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McGuffey's Fifth Reader

III. The Gentle Hand 
(T. S. Arthur)



     Timothy S. Arthur (b. 1809, d. 1885) was born near Newburgh, N.Y., 
but passed most of his life at Baltimore and Philadelphia. His oppor-
tunities for good schooling were quite limited, and he may be consid-
ered a self educated man. Re was the author of more than a hundred 
volumes, principally novels of a domestic and moral tone, and of many 
shorter tales, magazine articles, etc. " Ten Nights in a Barroom," and 
"Three Years in a Mantrap," are among his best known works.

1. WHEN and where it matters not now to relate but 
once upon a time, as I was passing through a thinly peo-
pled district of country, night came down upon me almost
unawares. Being on foot, I could not hope to gain the 
village toward which my steps were directed, until a


FIFTH READER.  45

late hour; and I therefore preferred seeking shelter and a 
night's lodging at the first humble dwelling that presented 
itself.

2. Dusky twilight was giving place to deeper shadows, 
when I found myself in the vicinity of a dwelling, from 
the small uncurtained windows of which the light shone 
with a pleasant promise of good cheer and comfort. The 
house stood within an inclosure, and a short distance from 
the road along which I was moving with wearied feet.

3. Turning aside, and passing through the ill hung gate, 
I approached the dwelling. Slowly the gate swung on its 
wooden hinges, and the rattle of its latch, in closing, did not
disturb the air until I had nearly reached the porch in 
front of the house, in which a slender girl, who had noticed 
my entrance, stood awaiting my arrival.

4. A deep, quick bark answered, almost like an echo, the 
sound of the shutting gate, and, sudden as an apparition, 
the form of an immense dog loomed in the doorway. At 
the instant when he was about to spring, a light hand was 
laid upon his shaggy neck, and a low word spoken.

5. "Go in, Tiger," said the girl, not in a voice of au-
thority, yet in her gentle tones was the consciousness that 
she would be obeyed; and, as she spoke, she lightly bore
upon the animal with her hand, and he turned away
and disappeared within the dwelling.

6. "Who's that? A rough voice asked the question; 
and now a heavy looking man took the dog's place in the 
door.

7. "How far is it to G ?" I asked, not deeming it 
best to say, in the beginning, that I sought a resting place 
for the night.

8. "To G !" growled the man, but not so harshly 
as at first. "It’s good six miles from here."

9. A long distance; and I'm a stranger and on foot," 
said I. If you can make room for me until morning, I 
will be very thankful."


46  ECLECTIC SERIES.

10. I saw the girl's hand move quickly up his arm, until it rested
on his shoulder, and now she leaned to him still closer.

11. "Come in. We'll try what can be done for you." There was a
change in the man's voice that made me wonder. I entered a large
room, in which blazed a brisk fire. Before the fire sat two stout
lads, who turned upon me their heavy eyes, with no very
welcome greeting. A middle aged woman was standing at a
table, and two children were amusing themselves with a kitten on
the floor.

12. "A stranger, mother," said the man who had given me so
rude a greeting at the door; and he wants us to let him stay all
night."

13. The woman looked at me doubtingly for a few moments, and
then replied coldly, "We don’t keep a public house."

14. "I'm aware of that, ma’am, said I; "but night has
overtaken me, and it is a long way yet to G "

15. "Too far for a tired man to go on foot," said the master of the
house, kindly, "so it is no use talking about it, mother; we must
give him a bed."

16. So unobtrusively that I scarce noticed the movement, the girl
had drawn to her mother's side. What she said to her I did not
hear, for the brief words were uttered in a low voice; but I
noticed, as she spoke, one small, fair hand rested on the
woman's hand.

17. Was there magic in that touch? The woman's repulsive
aspect changed into one of kindly welcome, and she said, Yes,
it's a long way to G . I guess we can find a place for him."

18. Many times more during that evening, did I observe the
magic power of that hand and voice the one gentle yet potent as
the other. On the next morning, breakfast being over, I was
preparing to take my departure when my host informed me that if
I would wait for half hour he would give me a ride in his wagon
to G , as


FIFTH READER.  47

business required him to go there. I was very well pleased
to accept of the invitation.

19. In due time, the farmer's wagon was driven into
the road before the house, and I was invited to get in. I
noticed the horse as a rough looking Canadian pony, with a
certain air of stubborn endurance. As the farmer took his
seat by my side, the family came to the door to see us off.

20. "Dick!" said the farmer in a peremptory voice,
giving the rein a quick jerk as he spoke. But Dick
moved not a step. "Dick! you vagabond I get up." And
the farmer's whip cracked sharply by the pony's ear.

21. It availed not, however, this second appeal. Dick
stood firmly disobedient. Next the whip was brought down
upon him with an impatient hand; but the pony only
reared up a little. Fast and sharp the strokes were next
dealt to the number of half a dozen. The man might as
well have beaten the wagon, for all his end was gained.

22. A stout lad now came but into the road, and, catching 
Dick by the bridle, jerked him forward, using, at the
same time, the customary language on such occasions, but
Dick met this new ally with increased stubbornness, plant-
ing his fore feet more firmly and at a sharper angle with
the ground.

23. The impatient boy now struck the pony on the side
of the head with his clinched hand, and jerked cruelly at
his bridle. It availed nothing, however; Dick was not to
be wrought upon by any such arguments.

24. "Don't do so, John I" I turned my head as the
maiden's sweet voice reached my ear. She was passing
through the gate into the road, and in the next moment
had taken hold of the lad and drawn him away from the
animal. No strength was exerted in this; she took hold of
his arm, and he obeyed her wish as readily as if he had no
thought beyond her gratification.

25. And now that soft hand was laid gently on the pony's
neck, and a single low word spoken. How instantly were


48  ECLECTIC  SERIES.

the tense muscles relaxed  how quickly the stubborn air vanished!

26. "Poor Dick!" said the maiden, as she stroked his neck lightly, or
softly patted it with a childlike hand. "Now, go along, you provoking
fellow!" she added, in a half chiding, yet affectionate voice, as she drew
up the bridle.

27. The pony turned toward her, and rubbed his head against her arm
for an instant or two; then, pricking up his ears, he started off at a light,
cheerful trot, and went on his way as. freely as if no silly crotchet had
ever entered his stubborn brain.

28. "What a wonderful power that hand possesses!" said I, speaking to
my companion, as we rode away.

29. He looked at me for a moment, as if my remark had occasioned
surprise. Then a light came into his countenance, and he said briefly,"
She's good! Everybody and everything loves her."

30. Was that, indeed, the secret of her power ? Was the quality of her
soul perceived in the impression of her hand, even by brute beasts! The
father's explanation was doubtless the true one. Yet have I ever since
wondered, and still do wonder, at the potency which lay in that
maiden's magic touch. I have seen something of the same power,
showing itself in the loving and the good, but never to the extent as
instanced in her, whom, for want of a better name, I must still call "Gentle Hand."

DEFINITIONS. 2. Vicinity, neighborhood. 16. Un ob tru'sively, not
noticeably, modestly. 17. Re pulsive, repelling, forbidding. 18. Potent
powerful, effective. Host one from whom another receives food, lodging,
or entertainment. 20. Peremptory commanding, decisive. 21. Availed,
was of use, had effect. 22. Ally, a confederate, one who unites with another
in some purpose. 25. Tense, strained to stiffness, rigid. Re laxed',
loosened. 26. Chiding, scolding, rebuking. 27. Crotchet, a perverse fancy,
a whim 30, In'stanced, mentioned as an example.


The text and graphics of this reader were scanned for this site 
by John Bradshaw in Sydney, Australia.