170 History of Gutta-Percha Willie. about such things,†said Mr Shepherd. “But, on the other hand, though I can’t give them medicine out of your papa’s basket, your papa very often gives them medicine out of mine,†“That ’s a riddle, I suppose,†said Willie, “No, it’s not. How is it your papa can come so near people to help them?†« He gives them things that make them well again.†“What do they do with the things he gives them?†“They take them,†“How?†“Put them in their mouths and swallow them.†“Couldn't they take them at their ears?†“No,†answered Willie, laughing. “Why not?†“Because their ears aren’t meant for taking them.†“ Aren’t their ears meant for taking anything, then?†“Only words.†“Well, if one were to try, mightn’t words be mixed so as to be medicine?†“T don’t see how.†“If you were to take a few strong words, a few persuasive words, and a few tender words, mightn’t you mix them so—that is, so set them in order—as to make them a good medicine for a sore heart, for instance ?â€