Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-01-31
Skettbes from 4ife.
The S1ighted Scholar.

school, neglected because he was poor and
comparatively friendless
Many years ago, when / was a small
boy, attended school in the town Of.
Among the scholars There was a boy NAM
led George Henry. His father was poor
drinking man, and the unfortunate boy.
had to suffer in consequence. George
came to school habited in ragged gar
ments-but they were the best he had !.
he was rough and 'uncouth in his manners,
for he had been brought up in this man
her; he was very ignorant, for he had new
er had an opportunity for education.
Season after season, poor George Henry
occupied the same seat in the school-room
1T was a back corner seat, away from
the other scholars and there he thumbed
his tattered primer. The ragged condi-
ton of his garb gave homely cast to his
whole appearance, and what of intelli-
gence there might have been in his coun-
tenance, was beclouded by the "outer
covering" Of the boy. He seldom played
with the other children, for they seemed
to shun him; but when he did, for 6 while,
Join with them in their sports, he was SO
rough that he was soon showed off out of
the way.
The teacher passed the poor boy cold
ly in the street. while other boys, in bet
ter CARDS, were kindly noticed. In the
school young Henry was coldly treated.
The teacher neglected him, and called him
an " idle blockhead," because he did not
learn The boy received no incentive to
study, and consequently he was most of
the time idle, and idleness begat dispo-
sition to while away the time in mischief.
For he was whipped, and the more idle
and careless he became He knew that
he was neglected by the teacher, and sim
ply because he was poor and ragged, and
with sort of sullen indifference, sharp
ened at times by feelings of bitterness, he
plodded on his dark, thankless way.
Thus matters went on for several years.
Most of the scholars who were of George
Henry's age, had passed on to the higher
branches Of study, while he, poor fellow
still spelled out words of one and two syl-
tables, and still kept his seat in the corner.
His father had sunk lower in the pit of
inebriation, and the unfortunate boy was
more wretched than ever.
| The look of clownish Indifference which
had marked his countenance, was now
giving way to shade of unhappy thought
and feelings and it was evident that the
great turning, point of his life was at
hand. He stood now upon the step in
| life from which the fate of after years
must take its cast.
| AT this time a man by the name ofKel-
| ly took charge Of thsschool. He was an
oII alacprvfsf 11I1-
man nature, and 4really good man.
Long years of zsnuhip oyer wild
youths had give Id bluff authoritative
way, and in his discipline he was strict
and unwavering.
The first day he passed at the teachers
desk of our school, was mostly devoted to
watching the movements Of the scholars,
and studying the dispositions with which
he had to deal. Upon George Henry his
eyes rested with keen, searching glance,
but evidently made little of him during
the first day; but on the second day he
did more.
1t was during the afternoon of the Sec
ond day that Mr.. Kelly observed young
Henry engaged in impaling flies upon the
point ola large pin. He went to the
boys seat and, after reprimanding him
for his idleness, he took up the dirty, tat
tered primer from his desk.
Have you never learned more than Is
in this book?p asked the teacher.
No sir" drawled George.
How long have you attended SCHOOL,"
II don't know, sir. It's ever since I
can remember
Then you must be an idle, reckless
boy" said the teacher, with much seyeri-
ty. Do you realize how many years you
have thrown away? Do you know how
much you have lost? What sort Of man
do you intend making in this way? One
of these days you will be too old to go to
school, and then, while your companions
are seeking some honorable employment,
you will be good for nothing. Have you
parents?"
yes, sir" answered the boy, in hoarse
subdued voice.
+" And do they wish you to grow up to
be an ignorant, worthless MANI"
The boy had hung down his head and
was silent; but Mr.. Kelly saw two great
tears roll down his cheeks In an instant,
the teacher saw that he had something be-
sides an idle, stubborn mind to deal with
in the ragged scholar before him. He
laid his hand on the boy 5 head, and in q
kind tone he said.
! wish you to stop after schools dis
missed. Do not be afraid, for wish to-
assist you if | CAM
George looked wonderingly into the
masters face, for there was something in
the tone of the voice which fell Eupon his
ear that sounded strangely to him, and he
thought. too, as he looked around, that
the rest Of the scholars regarded him with
kinder countenances than usual A dim
thought brske in upon his mind, that from
some cause, he was going to be happier
than before.
After the school was dismissed, George
Henry remained in his seat till the teach
er called him to the desk.
| Now" said Mr.. Kelly, 81 wish to
know why it is that you havenever learn
ed any more. You look bright, and look
as though you might make smart man.
Why is it that find you so ignorant"
Because nobody never helps me" re-
piled the boy. Nobody never cares for
me, sir for am poor"
By degrees the kind-hearted teacher
got the poor boys whole history, and
while generous tears believed his eyes he
said:
you have been wrongly treated,
George very wrongly; but there is yet
| time for radnmntiou IF wslf frv ~