He had a snub nose and freckles, and I think he was the plainest
boy there, but that didn't matter, if the other children loved him.
He sauntered up to the front, with his hands behind his back, and a
very grand manner.

"The beautiful poetry recited here to-day," he drawled, "put some
verses in my mind that I never had till I came here to-day." Every
one present cheered wildly, and he began in a sing song voice:

"I am a Band of Mercy boy,

I would not hurt a fly,

I always speak to dogs and cats,

When'er I pass them by.

"I always let the birdies sing,

I never throw a stone,

I always give a hungry dog

A nice, fat, meaty bone.

I wouldn't drive a bob-tailed horse,

Nor hurry up a cow,