The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-05-20

would leave here, hiding away in the
widest manner Whenever n human being
might appear near their quarters
But see how tame they are now, the
birds permitting us to go quite near
them; and the squirrels will come and
eat from our hands and run up on our
shoulders. And Just look at the beautiful
flowers everywhere; yet, by two ruthless
hands, they coule disappear within a day.
and we would be robbed of their beauty
and perfume and the bees would 90 hun
CRY through the flowers death"
Why | always supposed flowers grew
to be picked" yentured Harry.
And | suppose you thought that birds
were created TO be shot" the little girl
remarked. But of what use are dead
flowers or dead blrds2'
Harry did not answer but somehow he
wished that he did not have that airgun
over his shoulder. For the first time he
realized how precious was the life Of all
harmless things. especially all things that
helped to beautlfy by sight or sound the
great palpitating world, of which he was
so small part
The little girl. seeming to read his
thoughts, rose and said: "If you want to
get rid of that ugly weapon-so that it
may never be the means of taking limo
cent life-you may tie a rock about 1t
and throw 1t In the lake, which, ut the
opposite side, is very deep"
Harry sat silent for moment. He had
parted with several very valuable posses-
sions 10 own that gun. and he felt he
would be n loser should he destroy It,
Then an idea came to him. and he said
II tell you what I'll do. I'll swap this
gun Off. l can get something out OF It.
for 1t is fine gun. l hate to lose its
value, you know"
But what about the boy who trades for
it?' quickly asked the little girl won't
he go out and shoot the pretty birds and
squirrels2 No, by putting that gun into
another boys hand you only transfer the
means of killing from your own hands to
the hands of another. The suffering OF
the birds will be in no way lessened"
II see" said Harry jumping up and
running around to the deep side OF the
lake. I'm never never take the life of a
bird, or any harmless insect or animal,
again. And what's more, I'll not hive In
my possession SO cruel thing as this, !"
And he took strong string from his
pocket, found good sized rock nearby,
and tied 1t about the gun, which he then
tossed into the lake. THAT hit the
mark he laughed as he heard the gun
strike the bottom Of the lake.
As he was about to depart from the
Raruenef grounds the little girl said:
Don't forget that there are thousands
md thousands of boys who carry air
guns and use them wantony In the
woods. Among them you have few
friends. 1t is your duty to make them
understand the lesson you have this day
learned"
Then she bade Harry good-by and ran
merrily singing to the cottage, while
about her bloomed the flowers, frlsked
the squirrels, hummed the bees and sang
the birds
And all this beauty, fragrance and
melody comes through saving life and
doing unto others as you would be done
by said Harry MS he waved farewell
to the little girl. who stood In the vine.
wreathed porch of her home well I'm
glad that beastly airgun is drowned any
way. And, what's more, | must tell all
the kids about the things ] have learned
today while out hunting birds | may not
convert them as easily rs that sweet
little girl converted me-but I'll not give
up, even though the task be hard one.
And Harry kept his word.