THE STBIKE AT SHANE'S. 83 



"AVell, if T must, I will," said Edith, and she sang 

 the foUomng lines to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne" : 



This earth was ouce inhabited 



By birds and beasts alone, 

 AVho held dominion over it, 



And ruled it as their own 



'Till God created man and made 



Him ruler over all ; 

 And then the birds and beasts at once 



Fell prostrate at his call. 



Restrain the hand in anger raised 



To treat them cruelly ; 

 He gave them as a precious gift 



In trust to you and me. 



He gave them for our benefit. 



And not to be abused. 

 And he who violates that trust 



Stands before God accused. 



Then do to them as thou wouldst wish 



That they should do to thee. 

 And do not violate the trust 



God placed in you and me. 



** Thank ye. Miss Edith, thank ye; it's a beautiful 

 song, it is. I'm not much at the singin' like ye are ; 

 but I can be doin' them things ye sung about, an* I'll 

 not be forgettin' 'em soon." 



''Now, come on, bye, an' let's be gettin' ready for 

 the work. The neighbors mil all be comin' in purty 

 soon to replant the corn, an' won't they be surprised 

 to see us wid a good team goiu' out into the field to 

 work ? Begorra they will.** 



