THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2303, 21 April 1898, Page 50

THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS.

By Pv. B.

A story by Miss M. Wilkins, called "A Brotherhood of T&ree," which appeared a short time ago in the Illustrated London News, would doubtless recall to some readers certain Btories which beloDg to the sams category — stories which are better than sermons, because they delineate naturally the workings of that jwondarful altruistic fojee which may fitly be termed " Tbe m-'ik of human kiadnsss." It is perhaps sotaewhfefc straegs, but nevertheless true, that several remarkable writers agree in indicating that this divine trait is not rare among individuals who belong to what we may term the unconventional class. To illustrate this it will be sufficient if mention -is made of Dlckens's "Tale of Two Gities,"Bret Harle'st "Outlaws of Poker Fiat," Farjeon's " Grif," aad Da Maurier's " Trilby."

Let us glanc9 at Miss Walking's story. Three unfortunate tramps— apparently ontcasfcs — have camped under the lee of a large rock, on rising ground, which overlooks an old-fashioned American village. One 13 s played-out circus peiformer; the next is a doctor, who has bean pulled down to poverty an«i degradation through strong animal passions and the curse of drink ; and the third is a delicate youth of 18 years, one of those who lack energy and determination. He seems to have come to grief after sundry buffetings with the world, and he is depicted, as iH, unhappy, and literally stranded. We are not told how, or when, or where the three unfortunates came together. We are introduced to them during bitter cold winter weather as they huddled together over a fire they have mads. All three are feelieg the kesn pangs of hunger, and tbe younger one — who is actually ill —is fretfully repinisg and sobbiog by turns. His cough is very bad, and the doctor telJs his fellow tramp that it will go hard with the young one unless he gels shelter, warmth, and proper nourishment soon. The old man thereupon takes off Mb coat and wraps ifc round his young mate, and the doctor follows suit. At midnight the elder tramp goes to the village with the intention of stealing food for his young mate. H8 breaks into one of tbe best houses — tbe home of a maiden lady who lives alone, Sbe bears him, and, being fearless, coofrcEU him, and asks feU reason for breaking into her bouse. The man tells the truth— that he came to steal, and why. She believes him, and before letting him leave the house gives him food, a fair sum of money, and some good advice. When he gets back to his mates he finds tbe younger man asleep. To the doctor — who his been anxiously waiting— he tells the remit ©$ hja sitewjc!; to. et^al, and stows, bisa, the iooa

and the money. Describing her who had relieved their necessities, he says: ."It there were more women like that one there wouldn't

be no need of prisons It Ia got that kind of woman instead" of' the kind I did, mabbe there wouldn't have been me. She's got religion and horse-senscb'ilecl down together." .They talk matters over, and finally decide to let their sick chum have the whole of the money, which he is to spend on board and lodging in a farm-house in' Ihe vicinity. The amount is sufficient to keep him through the winter, and after seeing him comfortably installed in a place where be will have a good chance of regaining his health the two men tramp away towards the nearest city. (

It is a beautiful little story skilfully constructed, and it has that air of truthfulness •which distinguishes so many of Miss Wilkins's short- Btories. " A Brotherhood of Three " reads like a story with a mission.