6 THE ACORN recovered and the question of his health soon faded from the little maid's mind. During his illness she had cared for the simple duties of that quiet home, but now another problem confronted her. Uncle Joe could not work and some means must be found of sustaining the small household. Finally she decided upon a plan. Neither doubting nor fearing for one moment, she put on her little hat and kissing her sleeping patient, she started out. She would go to the large building where her uncle had worked and tell the manager how poor he was. But the streets were many and crowded little Dot wandered on and on, going far from her home. She walked on and on, until her little feet were hot and aching, and a great lump welled up in her throat. Finally she came to a high building which corresponded very well to the one Uncle Joe had told her about. "This must be it," she pondered, and entered a door which led to a winding stairway. "This, surely, is the place," she said bravely, "for Uncle worked up stairs." When she reached the top her strength was nearly gone. As she looked in through an open door she saw a well furnished room. The sofas covered with pillows and the "cushiony" chairs were temptations to her tired body. Thinking this must be the manager's room she entered and sat down on a sofa near the side of a piano. He was not in. Well, she would wait for him. But it was not long before her eyelids drooped, and her sunny head fell lightly upon the pillows. How long Dot slept, she never knew. When she awoke she heard music, sweet and low, such as she had never heard before. She glared for some time around her, hardly knowing where she was; then she saw a kind faced man, with soft brown eyes seated before the piano. He looked at her playing all the while and then suddenly stopped. "Well, child," he said gaily, "Did you have a good nap?" Then he held out his arms for her to come to him. Dot timidly held back until he promised to play for her, then she came up closer to him. She told him how and why she had come there. She was scarcely in the midst of her sad little story when he was hugging her tightly in his arms. After playing to her a little while, he put on his hat and the two boarded a street car to her home. As they walked up to the door Dot put up her tiny finger. "Hush, Uncle might be sleeping, we must go in quietly." But upon entering they saw a frail man seated near an open window. He had just arisen from a nap and thinking Dot was among her flowers he did not miss her. When Dot and her companion were once inside, the two men stared at each other for a few seconds and then with a rush of joy the old THE ACORN 7 man was in his son's arms. "My father, my father! My son, my son!" sobbed the old man. Dot began to cry; she could not understand. A cheerful feeling soon overcame them all, and the story of the long years of separation was told. Dot and Uncle Joe went to live with the "good kind man," as she loved best to call him; and his once lonely home was brightened by his father and the happy child. Dot is a woman now and a musician like her cousin. Indeed, she has written many songs which are sung by those whose hearts are simple but sincere and pure. But the one she and Cousin Max like best is the one which bears the name of "Uncle Joe". F. R. There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave, There are souls that are pure and true. Then give to the world the best you have, And the best will come back to you. Give love, and love to you will flow, A strength in your utmost need; Have faith and a score of hearts will show Their faith in your word and deed. Give truth and your gift will be paid in kind, And honor with honor meet; And a smile that is sweet will surely find A smile that is just as sweet. For life is the mirror of king and slave, 'Tis just what we are and do; Then give to the world the best you have, And the best will come back to you. Madeline S. Bridges