KIDD’S OWN JOURNAL. 
woman’s hand. Was there magic in that 
gentle touch? The woman’s repulsive 
aspect changed into one of kindly welcome, 
and she said: 
“* Yes, it is a long way to G——. I 
guess we can finda place for him. Have 
you hadany supper ? ’ 
“T answered in the negative. 
“The woman, without further remark, 
drew a pine table from the wall, placed upon 
it some cold meat, fresh bread and butter, 
and a pitcher of new milk. While these pre- 
parations were going on, [had leisure for more 
minute observation. There was a singular 
contrast between the young girl I have men- 
tioned, and other inmates of the room; and 
yet I could trace a strong likeness between 
the maiden and the woman, whom I supposed 
to be her mother—browned and hard as 
were the features of the latter. 
“Soon after I had commenced eating my 
supper, the two children who were playing | 
Gradually the high tone of the disputant 
subsided, and his words had in them less 
of personal rancour. Still, the discussion 
went on; and I noticed that the maiden’s 
hand, which rested on the temple when un- 
impassioned words were spoken, resumed its 
caressing motion the instant there was the 
smallest perceptible tone of anger in the 
father’s voice. It was a beautiful sight ; and 
I could but look on and wonder at the 
power of that touch—so light, so unobtru- 
sive, yet possessing a spell over the hearts 
of all around her. As she stood there, she 
looked like an angel of peace, sent to still 
the turbulent waters of human passion. 
Sadly.out of place I could not but think 
her, amid the rough and rude; and yet, who 
more than they need the softening and 
humanising influences of one like the Gentle 
Hand? 
‘‘Many times more, during that evening, 
did I observe the magic power of her hand 
on the floor began quarrelling with each | and voice—the one gentle, yet potent, as the 
other. 
_ “*Jobn! go off to bed!’ said the father, 
in aloud, peremptory voice, speaking to 
one of the children. 
“But John, though he could not help 
hearing, did not choose to obey. 
““* Do you hear me, sir ? 
repeated the angry father. 
*<T don’t want to go,’ whined the child. 
“Go, I tell you, this minute!’ 
‘Still there was not the slightest move- 
ment to obey; and the little fellow looked 
the very image of rebellion. At this crisis 
in the affair, when a storm seemed inevitable, 
the sister, as I supposed her to be, glided 
across the room; and stooping down, took 
Off with you!’ | 
other. 
“On the next morning, breakfast being 
over, I was preparing to take my departure, 
when my host informed me that if I would 
wait for half an hour, he would give mea 
ride in his wagon to G——, as business re- 
quired him to go there. I was very well 
pleased to accept of the invitation. In due 
time, the farmer’s wagon was driven into the 
road before the house, and I was invited to 
get in. I noticed the horse; it was a rough- 
looking Canadian pony, with a certain air of 
stubborn endurance. As the farmer took 
his seat by my side, the family came to the 
door to see us off. 
“<Dick!’ said the farmer, in a peremp- 
the child’s hand in hers. Not a word was . +s . on: Canta 
said , but the young rebel was instantly sub- | Ae giving the rein a quick jerk as 
dued. Rising, he passed out by ker side, | a p 
and I saw no more of him during the | But Dick moved not a step. 
evening. 
“Soon after Ihad finished my supper, a 
«Dick! you vagabond! get up.’ And 
| the farmer’s whip cracked sharply by the 
neighbor came in, and it was not long before | POMY S ear- 
he and the man of the house were involved 
in a warm political discussion, in which were | 
My | 
| with an impatient hand; but the pony only 
many more assertions than reasons. 
host was not a very clear-headed man; 
while his antagonist was wordy and spe- 
cious. The former, as might be supposed, | 
very naturally became excited, and now |! 
“Tt availed not, however, this second 
appeal. Dick stood firmly disobedient. 
Next the whip was brought down upon him 
reared up a little. Fast and sharp the 
strokes were next dealt, to the number of 
a half-dozen. The man might as well have 
and then indulged himself in rather strong | beaten his wagon! 
expressions towards his neighbor, who, in | 
turn, dealt back wordy blows that were | 
quite as heavy as he had received; and a/| 
good deal more irritating. 
“ And now I marked again the power of 
that maiden’s gentle hand. I did not notice 
her movement to her father’s side. She was 
there when I first observed her, with one 
hand laid upon his temple, and lightly 
** A stout lad now carne into the road; and 
catching Dick by the bridle, jerked him for- 
ward, using, at the same time, the customary 
language on such occasions; but Dick met 
this new ally with increased stubbornness, 
planting his forefeet more firmly, and at a 
sharper angle with the ground. The impa- 
tient boy now struck the pony on the side 
of his head with his clinched hand, and 
smoothing the hair with a caressing motion. | jerked cruelly at his bridle. It availed 

