And now what would you say of men who would do this work for fifteen cents an hour? What estimate would you put on their mental capacity? Would you say that they are only worth what they can be made to work for? One of these men, an intelligent type of laborer, not a drinker, and one who did not even smoke, attracted the writer’s attention by the punctuality with which he crossed a given spot on his beat. He was a middle-aged man, married, and had three children. Day after day, week after week, he used to arrive at this particular spot, his eye alert, his step quick, and when a train approached he seemed to become aware of it as if by instinct. When finally asked by the writer why he did not get something better to do he said, “I have no trade. Where could I get more?” This man was killed by a train. Sure as was his instinct and keen his eye, he was nevertheless caught one evening, and at the very place where he deemed himself most sure. His head was completely obliterated, and he had to be identified by his clothes. When he was removed another eager applicant was given his place, and now he is walking in the tunnel with a half-dozen others. If you question these men they will all tell you the same story. They do not want to do what they are doing, but it is better than nothing. _The House of Cards_ So high I built it, high— With love and tenderness to make it strong, And thought me—foolish, blind— That I should keep it all the ages long. So firm I built it, firm— And joyed when raging storms around it blew To see how stanch it stood, My house of cards, in every part so true. So fair it was, so fair— And how I loved it with its gables high Piercing horizon’s rim, And with the lark far to the quiet sky. So much I loved, so much— I almost thought when close within its gate, That Heaven had naught to give. One dashed it down—and I am desolate. RUTH STERRY. _Royal Road to Wealth_ COBWIGGER—If you take advantage of your opportunities you will be in comfortable circumstances. FREDDIE—What must you do in order to get rich, dad? COBWIGGER—Take advantage of other people’s opportunities. _The Say of Other Editors_ “A FREE BREAKFAST TABLE”