BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 17

, ‘Oh, that’s not much of a riddle,” said one of the boys,
evidently a little disappointed.

‘It’s not funny anyhow,” said another.

‘“No,” said the Doctor, “I agree with you; it’s not
much of a riddle, as riddles go, and it certainly is not
funny, but it is a great riddle after all—a riddle that your
young lives will best explain.”

“Pl tell you what boys are good for,” said the leader
of the group.

“Bravo!” broke in his nearest companion who lay full
length upon the grass, half buried in its verdant wealth. “I
know! Boys are good to have birthday parties and to
invite their friends! Put down a good mark for me!”

“Bravo!” shouted the rest in merry chorus.

“What were you going to say?” asked the Doctor of
_the boy of the birthday party, as soon as the laughter had
subsided.

“I was going to say that boys are good to make men
of,” was the answer.

“Good! Very good!” said the Doctor. “ That’s the best
answer I have ever heard to this grand conundrum, for it is
a grand conundrum, though as you say—and rightly too—it’s
not particularly funny. Good to make men of!—so you
are. I shall not live to see you grown to manhood, but I
pray God you may grow to be noble, patriotic, faithful
men.”

Just then a squirrel started along a fence just on the other
side of the road. The boys were up and after it like a shot,
bidding the Doctor a hasty “good-bye” as they rushed along
pell-mell.

The Doctor stood for a moment watching the merry
group; his face became radiant, and he murmured half aloud:

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