The Feliciana Democrat., 1858-11-13

Bragg is coward, like all bullies. He sees
that you are feeble physically, and so he wor-
ries and plaques you and l hope he will con-
tinne to do SO till he cures you of your immor-
al neglect of your bodily energies"
Immoral ?"
Eyes There may be immortality in neg
lect of the body as well as of the mind. If
the fault were not your own-or If you were
lame or i'll, and Ethan were to tyrannize over
you-I should take great satisfaction in pun
ishing him. But, as it is, you have only your
self to thank, for your suffcrings. Look you,
Paul."
Mr. Stanley finished the sentence in tone
that Mary did not hear, and then turned on
his heels and left us.
That afternoon, for the first time, put on
n pair of skates that my uncle had given me,
and passed II couple of hours in practice with
them on the ice. The next day there was a
snow storm, and shoveled paths all around
the house. Without neglecting my lessons,
kept in the open air good portion of the
time. | contrived some gymnastic fixtures,
and rose an hour earlier every morning and ex.
ercsed.
took especial pains to develop the muscles
Of my hands and wrists. Catching hold of the
bough of tree would lift my body up till
my chin was on level with my hands. was
careful. however, not to over-task my strength
! knew that | must be very gradual in my ef-
forts. | was methodcal and regular in these
habits Of outdoor exercise, allowing no inclem
ency of weather to interfere with them. NY
parents soon began to wonder at the marked
improvement in my health My cheeks were
no longer pallid. The cough, with which
had been constantly troubled, left me all at
once. slept well; and gained so in strength
that could with ease lift barrel of -four in.
to a cart
For nine or ten months had been faithful.
y at this system, when one day, as / was pass.
ing along, heard loud cries. as from one in
fear and distress. Turning bend in the road
| saw boy on the ground with another over
him, belaboring him with heavy blows. The
victorious assailant was the butchers boy
of the village, and the unfortunate recipient of
the blows was my old enemy, Ethan.
Without hesitation, | rushed to the scene of
the combat, and pulled Master Jacob the
butchers boy, off ffrom his victim. Jacyb there
upon rolled up bis sleeves anew, and remarked
that he would give me fits" Then, like
young buffalo, he came at me. But, as be flour
iShcd his arms in the onset, l caught him by
the wrist as in vice.
IN vain did he struggle. pulled him upon
his knees, so that he could neither kick nor
bite ; then pressing his hands till he yelled with
pain, | asked him ifhe had enough Jacob
was in very great rage, it was evident but
did not care about having another turn of the
screw put upon his hands And So when
fin ba
without making any more fuss, he answered
yes, and kept his word
AS for Ethan, he could not have been more
translixed with wonder if he had seen me fly
up in the air or do any other marvellous thing
AS approached him, he was stupid with 81.
lent astonishment.
ETHAN" said | carelessly, "you see have
turned over new leaf Hereafter, any one
who ventures to impose upon me, or upon an.
other in my presence will have first to prove
that he is stronger in the wrist than |. Do
you think am right ~
YES" stammered Ethan.
''Shake hands on it, then" said l.
Ethan gave me his hand but as squeezed
it with rather too cordial a pressure he tried
to pull it way, at the same time nttering & cry
of pain
'What is the matter ?" exclaimed.
You have almost crushed my fngers,'
groaned Ethan, making very wry face.
"Why do you not squeeze back again 2" said
|, pressing his hand again, till he uttered an
other cry.
THAT will do" said he, trying hard to force
a smile. His last words were prophetic. The
lesson proved sufficient. He was thenceforth
the most peaceful boy in school.
A week after this adventure, as | was try.
ng to pitcha large stone beyond certain mark
on the ground, Mr.. Stanley tapped me on the
'honlder
What have you been doing to Ethan ?"
said he, showing his fore finger at me.
Returning good for evil" answered I.
Letting him see, at the same time" added
Mr.. Stanley, what you could do if you would
'h Well, Paul, was not right in my advice?
good for evil is the best shown when,
laving the power to return evil, we render good
And remember this: the boy who neglects to
levelop his physicul strength, may neglect it at
he expense of his moral strength also"
A MAIDENs FIRST LoyE.-Human nature
las noessence more pure he world knows no.
hing more chaste--Heaven has endowed the