is necessary to free the vizier school-
boy from captivity. What we should do without the printing-
press I cannot tell.

“But where shall we find a black beetle? for somehow or
other we must have one. In my opinion your school-master
will be the very thing. If I am not blind, I wear a black coat,
and am very persevering; yes, I see I must play the part of a
black beetle.

“The ghee, or buffalo butter, is my desire for your good;
and this, I hope, will be quite enough to lead me on to serve
you so long as you are in the tower, and I have the means of
rendering you assistance.

“The silken line that I bring you is the alphabet; a very
small beginning, which may produce a very large and profitable
ending. Had we no alphabet, you might almost as well stop
away as come to school. If the alphabet be our silk line, well
may we regard words as our packthread. Single letters pro-
duce words, and thus, as we proceed, we gradually increase in

knowledge.
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