The Trojans were filled with joy, and rushed out of the city and down to the shore. Judge of their surprise at finding an immense _wooden horse_, built of strong timbers and so large that it would require several thousand men to move it. Of course they did not understand it, but an old man named Sinon, who had been left on purpose by the Greeks, falsely said that the wooden horse was a sacred image and that if it were taken into Troy it would be the same to them as the image Ulysses stole at night. Though warned of this man Sinon, they set to work and by means of rollers and pulleys the great horse was taken inside the walls. Then followed one of the most dreadful massacres. The horse was full of Greeks armed with torches and lances. As soon as night fell, they opened a secret door in the horse and were quickly upon the sleeping Trojans. The Greek ships, which really were hiding along the coast, returned, and the soldiers poured in at the gates, which had been opened by their allies from the great horse. With torch and lance the city was soon in flames, and its defenders struggling against fearful odds. The morning found Troy in ashes, her wealth in the hands of the Greeks, and her inhabitants dead or in slavery. Priam was slain at his own family altar, and the beautiful but perfidious Helen, the cause of so much bloodshed and misery, the cause of the overthrow of one of the greatest cities of ancient times, was taken captive by her former people. * * * * * Think for thyself--one good idea, But known to be thine own, Is better than a thousand gleaned From fields by others sown. WILSON. [Illustration] GEORGE NIDIVER. BRET HARTE. Men have done brave deeds, And bards have sung them well: I, of good George Nidiver, Now the tale will tell. In California mountains, A hunter bold was he. Keen his eye and sure his aim As any you should see. A little Indian boy Followed him everywhere, Eager to share the hunter's joy, The hunter's meal to share. And when the bird or deer, Fell by the hunter's skill, The boy was always near To help with right good will, One day, as through the cleft, Between two mountains steep, Shut in both right and left, Their weary way they keep; They see two grizzly bears, With hunger fierce and fell, Rush at them unawares, Right down the narrow dell. The boy turned round, with screams, And ran with terror wild; One of the pair of savage beasts Pursued the shrieking child. The hunter raised his gun; He knew one charge was all; And through the boy's pursuing foe He sent his only ball. The other on George Nidiver, Came on with dreadful pace; The hunter stood unarmed And met him face to face. I say unarmed he stood: Against those frightful paws The rifle-butt or club of wood Could stand no more than straws.