The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-08-18

domesticated with him than did Alfred
Black commence series of petty persecu-
tons and annoyances that embittered their
youthful days.
Mr.. Hays left a sufficiency to educate
his boys respectfully. After that, they
were to be thrown on their own resources
Tor livelihood. Their uncle placed them
at an excellent school in his own neirh-
borhood and they made such rapid pro-
gress as to elicit the good will of their
teacher.
Henry was seventeen and Willie fifteen.
before they had ever had dispute; they
prohted 10y their mothers counsel and
lived as brothers should. Young as they
were, they acted out the praise worthy
principle of mutual forbearance.
AS Henry was well grown boy, young.
BLACK did not dare to continue his form
or practice of lording it over hin, or his
younger and rather fragile brothcr-but
substituted a plan by which he hoped to
create jealousics and dissensions between
them. lie misconstrued and msinterpre-
ted their words and actions, until Henry
began to suspect that his brother could
stoop to weaknesses and foibles that his
own proud heart would not condesccnd to,
and Willie was led to believe that Henry's
coldness proceeded from declining aflec-
ton.
Things remained in this situation for
some time. Willie was left to read his
Bible alone. Frequently would he deter
mine to forget all unkindncss and mporc
his brother, by the memory Of his mothers
dying hour to become to him all that he
had once been. But the cold stern look,
the repclling manner, impelcd him to de.
slst and the poor boy shrunk within him.
self and prayed Heaven that he might 90
where his mothers sweet smile and en-
deanng tenderness would richly compcn-
safe him for the woes and sorrows Of his
orphanage.
Willie's health began to decline to all
eyes save those of his prejudiccd brother;
still he continued at school seeking no
companionship and knowing no sympathy,
but bending as a weak and neglected
plant before the blast of injustice and op-
preston.
The summer term Of the school was
about to close and the class, in which Hen
ry made one, were busy in preparing Latin
conn 'ositlons, rs n silver medal was to be
awarded TO the author of the best.
Henry had striven manfuly for the
prize, aud he felt SO certain of success that
he would not show his composition to anv
one except to young Black. lie was a
great favoritc with his teacher and wished
to give him an agreeable surprise. On
the evening before the exhibition the
youths were sitting on the banks of
stream near the house. The weather was
excessively warm-they had taken off
their coats and had hung them on the
branch of fallen tree. Young Black
and Henry were talking at some distance
from Willie, who sat modify apart. Black
proposed to Henry that they should 90 to
an orchard near by for fruit. After thev
had gone short distance, Black said he
believed he would return for his coat. He
| adroitly contrived while getting it, to slip
the composition from Hcnry's pocket to
that of Willie and then rcjoined Henry.
Willie soon after went home. After thev
had gone to their rooms, in tire evening,
Henry, who, since his estrangement from
his brother, occupied the room with Alfred,
felt in his pocket for his essay. 1t was
gone. Hewas greatly provoked, and ask
ed Alfred if he thought it possible that it
could have dropped while they were at
the stream. Alfred, to Garry out his I'M
quitous scheme, answered that he thought
it probable, and offered TO get a light and
go with him in search of il. They went
but soon returned without it. As they
were passing WiIlie's room, Alfred sug-
gested that he might have purloined it
while they were absent, and cited Henry
to the fact that he had left while thev
were gone.
a will soon find out" said Henry, "and
if he did will disown him forever"
They entered the room together, when
Henry demanded of his brother his pa
per.
81 have not your paper, brother" an
swered Willie-"Do you think me capa-
bic Of acting so mcanly2"
ayes" said Henry, 81 believe your ieal-
ousy is enkindled 10y the prospect Of my
succeeding at the exhibition and / feel
certain that you have stolen it,"
"Brother!" said Willie, his face assum-
ing the whiteness of marble, and his pale
lips quivering, "by the memory of our
dead parents-by my hopes Of Heaven,
have never wronged you in thought, word,
or action" Henry turned to the chair an
which Willie's coat was thrown and drew
from the pocket the paper.
Coward and liar" said he, "from this
night | discard you."
The poor stricken victim fell senselss on
the floor. Alfred assisted Henry to lay
him on the bed, threw water in his face,
and rs soon as they saw him reviving left
him. After consciousness had fully re,
turned, Willie raised himself up. He felt
crushed to the earth.
aAlothart y,nsha. ha eo;d a., L.. m