140 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
act is worth all the cares and disappointments 
of half a life.” 
“ And I am truly glad,” responded Davidson, 
“ that I have a friend so well worthy to share the 
happiness with me, for, I will frankly confess, 
the experience has given me a new and pecu¬ 
liar pleasure.” 
“Why, how could it be otherwise?” said 
Rudolph with great earnestness. “ I have 
vividly before my mind’s eye the inmates of 
the wretched hovel—the poor poverty-stricken 
mother parching the scanty dish of corn for the 
meagre dinner, and the hunger-pinched children 
anxiously waiting for the wretched repast to be 
served up; and, more painfully distinct, the 
pale, sorrow-marked face of the suffering Alice 
is central in the picture, watching the prepa¬ 
ration of a dish so little suited to her delicate 
and craving appetite. The unexpected and 
liberal supply for all their immediate wants is 
brought to their door, and I see the faces of 
the entire group change almost to a radiant 
glow, while tears of gratitude fill their eyes. 
Truly, Charley, our poor gifts have made one 
family rich and happy. Perhaps, chum, if you 
have a chance to give away a few more cows. 
