Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1843-10-26
THE TEST OF COURAGE.
BY T. s. ARTHUR.

against you!
II should be sorry for that. Still, if that
is to be the consequence, must meet it,
wont you join US! Say yes or no.
'No!
you are a coward
A bright spot became instantly visible on
the cheek of Harvey WiIlet. But he replied
calmly
If it be cowardice to do wrong, then am
coward
%, a saint! saint! exclaimed several
voices at once
"a precious stickler for right and wrong,
remarked another
He SHALL Join u.s. one of the most reck-
less students in the institution said, in an eX-
cited tone, coming forward, and standing
close in front of Harvey.
Let US hear his reason broke in another.
yes. his reason, his reason!' ran through
the group of students.
'rhey are easily given the young man
replied, calmly. when came to this in
stliution, it was with this resolution, never to
set its rules at defiance. So soon as they
become insufferable to me, l will apply 10
nv friends to be removed. But so long as l
stay here, or in any institution, | will obey
the prescribed rules. AS touching your pro-
posed violation of these rules, am clearly
of opinion tina: you are in the wrong, and the
faculty are right
"A Solomon! was heard from one or two
voices.
Hes paltry coward, that's what he is
added others.
yes, he's afraid
'Of doing wrong was uttered in the same
calm voice.
students near his side, unmindful of Har-
vey's quiet vindcation of himself, and una.
BILE, in the fevered state of mind, to perceive
how far above mere animal courage was the
moral power within him, that enables Har-
vey Willet to withstand the almost over.
whelnling opposition of his excited and
thoughtless fellow students.
tWhy do you your MOI carry on scheme OF
rebellion, or abandon it 7 Harry aSked,turn-
ing to the young man who had just spoken.
Most certainly, in carrying it out, you act
without me-
%, let him alone now spoke up one, He
wants 10 curry favor with the faculty.
Let US duck the puppy ! said another.
1T he wasn't mean. cowardly fellow, he
would knock you down for that, john hast-
lily exclaimed one standing near.
%, of course, but l knew what kind of
stuff he was made Of was the reply. Come
on, let's duck him. he added, advancing to-
ward the unyielding student.
Harvey Willet folded his arms, md fixed
his eye steadily on the individual who ap.
preached him. The latter could not brave
the calm resolution Of bis manner, but paus.
cd, saying,
Come on, let's duck him.
| But none seemed inclined to join in that
kind Of sport, for there was not ono who did
not, unacknowledged to himself, feel the
moral superiority Of the young man whom
they were trying in vain to bend to their
wishes, and in spite of themselves, respect
for his frmness and integrity ofpurposc.
few silent moments passed after this
proposition, and then, with various acclnma-
tons of contempt, the whole party turned
away, and left Harvey Willet in freedom.
Although, under the impulse of angry
feelings, thu whole body Of students had
sneered at Harvey's honorable scruples, and
well-nigh proceeded to personal injury, C.
cause he would not join them in wrong ac-
ton, yet such was the power OF his orposi-
ton, that a serious riot was prevented. A
calmncss and reflection succeeded to their
irrational state, famed into a flame by the
obstacle which they had imagined existed in
Harvey many of the leaders felt a strange
reluctance 10 carry out the scheme OF rebel
lion they had originated. And fipally, from
the suggestion of doubt and scruples, the
whole project came to be abandoned.
Insensibly. a respect for the consistent
firmness Of the student against whom they
had been so incensed, came over their
minds. A few, however, felt disappointment.
and not unfrequently alluded TO the rare
sport which they had promised themselves,
and made no scruples of continuing to
charge its failure upon the cowardice or
mean spirit of Harvey WiIlet.
Il think you apply the wrong term 10 liar-
vey,' said one of the students TO another,
who frequently alluded to the upright stu
dent in terms of contempt. Il do not believe
| he is coward
Then why didn't he join us!'
For other reasons, l am inclined to think
than fear Of the consequences
what reasons, pray?
HE gave them. lie did not wish - do
wrong
Pooh = and the young man tossed his
head contemptuously. Then after mo-
.rll test his courage. I'll show you oil
that he is a coward
sHow will you do that, John Green"
'Why, I'll insult him before all the stu
dents
Il would not, i'll we're you
YES YOU would, for mean to do it.
This determination soon became whisper
cd throughout the classes. reaching all ears
but those of Harvey Wiliet. Already had
the tide of estimation turned generally in IA
vor of the young man. The moral tone OF his
character could not fail of making an i'm.
preston, for it was too apparent to all who
were not wllfulIy blind, that he acted in all
things from principle OF right. John
Green, on the contrary, was no iavoriie.-
He was reckless and unprincipled, and there
e. ,h~ 4 ftllI