The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-08-15


saw different expression on his face A
soon as Tom could read, the children of tn
nelghborhood, who had grown to like hin
always gathered around him at the gat
when they happened to find him there, sup
Piled HIM with books so that he had an abun
dance of mental food, and now began to re
pay his benefactor, the beG-ridden man, b,
reading TO him for hours every day.
There was something about him tha
strongly attracted the boys of the neighbor
hood, and he usually had three or four O
them around him, and often dozen, in tn,
afternoon, when the schools were out. Their,
was no nonsense low sensual talk, to which
boys are sometimes addicted, found no en-
couragement in his presence His influence
over these boys was, therefore, of the bes,
kind. The parents of some of these chill.
dren when they found their sons going so Of
ten to the house of Tom Hicks, felt doubts
as to the safety of such intercourse. The re.
port of these boys took their parents by sur.
prise; but, on investigation, it proved to be
true, and Toms character soon rose in the
public estimation.
The crpple's eagerness to learn, and rapid
progress under limited advantages, becoming
generally known, gentleman, whose son had
been one of Toms visitors, and who had
grown to be better boy under his influence,
offered 20 send him in his wagon every day
to the school house, which stood half a mile
distant, and have him brought back in the af-
ternoon. 1t was the happiest day in Toms
life when he was helped down from the wag
on and went hcbbling into the school-room.
Before leaving home that morning, he haG
made his way up to the sick room of Mr.
Croft. i owe it all to you,' he said, as he
brought the white, thin hand of his benefac
tor to his lips. 1t was damp with more than
kiss when he laid it back gently on the
bed. And our father in heaven will reward
YOU
The advantages of school being placed
within the reach of Tom Hicks, he gave up
every thought of serious difficulty. His bent,
stiff fingers could not be made to hold either
pen or pencil in the right position, or to use
them in such way as to make intelligible
signs. But Tom was too much in earnest to
give up on the first, or second, or third effort
He found, after great many trials, that he
could hold pencil more firmly than at first.
and guide his hand in some obedience to his
will. This was sufficient to encourage him in
long continued efforts, the result of which
was gradual yielding of the muscle, which
became in time so flexible tha, he could make
quite passable figures, and write fair hand.
This did not satisfy him, however. lie was
AMBITIOUS to do het,er and so lant on ,r,;no
and trying, until few boys in the room could
give tairer copy.
Have you heard the news y asked neigh
Dor to Mr. Croft, the poor bed-ridden man.
1t was five years from the day he gave the
poor cripple, Tom Hicks, his first lesson.
What news p the sick man asked in fee
bic voice, not even tuning his head towards
the speaker. Life's pulses were running very
low. The strorg struggle with disease was
nearly over.
Tom Hicks has received the appointment
of teacher to our public school,
Are you in earnest 2 There was ming
ling of surprise and doubt in the low tones
that crept out upon the air
Yes, it is true what say. You know that
after Mr. Wilson died, the directors got Tom,
who was favorite with all the scholars, to
keep the school together for few weeks un-
til successor could be appointed. He man.
aged so well, kept such good order, and
showed himself so capable as an instructor
/ that, at the election to-day, he received q
large majority of votes over a number o.
highly recommended teachers, and this, with
out his having made application, Or ever
dreaming of such thing
At this moment the cripple's well-known
shuffiing tread and the rattle of crutches wa
heard upon the stairs. He came up will
more than his usual hurry. Croft turned
with an effort, so as to get a sight at him a
he entered the room.
i have heard the good news he said, a
he reached hand feebly toward Tom, 'an'
it has made my heart glad
4 owe it all to you, replied the cripple, il
a voice that trembled with feeling. God wi,
reward YOU
| And he caught the shadowy arm, touche
it with his lips, and wet it with grateful tear:
as once before. Even as he held that thin
white hand, the low moving pulses took
i, lower beat-lower and lower-uEtil the lon
suffering heart grew still, and the freed splr
went up to its reward.
MY benefactor sobbed the cripple as h
stood by the wasted form shrouded in grav'
clothes, and looked upon it for the last tin
. ere the cotiin-lid closed over it, what woul
have been except for YOU?
Soldiers Allotted Pay.