3. When he came back, his father gave him two bright,
new silver dollars.
4. His face lighted up as he took them. He had wished for
a long time to buy some pretty books that he had seen at the
bookstore.

THIRD READER. 71
5. He left the house with a light heart, intending to buy the
books.
6. As he ran down the street, he saw a poor German
family, the father, mother, and three children shivering with
cold.
7. "I wish you a happy New Year," said Edward, as he
was gayly passing on. The man shook his head.
8. "You do not belong to this country," said Edward. The
man again shook his head, for he could not understand or
speak our language.
9. But he pointed to his mouth, and to the children, as if to
say, "These little ones have had nothing to eat for a long
time."
10. Edward quickly understood that these poor people
were in distress. He took out his dollars, and gave one to the
man, and the other to his wife.
11. How their eyes sparkled with gratitude! They said
something in their language, which doubtless meant, "We
thank you a thousand times, and will remember you in our
prayers."
12. When Edward came home, his father asked what
books he had bought. He hung his head a moment, but
quickly looked up.