Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-02-11
llnuth's prpartmrnt.
A STORY FOR THE LITTLE FOLKS

A STORY FOR THE LITTLE FOLKS.
One afternoon, last winter, as Miss Grey
reached the school-house, she saw in the en-
try great, rough boy, who went to another
school holding two of her best scholars by
the shoulders, and seeming to feel as though
doing something very wonderful. John. the
larger of the two boys. seemed very angry,
and was scolding and struggling with all his
might, while Willie, though crying, stood
very quietly
The boys did not see Miss Grey until she
said "Well, Amos" The large boy looked
around saying "Yer see, here's two O. yer
boys been fighting, and I'm holding of 'em
till you come" you may release them,"
said the teacher and they gladly followed
her into the school-room, leaving Amos to go
about his business. After ringing the bell
for the children to be seated, Miss Grey said
"Now John and Willie may come and tell me
what has happened" Johns eyes we're still
flashing, and his hands were tightly clenched;
while Willie, to the surprise of all, was still
crying This was very unusual, for he was a
brave, manly boy, and never cried for trides
so the teacher asked 'Willie, why are you
crying;" my head aches" was his reply;
and then Miss Grey noticed that his thick
curly hair was matted with blood Some wa
ter and sponge were quickly brought, and
upon washing away the blood, large bruise
showed itself After this was properly cared
for, the teacher turned to John, saying
"John. you may tell me all about it.
why" said John, still looking as if he
was not ready to give up his fight the boys
were playing ball. and Frank Barrows threw
it away down the street, and Bill john"
said Miss Grey very gravely. John fdgettcd
little under her earnest look, then went on,
-"and Willie and both started for it, |
got to it first, and Just as | stopped to pick
it up, Willie pushed me down" "What
then :" inquired the teacher. Johns face
flushed, and his eye fell, as he said--"I hit
him lick" "Did you make that bruise;"
"Yes'm, guess So"
"Did Willie strike backs :" "No ma'am
he doubled up his fist all ready, but guess
he thought he couldn't beat me"
"You pushed John down, did YOU" Eyes,
ma Fam, and Willies clear, honest eyes were
raised to his teachers; "but didn't mean
to; ! stubbed my toe and fell against him,
and, as he was stopping, it pushed him down
on his face" "What did you do when John
struck youi" 81 had great mind to strike,
too, but thought of something, and then
told him was sorry hurt him" said Willie.
"Why was it necessary for Amos to hold
you;" Il didn't think there was any need of
:" and he half-laughed in spite of his ach-
ing head "but he took John in one hand,
and me in the other, and kept telling us to
quit, or he'd thrash us both. | am sorry if
hurt John by falling against him. for really
didn't mean to"
''Ies he did to" interrupted John, angrily;
she wanted Frank to think he was faster
runner than /, and was mad because ! beat"
'You may sit down." said the teacher
"and John. | wish you to think the matter all
over, remembering Willie's explanation, which
believe to be the true one and at recess
you may tell me who has been to blame"
The boys sat at the same desk, so John
turned his back to Willie, and getting as far
from him as possible, took up a book and pre-
tended to be studying very hard. Presently
he wished for pencil, and remembered that
he had left his upon the teachers table. He
raised his hand, and asked for his pencil but
a class was reciting, and Miss Grey wished
no one to cross the room until the class was
seated.
May lend him minc :" asked Willie and
noticing the glance of approval which accom-
panied the permission to do as he wished, Sc
lected his best pencil and placed it before
John.
Take it, John" said Miss Grey, as she saw
he did not seem to notice it. John picked il
up, but instead of using it, began turning it
over and over, and looking at it as though it
was some strange thing he had never seen be-
fore. His teacher was watching him, and
soon she saw tear roll down his cheek, then
tl.r "a laat ko l.s1 l. bao
upon the desk and sobbed aloud. Miss Grey
went to him, and laying her hand upon his
head asked "What is the matter ?" John
sobbed out, II am sorry struck Willie."--
"Woud you like to tell him so :" Eyes s'm !"
and the sobs almost choked him. as he turned
to Willie and said, please forgive me, Will
lie am sorry struck you. | might have
known you did not mean to do it, Willie
put his curly head close to Johns that
Miss Grey did not hear his answer, but Johns
changed face showed that he was forgiven
"Now. Willie" said his teacher, twill you
tell us what that something was of which
you thought when you was tempted to strike
John 7" He hesitated moment then said
gravely at was that Bible verse you gave
us the other day-'Iie that is slow to anger
is better than the mighty and he that ruleth
his spirit than he that taketh a city.
TIE tears came into Miss Greys eyes, as
she said, ''God bless you, my dear boy, and
help you always to remember His words when
tempted TO sin
Now, boys, which of these two boys are
you like Like John. hasty, passionate, ea-
ger to punish those whom you fancy have in
iured you; or, like Willie, remembering
Gods word, and trying TO do righti is il
not noble to forgivei Willie. surely, was no
coward because he did not strike back; no
that was not the reason. He was brave, yes
brave, for It's not every boy who dares do
right. Remember. boys, always fear to do
wrong. and dare 10 do right that is manly,