Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-01-30
INCIDENT 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 test of
scholarship in this respect All! how the lit
tic hearts would throb, and big ones thump,
in their anxiety to beat the whole.
Once on a time, neighboring school sent
word to ours, that a certain day in the af-
ternoon they would meet in our schoolhouse
for one of those contests. As the time 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, dissylables, Authorizations, &c, &C.,
which the spelling books contained.
At length the day arrived, and as our visit
ors were considered rather superiors, our
cares ard anxieties 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 ssmissed'' sat down. His
game was up.
1t did not take long to thin the ranks on
both sides. In short time our school had
but eight on the floor, and theirs but six. Af-
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 ssby 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, a 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 wordwas 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 richly deserv-
cd if. That was a proud moment for me. !
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 com
petitress came and sat down by side and con-
graduated me on my success, inquired my
name and age, and also fatteringly predicted
my future success in life.
Unaccustomed to such attentions, / doubt
less acted as most little boys would under
such circumstances, injudiciously. AT this
.juncture Master e., the son of the rich man of
our neighborhood, tauntingly said TO me, in
the presence Of my fair friend and number
of the boys from tho other school
go, you needn't feel so big-your folks are
poor, and your father is a drunkard." ;"
/ was happy no more-I was drunkard IS
sOn--and how could / look my new friends in
the face. Ny heart seemed to rise in my
throat, and almost suf1ocate me. The hot
tears scalded my eyes-but l kept them back;
and soon possible, quietly slipped away
from my companions, procured my dinner
basket, and unobserYed, left the scene of my
triumph and disgrace, with heavy heart for
my home. But what home! s'My folks
were poor,-and my father was drInfard ~
But why should be reproached for that /
could not prevent my fathers drinking, and,
assisted and encouraged by my mother, had
done all / could to assist her in her worse
than widowhood.
Boy as 1 was, inwardly resolved never to
G.. that if l was a drunkard's son, would yet
stand as high as he did. But all my resolves
could not alloy the knawing grief and vexa-
tion produced by his naughty words and taunt-
ing manner. In this frame OF mind-my heart
and head aching, my eyes red and swollen
L reached home. MY mother saw at once that
. / was in trouble, and inquired the cause. /
buried my face in her lap and burst into tears.
Mother seeing my grief. waited until told
her what had happened, and added passionate
Iy, ssI wish father wouldn't be a drunkard, so
we could be respected as other folks"
At first, mother seemed almost overwnelm-
ed, but quickly rallying, said:
ssMy son, feel very sorry for you, and re-
gret that your feelings have been so injured.
G. has twitted you about things you cannot
help. But never mind, my son. Be always
honest; never taste drop of intoxicating IL
quor; study and improve your mind. Depend
on your own energies, trusting in God, and
you will, if your life is spared, make a useful
and respected man. wish your father, when
sober, could have witnessed this scene, and
realized the sorrow his course brings on us all.
But keep brave heart, my son. Remember
you are responsible only for your own faults
Pray God to keep you, and don't grievc for
the thoughtless and unkind reproaches that
may be cast on your fathers account
This lesson of my blessed mother, l trust,
was not lost upon me. Nearly forty years
have gone since that day, and have passed
many trying scenes, but none ever made so
strong an impression on my feelings as that
heartless remark of G.'s. It was SO unjust