Let the children store their little human phonographs with knowledge while the brain is fresh and receptive, so that the impressions upon the memory records may be deep and lasting. Instead of cramming them with dry work let them absorb congenial information which expands and develops the mind.
I recall many things I picked up as a lad which could not be acquired now except by hard study. I attended St. Ann's Church where Rev. Dr. Gallaudette preached to the deaf and dumb in sign language. He taught me the single hand, which is far preferable to the double handed one, and I have never forgotten it. Just think, I have carried it in my head for over sixty years, and here at this late day I had occasion to use it. A bright idea occurs to me; here is the alphabet just as the good philanthropist, who devoted his life to the instruction of the afflicted, gave it to me, and I shall proceed to tell the story in the deaf and dumb alphabet, so that all my friends in deciphering it may acquire a valuable accomplishment which they will never forget.
The other day I noticed an excited woman who no one understood, creating a commotion on an elevated train. After vainly essaying French and German, it dawned on me that she was deaf and dumb. She quickly told with her fingers that her purse was stolen as she bought her ticket. Observing a ticket in her other hand, and thinking she had deposited her purse in the ticket box, I suggested getting off at the next stop to telephone back to the station master. He found the purse and sent it by next train.
The owner could not imagine how I recovered the purse, but I know from the look she gave me that she took me for a pick-pocket.
I hope the good lady may continue to live many, many days to tell of her thrilling adventure with a New York crook. Sam Loyd.
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