McGuffeys Third Eclectic Reader | Page 8

much happier a boy may be by not meddling
with what does not belong to him. 12. He and his mother then
continued their walk in the garden, and enjoyed the day very much.
Before they left, the gardener gave each of them some pretty flowers.
42 ECLECTIC SERIES.
LESSON XIII.
THE WOLF. 1. A boy was once taking care of some sheep, not far
from a forest. Near by was a village, and he was told to call for help if
there was any danger. 2. One day, in order to have some fun, he cried
out, with all his might, "The wolf is coming! the wolf is coming!" 3.
The men came running with clubs and axes to destroy the wolf. As they
saw nothing they went home again, and left John laughing in his sleeve.
4. As he had had so much fun this time, John cried out again, the next
day, "The wolf! the wolf!" 5. The men came again, but not so many as
the first time. Again they saw no trace of the wolf; so they shook their
heads, and went back. 6. On the third day, the wolf came in earnest.
John cried in dismay, "Help! help!
THIRD READER. 43 the wolf! the wolf!" But not a single man came
to help him. 7. The wolf broke into the flock, and killed
a great many sheep. Among them was a beautiful lamb, which
belonged to John. 8. Then he felt very sorry that he had deceived his
friends and neighbors, and grieved over the loss of his pet lamb.
The truth itself is not believed, From one who often has deceived.
44 ECLECTIC SERIES.
LESSON XIV.

THE LITTLE BIRD'S SONG.

1. A little bird, with feathers brown, Sat singing on a tree; The song
was very soft and low, But sweet as it could be.
2. The people who were passing by, Looked up to see the bird
THIRD READER. 45
That made the sweetest melody That ever they had heard. 3. But all the
bright eyes looked in vain; Birdie was very small, And with his modest,
dark-brown coat, He made no show at all. 4. "Why, father," little
Gracie said "Where can the birdie be? If I could sing a song like that,
I'd sit where folks could see." 5. "I hope my little girl will learn A
lesson from the bird, And try to do what good she can, Not to be seen
or heard. 6. "This birdie is content to sit Unnoticed on the way, And
sweetly sing his Maker's praise From dawn to close of day. 7. "So live,
my child, all through your life, That, be it short or long, Though others
may forget your looks, They'll not forget your song."
46 ECLECTIC SERIES.
LESSON XV.

HARRY AND ANNIE. 1. Harry and Annie lived a mile from town, but
they went there to school every day. It was a pleasant walk down the
lane, and through the meadow by the pond. 2. I hardly know whether
they liked it better in summer or in winter. They used to pretend that
they were travelers exploring a new country, and would scatter leaves
on
THIRD READER. 47 the road that they might find their way back
again. 3. When the ice was thick and firm, they went across the pond.
But their mother did not like to have them do this unless some one was
with them. 4. "Do n't go across the pond to-day, children," she said, as
she kissed them and bade them good-by one morning; "it is beginning
to thaw." 5. "All right, mother," said Harry, not very good- naturedly,
for he was very fond of running and sliding on the ice. When they came
to the pond, the ice looked hard and safe. 6. "There," said he to his

sister, "I knew it had n't thawed any. Mother is always afraid we shall
be drowned. Come along, we will have a good time sliding. The school
bell will not ring for an hour at least." 7. "But you promised mother,"
said Annie. 8. "No, I did n't. I only said 'All right,' and it is all right." 9.
"I did n't say anything; so I can do as I like," said Annie. 10. So they
stepped on the ice, and started to go across the pond. They had not gone
48 ECLECTIC SERIES. far before the ice gave way, and they fell into
the water. 11. A man who was at work near the shore, heard the
screams of the children, and plunged into the water to save them. Harry
managed to get to the shore without any help, but poor Annie was
nearly drowned before the man could reach her. 12. Harry went home