Well, he felt the smart of the iron ramrod, and his fury rose in a whirlwind; and he got up, took the musket by the barrel, raised it back for an awful blow, and was just about to crush the head of the joker when a white face and the simple word “Jim!” brought him to his senses.  He dropped the musket and sank upon the grass in a paroxysm of excitement, but was saved from murder just by a hair’s breadth.  He had never curbed his temper before.  Here he had been forced to overcome the fury of a building all in flames.  The lesson sank deep into his heart.  To-day nobody knows he has any temper at all.

THE SISTER’S INFLUENCE.

Again, as you are influential in the matter of the future prospects of your sister, and can probably elevate her lot by your aid in forming her character, so, too is she often, though to a smaller degree, potent in turning the tides of your life.  She has dear friends of her own sex.  They are at your house.  They may come to see you by coming to see her.  You meet these girls at your home, and, perhaps, some day you wake up in love.  Now, if your sister, who admits these maidens into your home, has that true womanhood which is so admirable, you are certain to have fallen in love with one of the finest young women in town, and it is

A LUCKY DAY FOR YOU,

for young women usually keep away from young men for whose character they have no regard.  Do not, however, get into the opinion that you are irresistible, or anywise attractive.  It will give you many wounds.  Young women detect masculine vanity of this order with a quickness that is appalling to the young man.  They may have had no thought of you at all!  They will then, all the readier, become influenced by your good points, and, above all, by your habitual good treatment of your sister.  Be, therefore, on your guard, even in self-interest, which is a low guide of action, nevertheless—­but

EVEN FOR THIS IGNOBLE REASON.

Watch over your sister, to protect her from any association whatever with bad young men, to minister to her wants, to help your parents minister to her health, and to love her with a sincere affection, for as long as you live, you will find her devotion unchangeable, through good and evil report.  This same sister may be your companion all through your life.  Where single life becomes the destiny of both brother and sister this often happens.  In almost every neighborhood there are two persons thus domiciled, honorably fullfilling their duties to society, and often doing greater public service than any other two people of the community.  Look therefore upon your sister as perhaps the best friend you will have

AFTER THE DEATH OF YOUR MOTHER.