There to be sure she found a pin hidden away , and so rusty that she could hardly pull it out . But it came creaking forth at the third tug , and when it was set up beside Granny , she cried out in her cheery way , -- `` Try Dr. Emery , he can cure most cases of rust , and it is never too late to mend , neighbor . '' `` Too late for me ! '' sighed the new comer . `` The rust of idleness has eaten into my vitals while I lay in my silken bed , and my chance is gone forever . I was bright , and strong , and sharp once , but I feared work and worry , and I hid , growing duller , dimmer , and more useless every day . I am good for nothing , throw me away , and let the black pins mourn for a wasted life . '' `` No , '' said Miss Ellen , `` you are not useless , for you two shall sit together in my new cushion , a warning to me , as well as to the other pins , to choose the right way in time , and wear out with doing our duty , rather than rust out as so many do . Thank you , Granny , for your little lecture . I will not forget it , but go at once and find that poor girl , and help her all I can . Rest here , you good old soul , and teach these little things to follow your example . '' As she spoke , Miss Ellen set the two pins in the middle of the red satin cushion , stuck the smaller pins round them , and hastened to put on her shawl lest something should prevent her from going . `` Take me with you ; I 'm not tired , I love to work ! use me , dear mistress , and let me help in the good work ! '' cried Granny , with a lively skip that sent her out upon the bureau . So Miss Ellen pinned her shawl with the old pin instead of the fine brooch she had in her hand , and they went gaily away together , leaving the rusty one to bemoan itself , and all the little ones to privately resolve that they would not hide away from care and labor , but take their share bravely and have a good record to show when they went , at last where the good pins go . THE END . * * * * * LOUISA M. ALCOTT 'S FAMOUS BOOKS . LITTLE MEN ; OR , LIFE AT PLUMFIELD WITH JO 'S BOYS . Price , $ 1.50 .
-LSB- Illustration : '' ` I 'm not hurt , all right in a minute , ' he XXXXX , sitting up , a little pale and dizzy , as the boys gathered round him , full of admiration and alarm . ''
find forget growing hide said sit take throw warning wasted