and young, and carried them away on his horse. Some he seated in front

of him, and some behind, but always inquired first, "How stands the

"Yes, but let me see for myself," he replied; and they were

obliged to give him the books. Then all those who had "Very good,"

or "Exceedingly good," came in front of the horse, and heard the

beautiful story; while those who had "Middling," or "Tolerably

good," in their books, were obliged to sit behind, and listen to the

frightful tale. They trembled and cried, and wanted to jump down