CHARLIE'S RIDE IN THE PARK.

A TRUE STORY.

Charlie visited a park with his mother and younger brothers. It was a pleasant place. There was a high tower, and stands, and pavilions, and it was well shaded.

It was just as he was ready to leave the park that he saw a deer. The deer came towards him.

He seemed very tame. He licked Charlie's hand and the hands of the others. He seemed delighted at being caressed.

But somehow he really seemed to be most pleased with Charlie's attentions.

He rubbed his head against Charlie, as if he wanted to say, "I love you." Sometimes his manner was a little too earnest to be quite agreeable. There was, perhaps, just the least hint in the world of bunting; but Charlie thought it only the deer's way of showing his love. "O mamma," he cried, "he loves me better than any of you!"

Then mamma and the children walked slowly towards the gateway. Charlie followed, still playing with the deer. She was startled by a sudden sharp cry of distress: "Mamma, mamma, help me!" All looked. There was the deer bounding off at full speed with Charlie on his back. And Charlie could not even held on to the deer's neck, for he was riding backwards.

The deer was frightened, and was making his best jumps. He went like the wind. No one laughed, for it was a very dangerous ride. In a few seconds Charlie was thrown. Over and over he went, and struck on the edge of a muddy pond.

Luckily he was not badly hurt; but he was very much surprised at his ride, for he had not expected it at all.

The deer had suddenly "bunted" under him while he stood facing him. As he threw up his head Charlie was thrown on the deer's back, facing backwards. And then the ride. The deer was frightened. Charlie was frightened. Mamma and the children were frightened. But what a laugh, all at Charlie's expense, after it was over! A laugh that broke out again and again for hours after. And how many times Charlie's words were repeated with laughter.—"Mamma, he loves me better thar any of you!"

—CHARLES T. JEROME,