Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-07-01
THE MISTAKE.

THE MISTAKE.
"I'1l never do it-neger 90 long as l live ~
And the boy clenched his hands together. and
strobe up and down the room, his fine features
flushed, and his forehead darkened with anger
and shame. ssI'd ask the ministers pardon in
father's presence, of course l would ; but to go
before the whole Academy, boys and girls and
do this" His whole frame withered at the
thought. ellsworth Grant, you will brand
yourself as a coward and a fool all the days of
your life.''
"But father never rctracts, and he said
must either do this or leave the school, and go
out on the farm to work and the whole village
will know the reason, and L shall be ashamed
to look any one in the face. I've good will
TO run away The boys voice grew lower,
and troubled, bewildered expression gather
ed OH his flushed features"
sfIt would be very hard to leave the old pla-
ces and then, never to see Nellie again; it
would break her heart, know IL would. p
And his face worked convuIsively moment,
but it settled down into look of dogged res
olution the next. ssI mustn't think of that just
now though its only ten miles to the seaport,
and could walk that in an hour, and get
place in some ship that was about to sail, be-
fore father was any the wiser. Some time
would come back of course, but not until was
old enough to be my own master" The boy
sat down and buried his fece in his hands and
the sunset of the summers day poured its cur
rents of crimson and amber into the chamber,
and over the bowed figure of the boy.
At last he lifted his head-there was n look
of quiet resolve in the dark hazel eyes and "a
bout the usually smiling youth which in youth
is so painful, because it always indicates men,
tai suffering.
Ellsworth Grant was, at this time, just fif-
feen; he was his fathers only son, and was
Dotherless.
The deacon was stern, severe man while
Ellsworth inherited his mothers sunny tenn
permanent. His father was man of unswerv-
ing integrity end rectitude-a man who would
have parted with his right hand sooner than
committed dishonest act; but one who had
few sympathies. for the faults Indigenous to
peculiar temperaments and character; a man
whose heart had never learned the height or
depth, and all the embracing beauty of that
mightiest text which is the one diamond a
mong all the pearls and precious stones of the
Bible, "Be ye Charitable"
He was hard, cxacting parent, and Els
worth was fun-loving, misunderstanding boy,
that everybody loved, despite his faults, and
the scrapes he was always getting himself in
to. There is no doubt that Deacon Grant low
ed his son, but he not demonStrative
man, and, then-it is the sad, sad story that
may be written of many 4 parent-sshe didn't
understand his child,'' and therewas no moth
cr with her soft words and soothing voice, to
come between the father and son.
Ellsworth's last offence can be told in few
words. The grapevine, which, heavy with
purple clusters, trailed over the kitchen win
dows of the school-teachers residence, had
been robbed of more than half its fruit. wher
the inmates were absent.
The perpetrators Of the Deed were, howev'
er, discovered to be party of the school-boys
among whom was young Ellsworth.
The rest of the scholars privately solicited
and obtained the school.teacher's pardon, bn
the Deacon who was terribly shocked at thi
evidence of his sons want of principle, insis
ted that he should make public confession o
his tault before the whole assembled school.
In vain Ellsworth explained and entreated
His father was invulnerablc, and the boy
naughty spirit entirely mutinied.
"Ellsworth, Ellsworth, where are you go
dng =" There came down the garden walk, al
eager, quivering voice, which made the DO.
start, and turn round eagerly, as he stood
Ahe garden gate: while the light of the RISING
day was flushing the grey mountain in the cas-
~ith rose-colored hues. a moment later,
small light figure, crowned with golden hair
aad large shawl thrown over its night dress
stood by the side Of the youth.