'Of course, you must come and help us,
For we all depend on Joe,'
The boys said; and I waited
For his answer--yes or no.
"He stood and thought for a moment;
I read his heart like a book,
For the battle that he was fighting
Was told in his earnest look.
Then to his waiting playmates
Outspoke my loyal knight:
'No, boys; I cannot go with you,
For I know it wouldn't be right.'"
THE RIGHT WORD
An instance of the transforming power of the right word is furnished by the
following incident:--
Many years ago a minister was passing through a prison crowded with
convicts showing every phase of ignorance and brutality. One gigantic
fellow crouched alone in a corner, his feet chained to a ball. There was an
unhealed wound on his face, where he had been shot when trying to escape.
The sight of the dumb, gaunt figure touched the visitor.
"How long has he to serve?" he asked of the guard.
"For life."
"Has he anybody outside to look after him--wife or child?"
"How should I know? Nobody has ever noticed him all the time he has been
here.
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