A GOOD DRIVER IN A BAD PLACE.
We had ordered some coal from J. T., dealer. I sat by the window when the first load arrived, and as the team came up the soft, muddy avenue toward the house, I feared to see whipping and to hear swearing, and was on the point of retreating to the back part of the house to avoid the expected shock, when the driver began coaxing and patting the horses in the kindest manner. The poor beasts in return strained every muscle in their efforts to bring the load up the ascent. The driver encouraged and coaxed, and all three seemed to work with mutual endeavor and good-will. But all to no purpose. The wheels sank into the soft mud, and it was evident the thing could not be done; so he dumped the coal right down in front of the house. I could not help going out and telling him how much it gratified me to see a man who had feeling for his horses. "Well," said he, "I don't see any use in beating animals when they are doing the best they can for us." The same man came again and was equally kind and considerate, tho he succeeded in getting his load to its destination. I have seen him bring coal to a neighbor since the last snow came, and he took his shovel along to ease the bad places. May this good driver, in his turn, be kindly dealt with; and in his journey thru life find some friendly hand to ease him in the bad places.—Our Dumb Animals.