He made good laws against all injustice, cruelty and wrong. He had a force of policemen in Paris and in the large cities, to protect the lives and the property of the people. If any wrong was done, the king had a trial and punished the guilty.

It would seem strange to wrongdoing, would it not?

us not to see a trial for

But in those days, a

trial was almost unknown. Many a wicked deed had been done without a fear of punishment.

Well, as I say, Louis changed all that. "It is the duty of a king," he said, "to secure peace and happiness for all his people." He used to sit under a big oak tree near his castle, where all could go to him in their distress.

Anyone, however poor and shabby he might be, was sure of justice from the king. He treated all alike, rich or poor, high or low, duke or ditcher, it made no difference to him. No wonder that every Frenchman dearly loved his noble king.

King Louis was very pious and careful to perform every religious duty. And he was very charitable. On feast days he would have a dinner in his castle for hundreds of poor people, and he himself would serve them. He built a home for

the blind, the first one in the world, I think, several hospitals and a college

for young men.

He wished the people to have good schools, to build cities, and to make beautiful churches and handsome buildings of all kinds. The beautiful chapel of the palace, which was made at this time, is noted the world over for its fine openwork in stone. always been very proud of this building, and with good reason.

King Louis wished the people to improve the land and to build good roads over the country.

As you see, he did everything to make his people better, wiser and happier. I could not tell you all, neither could you remember if I did, but try to remember this: He loved justice and truth above everything. The world will never forget his noble life and work, but will always love and honor St. Louis, a brave hero, a just king, a true man.

"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill."

Once upon a time, there was a famous hunt in the forest. Some of the wild beasts roaming through the woods began to chase a fat deer. At last, I am sorry to say, they caught and killed him.

All the animals in the forest liked venison very much. They had killed this fine large deer, and each one expected his share, you may be sure.

But how should they divide the spoil? They

thought they would sit down and talk the matter over. The lion said he could quickly decide this question.

Now I would have you know that the lion is called the King of Beasts and with good reason, too. For he is really a kingly animal. He is large and strong, and never seems afraid of anything. He is sometimes very noble, too, but I fear that he is a bit selfish. He uses his strength and power for his own pleasure alone, and that surely is not noble.

Well, as I told you, they sat down to talk it over. The lion said he would decide the matter, and the other animals must listen.

First, one quarter belonged to him, he said, because he was a lion, a member of the royal family. Another quarter was his, because he was king. The third quarter belonged to him, because he had led the hunt. Then, shaking his mane, and looking very fierce, he said he should have the last quarter, anyway. He dared any animal to prevent it.

So you see, this King of Beasts, giving one excuse or another, took the whole for himself. Ever since that time, if a person is very selfish, we say he wants the lion's share.

THE STONE IN THE ROAD

There was once a rich man who lived in a beautiful castle. He was very rich. He had houses and land, which he rented to the farmers and to other workmen in the village.

This man was, of course, not obliged to work. He might have spent all his time in idleness, but he would not do that. He wished to spend his time and to use his money for the good of others.

He built good, warm houses for the people, and he helped them to make their homes prettier and more comfortable. The poor and the sick always found in him a true friend. He spent all his time and a great deal of his money in doing good.

But the people were not grateful. Many complained because they were not rich like him, and because they were obliged to work. One day they learned a very good lesson which they never forgot.

Early one morning, this man placed a large stone in the road near the castle gate. Then he hid behind the hedge and watched to see what would happen.

The first who came in sight was the blacksmith. "Why doesn't some one take away that stone?"