very brave thing to do; for if he had missed catching hold, he might
have been thrown under the horses' hoofs and trampled to death. His
weight swinging on the horse's bridle soon stopped the team.

"Soon a man came running along the highway; and when he learned what
Willie had done, he said, 'You are a brave boy. What do I owe you for
your trouble?'

"Willie smiled his friendly smile as he answered, 'I did not stop the
horses for pay, sir. I thought of the railing on the bridge; and I was
afraid the horses would break the buggy, and hurt themselves.'

"Noticing that Willie's clothes were badly worn, the gentleman said,
'Will you not let me give you some money to buy clothes?'

"'I have a better pair of shoes than these--and a better suit of clothes,
for Sundays,' answered Willie. 'And these clothes are all right to work
in.'

"'But you will need some new books for school this fall,' said the
gentleman.

"'I have some books that were given to me,' replied the lad; 'and Mother
glued in the loose leaves, so that I can use them very well, thank you.'

"'Wouldn't you like to have a ball and bat?'

"'I made a ball from some old wool that Mother gave me,' answered Willie;
'and I whittled out a bat which answers the purpose very well.'