Preface [vii-viii]
What is a hero? One of the greatest thinkers of our age, when asked this question, replied: “A man who does his duty.” At first the answer seems inadequate. And yet – is it? The greatest heroes the world has ever seen have been the men who, without hesitation, have done their duty. The man who makes it one of the guiding principles of his life to do his duty at all costs and all hazards, may for years find that duty demands nothing of him but the faithful performance of “the common round, the daily task.” But, all unexpectedly, a moment comes when some special need arises for the display of special heroism, and because the need is in the line of his own life, it may be, he saves some other from peril of death, and becomes at once, in popular esteem, a hero. The world applauds the deed of the moment, but it forgets the years of simple devotion to daily duty which makes such deeds possible. For, as a rule, heroes are made, not born. We are all ready enough to applaud deeds of supreme heroism, by whomsoever performed; don’t let us [viii] forget that hidden behind them is a consistent following out of the old precept, “Doe ye nexte thynge.” This book will fail of its purpose unless it rouses in its readers a longing to emulate the courage and heroism of those whose stories it tells. To all who, having read it, say, “I want to be a hero,” only this need be said: “Doe ye nexte thynge.” Do it consistently and fearlessly, as in the sight of God, and then you will be preparing yourself to rise at any moment to any height of heroism. Then, even though there may never come in your life a time which calls for any deed, for doing which the world would inscribe your name on its roll of fame, you will still be a hero. For after all he is a true hero who – “Where duty calls, or danger, / Is never wanting there.”
Contents
Rescued by a Rope 11A Cabin Boy’s Bravery 17
A Slave’s Devotion 21
Saved from the Shark’s Jaws 30
A Girl’s Heroism 36
Handy-Men Heroes 41
A Hero Indeed 46
A Boy’s Bravery 48
His Mother’s Words 56
How Bob Saved the Lady 61
The Leper’s Friend 70
A Cliff Adventure 78
For the Sake of His Friends 83
One More Chance 86
A Mutiny Quelled 93
Poor Brave Jan 93
A Story of the Mine 106
Methody Tim 112
A Soldier’s Lad’s Heroism 119
Jack’s Chance 121
To the Rescue 126
A Brave Bishop 133
“Lifeboat Ahoy!” 141
What Jenny Did 147
A Swim for Life 154
Wrecked and Rescued 161
A Chivalrous Knight 168
Chasing a Slave Dhow 175
Saved from the Sea 182