THE materials of heroism are everywhere; each day and all situations are
full of them. The power to recognize them and the will to use them make
the hero. He who saves life, no matter how obscure, how poor, how
ignorant he may be, has a value which can never belong to the spiller of
blood; and the crimson glories of war fade before the white honors of
peace.
This little story, which was originally contributed to the "Youth's
Companion," has sought to teach the young people of America something of
the grandeur which waits upon a brave deed, and something of the beauty
of supreme self-sacrifice.
E. S. P. W.
H. D. W.
[Illustration]