The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-08-03
L HE CALIFORNIAN.
atoutl,'s department.
George Could not Tell Il Lie.

er feel safe they are almost sure to tell OF
you. They always get into the good graces
Of the master"
"What do you mean ." asked his brother
Philip.
"Why, our master said at school Yesterday
that he thought young Morris quite pat
tern of good conduct, and hoped, when he
came to school, We should all be kind to
him."
"Well, We shall see," said Philip, "wLcn
he conc. l dare say he will be like all the
rest"
George Morris came to school, Some
liked him and some did not 4; but he behaved
kindly to all.
One day they were all at play in the play
ground, when George was heard crying out
in great trouble, "What have done On,
what have 1done ? What will MIR. Harding
say9'
"What is it ? what is it 2" cried several
voices and tie boys gathered quickly around
to see what was the matter.
"Oh," said George, "my ball has broken a
pain Of glass in the greenhouse ard l am
afraid it has knocked down some of the flow
er pots, for it made such q clatter. had no
right to be so near the greenhouse"
The boys ran to the greenhouse, and there
sure enough, was Mr.. Hardings beautiful
scarlet cactus in full bloom, ,hown down up
on the floor, and the plant broken.
"Oh what will MIR. Harding say 2" said
George sit was only yesterday he was show
ing it to Squire Lowndes' gardener, and he
said it was the finest he had seen for long
time"
You'll catch it," said Richard Gray, who
was very il!-;empered boy, you'll catch it.
for going SO near the greenhouse with your
ball."
"Mr. Harding need not know anything "a
bout it" said Philip; eat least, will not tell
who did it,"
"Nor l, said Joe Green "noneof US WILL
so do not trouble yourself about it, George
When Will Thompson let the water run out
of the water-but. Mr.. Harding tried all he
could to find cut, but could not We all said
We did not do it,"
"And," said Philip, 1--WE will all agree that
We know nothing about how the cactus so,
knocked down, and he will think some one
threw a stone out of the road and broke it.
And SO you will get out of the scrape."
George left them, and stood under the tree
thinking of the mischief he had done. when
Green came up to him. BE sure, George,it
Mr.. Harding asks you who did it, to say you
did not"
II could not say that said George, for
did do it."
YES" said ice, "but then you needn't sag
SO, and We will all keep quiet"
"Oh :" said George, "but l shall be so un-
happy till have confessed it,
"Then you are very foolish, and deserve all
you will get" said Philip Gray.
"Yes," added Joe Green, "and Morris will
change his mind when he comes to school to-
morrow"
When George reached home, he told his
father Of what had happened. Il Think
said MIR. Morris, 'you will do right to tell
Mr.. Harding all about it. If you were to
follow the advice of your school-mates, you
would cause them to practice deceit, and the
blame of the accident would fall on the
wrong person. Besides, you will add sin to
sin /; and, suppose that you did deceive your
teacher, you cannot deceive God, for lie
knoweth all things. His all-seeing eye is
upon you, and must act as in His sight"
ave shall see how he " i'll manage it" said
Richard, as they stood in group at the
school-door, on the following monng; ode
pend on it, he will he glad to do as We say
All were seated in the school-room, and
the master was about to commence the dutie.
of the day with prayer, when George was
seen leaving his seat, and going towards Mr.
Harding. Everything was so still, you might
have heard pin drop.
"If you please, sir" said George, 81 cannot
tell lie" and paused.
Il know you would not, wilfully," said Mr.
Harding. "Well ?"
George proceeded to give the history of
the matter, and to beg MIR. Hardings forgive
ness.
Mr.. Harding's eyes filled with tears HI
could scarcely speak at first. All eyes were
fixed upon him, and the youth who dared t.
be true.
George" said Mr.. Harding, chad 20,
broken every pane of glass in the green
house, and destroyed every flower it contain
ed, would have forgiven you. You hav'
done right in telling me the truth, and l re
spect and love you for it. Give me your han(
Il heartily forgive you"
"Perhaps," said Mr.. Harding, there is no
boy in my school who has never told lie
for boys forget, l fear, that speaking wha
they know to be false, is not the only way il
which they may lie. Some deceive by thei
conduct, seeming to be what they are not
others tell only part of the truth, Will
others tel! more than is true. Some rromis
what they know they cannot do, and other
neglect to do what they promise. In all thes