Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-01-30
INCTDENT IN SCHOOL LIFE.

| gatherings were anticipated with great inter-
est by the scholars, as at those times was de-
cided who was the best speller. Occasionally
one school would visit another for a test of
scholarship in this respect. All how the lit
tie hearts would throb, and big ones thump,
in their anxiety to beat the whole.
| Once on a time, a neighboring school sent
word to ours, that certain day in the af
| ternoon they would meet in our schoolhouse
| for one of those contests. As the tune was
short, most of the other studies were suspend
| ed and at school and at home in the evenings,
all hands were studying to master the mono
| syllables, dissylabes, authorizations, &C., &C.,
which the spelling books contained.
| At length the day arrived. aud as our visit
ors were considered rather superiors, our
cares ard anxicties were proportionably great.
The scholars were ranged in standing posi-
tion, on opposite sides of the house, and the
words pronounced to each side alternately,
| and the scholar that .Emissed'' sat down. His
| game was up.
| 1t did not take long to thin the ranks on
both sides. In short time school had
but eight on the floor, and theirs but six. AT
ter few rounds, the contest turned in their
favor, as they had four standing to our two
| For long time it seemed as though these six
had the books s.by hcart.'' At length the
number was reduced to one on each side. Our
visitors were represented by an accomplished
young lady, whose parents had recently arri-
we'd in town, and ours by myself, ragged lit
| tie boy of ten summers, who had set up night
after night while my mother, with no other
| light than that produced by pine knots, pro-
nounced my lessons to me. The interest OF
| the spectators was excited TO the highest
pitch, as word after word was spelled by each.
At length the young lady missed, and l stood
alone. Her teacher said she did not under
stand the word. She declared she did, that
the honor was mine, and that L richly deseTv-
ed it. That was a proud moment for' me. 1
had spelled down both schools and was decla-
red victor Ny cheeks burned and my brain
was dizzy with excitement.
Soon as the school was dismissed, my CON-
pettress came and sat down by side and con-
graduated me on my success, inquired my
name and age, and also fatteringiy predicted
my future success in life.
Unaccustomed to such attentions, doubt
less acted as most little boys would under
such circumstances, injudiciously. At this
iuncture Master e., the son Of the rich man OF
our neighborhood, tauntingly said to me, in
the presence OF my fair friend and a number
of the boys from the other school
go, you needn't feel SO bg-your folks are
poor, and your father is a drunkard."
was happy no more-I was drunkard's
son-aad how could look my new friends in
the face. Ny heart seemed to rise in my
throat, and almost suiFocate ne. The hot
tears scalded my eyes-but l kept them back
and soon as possible, quietly slipped away
from my companions, procured my dinner
basket, and unobserved, left the scene of my
triumph and disgrace, with heavy heart fo
my home. But what home! '.My folk
were poor,-and my father was a drunlard!'
But why should be reproacAed for that
could not prevent my fathers drinking, and
assisted and encouraged by my mother, haC
done all L could to assist her in her worse
! than widowhood.
Boy as l was, inwardly resolved never Il
taste of liquor, and that l would show Maste
G. that if was drunkard's son, would ye
stand as high as he did. But all my resolve
could not alloy the knawing grief and yexa
tion produced by his naughty words and taunt
| ing manner. In this frame OF mind-my hear
and head aching, my eyes red aud swollen
, reached home. My mother saw at once tina
was in trouble, and inquired the cause.
buried my face in her lap and burst into tears
$ Mother seeing my grief, waited until l tolc
, her what had happened, and added passionate
ly, 81 wish father wouldn't be drunkard, 81
f we could be respected as other folks.'
At first, mother seemed almost oyerwIelm
. ed, but quickly rallying, said:
a sSMy son, feel very sorry for you, and re
, gret that your feelings have been SO injured
l G. has twitted you about things you canno
help. But never mind, my son. Be Away
| honest; never taste drop of Intoxicating Ii
: quor; study and improve your mind. Depen'
/ on your own energies, trusting in God, AM
D you will, if your life is spared, make usefu
= and respected man. I wish your father, whc
:. sober, could have witnessed this scene, am
: realized the sorrow his course brings on us oil
e But keep brave heart, my son. Remembe
o you are responsible only for your own faults
: Pray God to keep you, and don't gricye 10
r the thoughtIess and unkind reproaches tha
/. may be cast on your fathers account
. This lesson of my blessed mother, / trust
. was not lost upon me. Nearly forty year
: have gone since that day, and have nstfta Tia
str5bt trying mission ssssss on my fss.ass
'Sr e..issS ret+s~'$ -.n ro-opened and re
1 ed who respectfully solici
! ... ,,:: 49,, ronagc.
: eslerh 4hissouIi Say s' He is we'll provided wit
- tlvt tefall | nd infap kea m