If only I had some grease I could fix some kind of a light," Ma considered. "We didn't lack for light when I was a girl before this newfangled kerosene was ever heard of." "That's so," said Pa. "These times are too progressive. Everything has changed too fast. Railroads and telegraph and kerosene and coal stoves--they're good things to have, but the trouble is, folks get to depend on 'em.

We'd never get anything fixed to suit us if we waited for things to suit us before we started.

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.

As you read my stories of long ago I hope you will remember that things truly worthwhile and that will give you happiness are the same now as they were then. It is not the things you have that make you happy. It is love and kindness and helping each other and just plain being good.

We had no choice. Sadness was a dangerous as panthers and bears. the wilderness needs your whole attention.

Once you begin being naughty, it is easier to go and on and on, and sooner or later something dreadful happens.

Let your joy scream across the pain.