Bessie Lee was six years old when she went to the mountains of North
Carolina with her father.
What Bessie liked best of all were the nice donkey rides every
morning. The poor donkeys didn't get much rest, for the little folks
kept them busy all day. Bessie was kind to them, but some of the
children were not. Bessie liked a donkey named Kate best of all.
[Illustration: {KATE IS UNHAPPY AT BEING RIDDEN.}]
One day Bessie's father put her in the saddle, and Kate kicked up.
When Bessie was lifted off, and the saddle removed, a great bleeding
sore was found on the poor donkey's back.
Bessie felt very sorry for poor Kate, and said, "Papa, I don't want to
ride to-day, but please do not send Kate back to the stables."
"Why not, Bessie?" said Mr. Lee.
"O, papa, the man will let her to some of the rough boys, and they
will hurt her back."
Mr. Lee was pleased to see his little daughter's kindness to the poor
dumb donkey; but he wished to know if Bessie would deny herself for
Kate.
"Well, Bessie," said her father, "if you have any money, give it to
the man when he comes for the donkey. Tell him you wish to keep Kate
all day."
"I have the money you gave me for ice-cream," said Bessie. "Will that
pay the man?"
It was enough, and was given to the man. Bessie kept the donkey all
day. She led Kate to the greenest places in the yard, and let her eat
the grass. She divided her apples with Kate, and carried her a little
pail of water.
[Illustration: {BESSIE FEEDS AN APPLE TO KATE.}]
At night Bessie told her father she had been happy all day. He made
her still happier by telling her she could keep Kate every day while
she was in the mountains.
Bessie kissed her father and was soon fast asleep. She dreamed of
riding in a little carriage drawn by six white donkeys.