lutionary mobs, demanded blood. Back to their perches for the last time flew
the crows, and again a silence fell, not unlike the abrupt hush of court-room
whispers as the prisoner steps forward to learn the worst. But I could dis-
tinguish no criminal. As I looked for the poor fellow there was a great angry
caw from every crow, and all flew to the center of the line, where they tore
three of their unsuspecting kind in shreds, leaving only a few feathers to float
upward and outof sight, as they separated andnoiselessly flew away, seemingly

satisfied with what they had done.

Wy

pee ee oy b
A say a

@eing a [@\an.

EFORE a boy has doffed his kilt
He wants asword with a flashing
hilt;
He must manage a train, though
it be of chairs,
He must beat a drum, he must hunt for bears.
In fact, his highest ambition and plan,
His dearest wish, is to be a man.

 

But many a boy is unmanly to-day,

Because there are so many “ifs” in the way:
He scorns this “if,” and he frowns at that,
He shirks his lesson to wield a bat;

Andso he will go, as best he can,

From youth to old age, without being a man.

Oh, there are so many “ifs” in the road
That leads to manhood’s highest abode!
Kindness, purity, courage and truth,
Stumbling-blocks these to many a youth,
For he who will not make these his own,
Can never reach manhood’s glorious throne.

So who would be manly should keep in mind
He must ever be gentle, and brave and kind.
Obedient always to Right’s fair laws,

A brother to every noble cause;

Thus shall he serve God’s cherished plan,
And come to the stature of a man.

—Emma C. Dowpb.

 

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