VICTOR, THE FOREST BOY 103 



boldt did not begin his travels with any expectation of re- 

 ward. He had to travel — there was an inborn power that 

 set his feet in motion. It is enough to know that one's 

 work has worth." 



" Tell me how he looked when you saw him? " 



" He was a grand man, and he talked of things which 

 the world did not know. He made me feel that I must 

 be like him — that I would like to do the work that he was 

 doing. On his breast shone a star. I did not covet the 

 star. Now the king will place another star there; he will 

 wear the stars of Spain, of France, of Germany. But, Vic- 

 tor, the rewards of work are not to be sought, but the 

 worth of work — that is the gold of life." 



Victor dreamed of the high career of the many-starred 

 Humboldt. 



" Father " — did ever a father have such a son? — " what- 

 ever may happen, I will be true to you and your work. If 

 the King of Prussia knew you as I know you, and your 

 work as I know it, he would send you a star." 



" Or perhaps one of his golden snuff-boxes," said the 

 woodman. "I would be glad, for your sake, to see my work 

 honored by the king; it would give you joy, and you have 

 had faith in me in all my hardships, poverty, and wander- 

 ings. Whether I am rewarded or not, you will remember 

 me as one who was true to himself and his work. That is 

 to be rich." 



" That is to make oneself one day the companion of 



