THE SKIPPER AND JANET.

“JT wisH I could save a ship; I wish I could help sailors. —
I wouldn't mind if I could only help one sailor,” said
Janet, as she closed her book. She had been reading the
story of a brave girl who rowed out to the help of some
sailors in a sinking ship. ‘I wish I could do something,”
said Janet again, as she walked down to the harbour,
“Tl ask the Skipper about it.” Whenever Janet was in
any trouble she always went to her friend the Skipper.
The Skipper was an old blind sailor, who loved the sea
so much that he liked to spend his time near it, even
though he could not see it. Janet found him Sitting in
his favourite place, and she sat down by him. “ Skipper,” ;
she said, ‘I’ve been reading such a beautiful story. I
will tell you all about it, and then you shall tell me how
I can help a sailor.” The Skipper listened to ‘her story.
Then he said slowly, -“T know a girl who helps a sailor ;
she comes to see him every day, and she makes him
forget all his troubles with her bright talk.” Janet -sighed.
“I wish Z could do something,”-she said. “My girl’s

mame is Janet,” said the Skipper. Then Janet smiled.