that you went to the toy shop to buy nine dollies at twelve cents apiece. Wouldn't you be a strange sight if you counted up on your fingers what you owed the shopkeeper for the dolls?" "But, Uncle Jack, I needn't do that. He could tell me what the dolls would cost," said May triumphantly. "Suppose he were not honest? As you don't know how much twelve times nine are, he could charge you anything he chose!" "That's so," said May. "I never thought of that." "Now I am going to read you something which all three may copy in your commonplace books, and then learn by heart: A LESSON OF SCHOOL* So you failed in your class, my lad? And all of the world looks dark? You lost, and your heart is sore And you wish you could go and cry? Or give it another sigh. *Courtesy of the New York Times. You failed, and you stand in fear Of the things that the boys will say? Why, there isn't a boy who is worth a tear But who knows he may fail some day. For it isn't to win that's good And it isn't the head held high, But to know you did the best you could, You failed, and you know how sad And what did you say to them, my lad, When you knew that their hearts were sore? Did you come to them, near and near, With a kindly word and a smile, And bid them dry that very tear That came to you after a while? Ah yes -you didn't know What it meant to the ones who lost; And maybe you said some boy was slow, Of the sorrow it was to him When he heard what his fellows said, But you know it now, when your eyes are dim And the sorrow is yours instead. So, lad, we have failed, maybe, And the other boys may pass, But we've found a lesson for you and me That's finer than one in class; We've learned what the bitter tear And the sorrow of boys may be, We've learned the need of a word of cheer, -J. W. Foley "I wonder if you children were not just a little dull to-day in school!" said Uncle Jack, when he had finished. "The rainy weather has kept you in doors for the last two or three days. I think I shall give you the exercises which I take every day. I want you to begin to-morrow morning; will you?" "All right, Uncle Jack, I will," said Ben. "And so will I," said Belle, “and I,” repeated May. UNCLE JACK'S SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME PHYSICAL TRAINING Rise as soon as awake. Exercise for Deep Breathing: Face open window. Place hands on chest and breathe deeply 4 times. Exercise for Good Posture: 1. Arms forward, (shoulder high). 2. Arms sideways, (height of ear, palms up). 3. Press arms and shoulders back, (chest high, head up). 4. Hands at side, palms front. Repeat 5 to 10 times. Exercises for Circulation: Chopping: 1. Swing both hands over the left shoulder, lift chest. 2. Swing both hands between feet, bend knees and look down (chop). 3. Swing both hands over right shoulder, etc. Running (in place): 1. Raising the knees high. 2. Raising the heels. Breathing: Place hands on chest and breathe deeply 4 times. Washing: 1. Warm water; soap and brush on face, ears, neck, hands and chest. 2. Cold water; douche on face, neck and chest, at least; or, take a plunge or a shower bath. 1. Glum, moody, silent, sullen, frowning. 2. Memorize the suggestions for Home Physical Training. TO THE TEACHER: Test the pupils' knowledge of this. Review, pp. 419-424. |