Third reader. 41 7.  The gardener was much pleased with Frank, because he was so careful not to do mischief.  He showed him the seeds, and told him the name of many of the flowers and plants. 8.  While Frank was admiring the beauty of a flower, a boy came to the gate, and finding it locked, he shook it hard.  But it would not open.  Then he said, “Let me in; let me in; will you not let me in this garden?” 9.  “No, indeed,” said the gardener, “I will not let you in, I assure you; for when I let you in yesterday, you meddled with my flowers, and pulled some of my rare fruit.  I do not choose to let a boy into my garden who meddles with the plants.” 10.  The boy looked ashamed, and when he found that the gardener would not let him in, he went slowly away. 11.  Frank saw and felt how 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

        Thirdreader. 45