the seed corn
Two travellers, journeying together, tarried to rest by the way at an inn, when suddenly a cry reached their ears that there was a fire in the village. One of the travellers forthwith sprang up, and leaving his staff and his bundle behind him, hastened to afford assistance. But his companion strove to detain him, saying, "Why should we waste our time here? Are there not hands enough to assist? Wherefore should we concern ourselves about strangers?" The other, however, hearkened not to his words, but ran forth to the fire; when the other leisurely followed, and stood and looked on at a distance. Before the burning house there was a mother transfixed with horror, and screaming, "My children! my children!" When the stranger heard this, he rushed into the house among the falling timbers, and the flames raged around him. "He must perish!" exclaimed the spectators. But after they had waited a short time, behold, he came forth with scorched hair, bringing two yo...