The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1868-11-11
geleft gtnrw.
JOHN MoRTON!.
OR THE RUNAWAY SON,

"John, given me that book" Thes
words, spoken in harsh tone by hi
father, caused John to start in alright
"Please, father, I was only"
"No words. Give me the book, )" in
terrupted the father.
With fearful eyes and a tremblin,
hand John passed the book to his faith
er, who Immediately threw it in The
fire. fi.
"Now, sir, go and finish choppinl
that brush, and remember if you qui
it again before it is all done, I'll givt
you whipping" eI n. Ers..
Mr.. Morton was small farmer whC
lived a few miles frem the village o.
NJ, in Massachusetts,. A man Of
no literary taste himself he could moi
endure il in others, and for this reason
was an unkind and unjust father toward
John, his second SOD, who loved books
better than anything else in the world
John vas not lazy boy, brt as q
farmer boy knows no such thing as
leisure, he was obliged to do his read
ing at such times as he could steal
from his work, when his father was not
by. George, his eldest brother, was
his opposite in every respect; he was a
good farm er, but the Ounce at school.
~ tell you what, John" he would
say, ~ would not give snap of my
finger for all your book learning, but if
you like it go in, if the old mar will
let you, bat 1'll stick to the farm"
John had been saving his money for
some time, to buy 6nc edition of
Cooper's works complete, which an ac-
quaintance had bought at auction in a
neighboring town, and not caring much
for it had offered it to him for half
price.
The night before our story common
ces, John had procured the long cove
ted treasure, and in the morning had
commenced to read as soon as it was
light From this he was socn called
By his father to chop load Of brush
he had brought in.
Reluctantly John left his book and
went to the task, but the departure of
the father after another load was too
much for him, he left the brush heap
and was soon absored in his book.
Mr.. Morton had gone but a short
distance when he remembered some
directions Which he had forgotten to
give George and returned. As he
neared the house he missed the sound
of the Ratchet When he entered the
house, there sat John completely lost
in his book. 1t was this that made
him burn the book, With bursting
heart John went to the brush heap
again and commenced his work. He
worked steadily all day, but spoke not
a word to any one.
George seeing how bad he felt about
it good naturedly said to him. "Never
mind, Jack, l wouldn't care, let 1T 60,
and the next time go to the city IN
get you another"
"And what if you do? He will not
let me read it. L tell you, George, it's
no use, am going away where I can
have chance to study as much as 1
please" I'D
SOh, nonsense, Jack, you will soon
get over it. For my part can't see
what you can find SO interesting in
books I'D rather 60 into the csrn6eld
aud work the hottest day in summer
than to get one lesson of any kind"
"I know that" said Jack, sits your
nature, but l can't do the farm work,
it isn't In me. 1 was never meant for
it, therefore tomorrow morning 1 am
going, come what may" zsaH'
George tried to change his mind for
some time, but finding him determined
helped him to get ready to the best of
his ability, forcing him to accept all
lis spare pocket money, telling him
that he could repay it when he got rich.
"BUt one thing, Jack, whatever you
may do, be an honest man. You will
make a smarter man than ever I shall,
I'm sure of it, but be honest, don t for
get that.
"And remember 1 expect to be here
as long as live. So if at my time the
world goes hard with you, done forget
home"
The next morning at breakfast John
was missed. An examination of his
room showed that he had taken his lit
tie bundle of clothes and gave evidence
to his father that h was gone for good.
"Neve mind, he'll soon be back"
said be.
X x
Thirteen years had elaped since
John Morton left The old homestead.
and contrary to his fathers prediction
he had not come back. 80.
In ths meantime things had not
gone on smoothly at the farm. Farm.
er Morton had given up the whole
charge of the farm to George, who had
married girl in the neighborhood,
and was now the father oftive children.
Years before, in case of an emer-
gency, Father Morton had mortgaged
his farm for small amount, and ever
since the marriage of George, in spite
Of all his exertions, the mortgage had
been gaining ground, until now the
place must be sold as he could not meet
the agreement. ..-. ...
Tb;o ,yos N tarr;hla hIow fh GeOrpe