CHAPTER XIII.

STRENGTH.

The captain watched his men and saw that they were really made no stronger by drinking the rum; but that, after a little while, they felt weaker. So he determined to go to sea with no rum in his ship. Once out on the ocean, of course the men could not get any.

At first, they did not like it; but the captain was very careful to have their food good and plentiful; and, when a storm came, and they were wet and cold and tired, he gave them hot coffee to drink. By the time they had crossed the ocean, the men said: "The captain is right. We have worked better, and we feel stronger, for going without the rum."

STRENGTH OF MIND.

We have been talking about the strength of muscles; but the very best kind of strength we have is brain strength, or strength of mind.

Alcohol makes the head ache and deadens the nerves, so that they can not carry their messages correctly. Then the brain can not think well. Alcohol does not strengthen the mind.

Some people have little or no money, and no houses or lands; but every person ought to own a body and a mind that can work for him, and make him useful and happy.

Suppose you have a strong, healthy body, hands that are well-trained to work, and a clear, thinking brain to be master of the whole. Would you be willing to change places with a man whose body and mind had been poisoned by alcohol, tobacco, and opium, even though he lived in a palace, and had a million of dollars?

If you want a mind that can study, understand, and think well, do not let alcohol and tobacco have a chance to reach it.

REVIEW QUESTIONS.

1. What things were left out of our bill of fare?

2. How could you measure your strength?

3. How can you gain strength?

4. Why does drinking beer not make you strong?

5. Show why drinking wine or any other alcoholic drink will not make you strong.

6. Why do people imagine that they feel strong after taking these drinks?

7. Tell the story which shows that alcohol does not help sailors do their work.

8. What is the best kind of strength to have?

9. How does alcohol affect the strength of the mind?