Maryland free press., 1866-11-15
The Sighted Scholar.


dent was brought to my mind by the parent of a
hoy, who had been grossly neglected imply
because he was very poor and, comparatively
without friends.
Many years, ago, when l was small boy, l
attended school in the town of -. Among
other scholars was one named George Henry
il His father was a poor drinking man, and The un-
fortunate boy haf-to surfer It's consequence
George came to school habited in ragged gar
ments-but they were all he had. He was rough
and uncouth in manners, for he had been brought
up in this way. He was very ignorant, for the
simple reason that he never had the opportunity
of fcducatiou. .. ....
Season after season poor George Henry occu-
pied the same seat in the schoo-room, it was
back corner seat away from the rest of the schol-
srs-and there he thumbcd his tattered primer.
The ragged condition of his garb gave homely
cast to bis whole appearance, and what intelli-
pence there was in his countenance was becloud-
ed by the "outer coverings of the boy. He sell
dom played with other children, for they SEEM
ed to shun him, but when he for awhile Joined
ed in their sports, he was so rough that he was
soon showed out of the way.
The teacher passed the poor boy coldly in the
street, while other boys in better attire were
kindly noticed In the scheol young Henry was
coldly treated. The teacher neglected him and
and called him an "idlc bock-head," &c,
because he did not learn. The boy received no
incentive to study, and consequently he was
most of the Tins idle an idleness which begot his
disposition to while away his time in mischief
Al a IL lao
became. lie knew that he was neglected by the
, teacher simply because he was poor and ragged,
and with sort of sullen indifference, sharpened
at times by feelings of bitterness, he plod1ed on
his dark and painless way.
Thus matters went on for several years, most
of the scholars who were of IIenrys sge'had
passed the higher branches of study, while he,
poor fellow, still kept his distant scat in the cor
ner. His father had sunk deeper in the pit ofin-
ebriety, and the unfortunate boy was more
wretched than ever.
The look of clownish indifference which had
marked his countenance, was now giving away
to q shade of unhappy thought and feeling, and
it was evident that the great turning point OF
life was at hand. Tie stood now in the step of
life from which the fate of after years must take
rest.
At this time man by the name of Kelly took
charge of the school He was an old teacher,
and a careful observer OF human nature and re-
ally good man, Long years of guardianship
over wild youths had given him bluff, author
itative way, and in his discipline he was strict
and unwavering. IS
The first day he passed at the teachers desk of
our school, he was mostly devoted to watching
the movements of the..scholars, and studying tine
disposition of those with whom he had to deal.
Upon George Henry his eyes rested with a keen,
searching glance, but evidently made little OF
him:duriag'the first day, set on the second day
he paid more attention. ... .'." "..
It was during the afternoon of the second day
that Mr., Kelly observed young Henry stringing
hies upon pin. He went to the boys seat and
reprimanded him for his idleness, and took up
thc tattered book from the desk ''
sHave you never learned more than is in this
book?' said the teacher .... ..r. r..
'No SIR said the boy. ..uH
'TIow long have you been attending school?'
"Ever since can remember"
"Then you must be an idle, reckless boy"
said the teacher with much severity. 'Do you
realize how many years you have thrown away?
What sort of man do You think of making in
this way2 One Of these days you will be too
cid to cote school, and then, while your COM
panions are seeking some honorable employmen t
you will be good for nothing. Have you faith
or and mothcr?''
eyes, sir," said the boy, in n hoarse, subdued
voice.
"And do they wish you to grow up in igno-
rance2'
The hoy hung his head and was silent, hut
Mr.. Kelly saw two great tears roll down his
cheeks In an instant the teach cr saw that he
had somsthing more than an idle, stubborn mind
10 deal with in the ragged scholar before him.
He laid his hand on his head and in a kind tone
said
tsI wish you to stop after school is dismissed
Don't be afraid, for wish to assist you, if I
CAM '"
George looked wouderingly into the t. aeher's s
face, for there was something in the tone of the
voice that fell upon his ear that sounded strange
. iy to him, and he thought as he,looked around,
that the rest of the,scholars regarded him with
kinder countenances than usual. A dim thought
broke in upon his mind that for some cause he
Was going to he happier than he had ever been
before. .,..... ..... ......... ..... Pc.
After school wassdismissed, George remained
in his seat till the teacher called him up to his
desk v .'.t' .' Do i..'' ~" '.-r
d 'tNow," said Mr.. Kelly,T wish to know why
q It is that ysu have never learned any more. You
look bright, and you look as iffyou might make
3 smart man. Why is it that I find you so ig-
aorantf'
''Because no sneever heips'me, replied the
boy, mo one ever cares for me, sir, for am
poor .,r..r.- t.-...
By degrees the; kind hearted teacher got the
whole of the poor boys history andEwhile the
generous tears bedewed his eyes, he said:
; "You have been wrongly treated, George, but
there is time for redemption. III will try to
teachlyou will you try. TO learn2" =, t,..,.a
"Yes-oh, yes" quickly uttered the boy in
7