“I am sure,” he added, “that the more you know about our animal friends the more interested you will be in their welfare.  I have learned with a great deal of interest that one of you is planning to erect a drinking-fountain in the village when he is a man.  Now, suppose, instead of waiting till that somewhat distant day, that we make a bargain.  If you will endeavor for a whole year to make the lives of all helpless creatures happy, I will for my part promise to put up a fountain where men and horses and dogs and birds may have a refreshing drink.  But remember, I will not do this until I am sure that you have done your part faithfully.  This is a miniature copy of the fountain I am willing to erect.”

At a word from him Jacob quickly threw the covering from the package which he had placed on the desk, and the boys exclaimed with delight at the beautiful model of a fountain which was displayed.

They surrounded it in an instant, and were quick to admire every detail—­the great horse with his shaggy mane on top, the tiny mug hung at the faucets for wayfarers, the wide trough for horses and cows, and the four little basins for dogs and birds.

“This is the model of the fountain you are to earn,” said their new friend pleasantly.  “You may keep it in your schoolroom as a reminder.”

Just didn’t these boys cheer.  The schoolhouse fairly shook with the noise and tumult they made.  They gathered like bees about their friend to promise him that they would earn the fountain faithfully, and to thank him a dozen times over for the beautiful books.

At this, Almira Jane, who had been listening with a happy smile to the little speech, suddenly threw off the cover of her basket; and there, lying on white napkins, were layers of the crispest doughnuts and dozens of molasses cookies of her most delicious make.

The boys needed no invitation to fall to, for the sight of the dainties was quite enough; and Dick took care that Billy, whose hungry eyes were looking in at the door, should have a share as well.

A few minutes later all the fun was over.  Almira Jane, waving her empty basket to rid it of the crumbs, climbed into the carriage; and at Mr. Patterson’s request Master Sunshine and Tommy accepted his place, while he remained for a quiet talk with Mr. Sinclair.  The rest of the boys sauntered happily home, with a pleasant word each for Billy, who by this time was so amazed at the good fortune that had befallen him that he could find no words in which to express his feelings.

But that was not all, I can tell you.  The boys were full of the new idea; and strange as it may seem, the more kind things they saw done, the more they were anxious to do themselves, and nearly all the objectionable pastimes they had formerly engaged in were laid aside.  No one ever went fishing just for the pleasure of throwing the panting, struggling fish on the grass; no one ever tormented frogs, or pulled the wings off the poor flies nowadays.