Paul the Courageous

d handsome, and beautifully situated on the side of a steep hill. It had a grand market-place, a large town-hall where conce

ay of amusement was to go for walks and pick flowers, and wander about a field or two. Certainly one could climb a tree, and whittle sticks or make whistles, but one could not be doing that al

right; Slewbury was a dull, sleepy and prim old town, but boys ought to be able to make amusements for themselves anywhere; they should have resources within themselves. Paul had loads of toys, and books, and tools, and a nice large garden to play in when the weather was fine

the mountains had been either Welsh or Scotch mountains, but the three little Anketells were true Britis

hey would do, and many and many a discussion they had as to their favourite spots, and whether they should go to an old favourite, or try a new one. Plans were made,

ance beside this. To be actually going to live, and sleep, and eat, on board a real steamer, and to cross the sea to another land seemed to them a splendid outlook. Every book and picture that could tell them anything about Norway was eagerly hunted up, all the Norwegian fairy tales were

hing for fairies, and quickly dashed all Stella's hopes of seeing any, but he could teach them a great deal about the sports, and the shooting, and the other attractions to be found there-at least, he thought he could-but his father and mother had often to smile to themselves as they listened to the marvellous stories he told the children, and sometimes they had to check him to set him right on various points, a thing he objected to very much indeed. For Paul had read so much, heard so much, and thought so much of

ok him to make up his mind to get out of bed; and rushing downstairs two or three steps at a time

ere big white bears in the Norwegian fjords, white Polar bears, I mean? And shall we see them, and if there are, may we go hunt

the room with his collar unfastened, and his tie missing altogether. He was so eager, too, that he did not notice the anxiety on his pa

do tell me, shall you take your gu

e thought of going, nor wild animals of any kind, you may be quite sure, or we

e of them. Do let's go to a part where there are bears! I'd give anything t

ear. Now fasten your collar and go to your place, I hear the servants coming in to prayers." And Mrs. Anketell stooped

not need to be brave with father to take care of her, and Stella was only a girl, and no one would expect much of her; as for Michael, he was only six, a mere baby. He sat in his chair puzzled, and wondering, and coming

y of the scene, was impressed on his mind then- though at the time he was wholly unaware of the fact-and through all his after life remained with him so vividly that he could recall every detail of the scene, and the look of everything in the

h some self-denial and economy we shall weather this storm, as we did many when first we were

t now?" asked Mr. Anketell. "

that he could not read, but he thought she looked sorry about something,

and give me your whole attention. You are old enough now to be our confidant in many things, and of course you will unde

w that it was considered 'sneakish' to tell a secret, but he h

nly become a comparatively poor one. If only I myself were concerned I would not care, but for your mother's sake, and for the sake of you children,

it of money every year: I can leave school, and I could go out to work. I know Farmer Vinning would give me a job; he said he wished he had a boy half as spry as I am, and- and then I

test advantage to others and ourselves, too, are not always the things we would like best to do. To be a real help and comfort to us, you must stick at your work as hard as yo

dolefully. To work harder at school s

e to give up something, many of the things we care for mos

hing," said Pau

id, softly; "a trouble bravely born and smiled o

rst in on his mother's speech, too

u must not give up any of it yet. No, what we shall have to give up will be our pleasures. The horses must go, all but Nell for father, and Jumbo for the

said Paul, "and I c

You can learn to work in the garden, too. A boy

was not hearty. Mrs. Anketell was silent for a few moments, then she said with, Paul thought, but little concern, "

that there was some mistake, that his ears were deceiving him. "What did you say, mother?" he cried. "Give up the Norwegian cruise! Oh, no, no, we couldn't give that up! We mu

kties," said his father mischievously; but Pau

We have counted on it for weeks,

them; but it is the actual facing them, not the talking, that tries our courage and shows what we are made of. It requires no courage to give up what we care little or nothing about. Be as brave as you know how to be over this disappoint

said Mrs. Anketell gently. "Stella and Michael will need a

r," he said, tenderly, look

f one; in fact we shall all be better for it," she said; "but

iring a change, and altogether the blow which he had had was too much for him to bear well at the first shock;