Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-09-02
A More Excellent Way.


rushed into the house after school in great excitement
what do you think going to do in school ?"
Study, hope" said his mother quietly, while the
little boy stopped to take breath.
We shall have to- that's fact, said Charley. but
that was not what wanted to tell YOU mother. You
know there are Just six weeks before examination and
they are going give certificates then only to the very
best scholars who have sustained themselves perfectly
! throughout the term
And YOU mean of course, to rank among the very
best if you cam said Mrs. Morris.
"Of course do mother, but here is one thin. more.
The boy who has been at the head of bis classes for the
longest time is to have beside his diploma golden star
to wear upon his breast He will be called the star
scholar and will rank highest in the SCHOOL,
So you aiming at this bright particular star ??
YES, mother and will have it too, you will see =
DR.. 81. says it is more honorable distinction than the
Legion of Honor. Won't you be proud mother to see
me wearing it at evening exhibition. The teachers
will come and tell you that your boy is the best scholar
in school," Mrs Morris smiled. Wont you be glad
mother?" repeated Charley, eagerly.
"Gad shall certainly be of the scholarship that has
the honor, if it is fairly earned, replied the moth
er. But what are your grounds for expectation ?'
"Why, mother | am at the head of all my classes
but one, and in that there is above me but Har
ry Cotton. don't suppose there would be any hope of
going beyond him if he always there, but he is
sometimes absent at the hour recte and he won't
have as good chance OF keeping his place in this
| class"
What is the cause of his absence 2"
He has to do errands for his mother. She takes in
sewing, and they too poor to have servant Hal
ry carries the bundles home"
i Mrs. Cotton has made great efforts to keep her boy
at school. He is good scholar, is he not?'
Yes mother, don't know boy that studies harder
than Henry Cotton"
i "Not even Charley Norris"
"NO, mother, but then am not obliged to study so
much because have been to school more regularly than
be has, and then have to myself at home. WHY
Henry up and studying before any else is stirring
in the morning. and always sleeps with his book under
his head at night
n "Then if he fails obtain the highest rank in the
school, it will not be for want OF diligence schol
ershP, but from the accident OF his outward cir
cumstances. But he will doubtless make greater ef-
fort to be punctual these six weeks to Gomez
Z" He will if he knows of the plan,' said Charley
modify.
He learns bis lesson at home does he not so as to
keep up with the Glass; though he should be absent for
single day."
Yes, mother but to-day we had s,ecial explana-
ton of something in arithmetic that know he cannot
work out by himself"
Is my boy quite conscious of the spirit he is ndul-
giDg :" asked the mother gently. docs be really wish
to gain this prize for himself at the expense of one who
deserves it perhaps more ~
5 Then you don't me to get the star after all
MOTHER, said Charley, after few moments silence.
You will not doubt your mothers interest in your
Improvement even If she should be less sOctous about
this particular HONOR Mrs. Morris replied "You know
all the ambition have in the world centres in nv chill
dren. would see them active, energetic, foremost il
possible, IN the pursuit of every honorable attainment
And yet there is excellent way which | would
have them follow attainment higher even than men
tai wealth-wthout which, though possessing all knowl
edge they are nothing"
! Charley's glowing ambition had somewhat cooled
during his mothers calm but earnest conversation He
was listening atentlvey he in his favorite place
at her feet though his eyes were downcas and SENSE
= of shame stole over him.
0 gu remember the passage in which this way is
described p asked his mother.
Charley took down the little welworn Bible in which
he always loved to read aloud to his mother urnng
to the 18Th of Corinthians be slowly read the first six
y verses
"Do you think, MOTHER be asked that this forbds
seeking any honor for ones self? 1t says seeketh not
J. her own.
1t is not necessary for US to settle the bearing
this on the question OF prizes in school, But one CUES
ton comes nearer the in hand DO you think that
II IN strict honesty the star would be Your o if you
gained it, not by superior scholarship but your more
prosperous circumstances and Henry shndrance through
his mothers necessities? The only value of the sign is
in the thing sgnifed TO me this badge would mean
e not that my boy was better scholar than Henry but
only that bis father richer than Henry's mother
Mother don't want the star at ALL said Charley
with resoute effort that u.s. if Henry can get it.
am going around now, If you willing, to show hin
about the arithmetic and to ask his mother to arrange
if possible so that he can attend school constantly, the
r next six weeks"
Mrs. COltODS consent to the latter arrangement
easily gained, especially when Charley had begged per
mission to assist in doing the errands after school hours
re The obstacles in arithmetic cleared away, so tina
d the two rivals started their friendly race with fail
x field and no favor to either Henry had been at thu
head of the class just the length of time that Char
ley had Eeen before him. when three weeks before ex
animation, he was taken sick. 1t would be difficult tt
say which OF the two classes most disappointed
this arrangement of the plans. Charley watched thu
progress of the fever almost anxiousy Mrs Cotton
and daily beset the DOCTOR to learn the prospect of
speedy recovery.
The third week had arrived before Henry was abb
to be dressed and breathe the outer air for few minute
of the day. Examination day came, and by Charley
earnest enreaties the invalid permitted be pres
ent on the important occasion He sat next his fen,
and leaned upon him when too weary with the effort ant
&c excitement After many less interesting exercises tn
President at last arose. and with some words of expa
nation proceeded to confer he said the highest mari
of honor received in the institution The star wal
awarded to Charles Norris for punctuaty of attendance
proprety OF department, and success in scholarship"
There moment of breathIess attention through
the crowded audience, as Charley walked to the foot
the platform, and to address few words +.
the President Those who nearest could hear him saw
a. "The star, sir does not rightly belong to me- Henri
no Cotton has worked harder than l. to obtain it, He
better scholar and but for Sickness would have beer
:h at the head of all his classes
he After moments consultation with the gentleman OF
he the platform the President then reptile:
N 1.-The faculty, Morris prefer that YOU should retail,
a. the star you have literally fulfilled the conditions pre-
n scribed"
e. though with trembling voice beg you will Civ
to it to Henry"
or In that you must yourself bestow it." said tn
in President. Henry Cotton will come forward
of Henry, unsuspecting what was going on, advanced
mis- pale face flushed with wonder and excitement Char