A MOTHER'S PRAYER. (Written for "Boys and Girls.") A young volunteer in a crowded street Was bidding his friends adieu, lie was oil" to the war with his comrades brave. Lenving home and mother, too. With tears she kissed him once again. Then turned away her head. She could but whisper in her pain. And this to what she said: "Oli Goti. be kind to my noble boy, And bring him back to me. " ' Be was my comfort and my joy, J loved him utterly. But I give him now that his country calls, .My brave, heroic lad. For Cuba's cause he goes to fight, Leaving me lone and sad." The beys marched on through the city's streets, The yieople shouting gay. Choring the heros on to war On that balmy April day.