Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1869-03-05

tne bearing OF thlS on the prizes In
school. But one question comes nearer
to the case in hand.--Do you think that
in strict honesty the star would be your
own, if you gained it not by superior
scholarship, but by your most prosperous
circumstances, and Henry's hindrances
through his mothers necessities ? The
only value of the sign is in the thing sig
nifed. To me this badge would mean,
not that my boy was a better scholar
than Henry, but only that his father was
richer than Henrys mother"
Mother, / don't want the star. at all, !"
said Charley, with resolute effort -
that is, if Henry can get it. Tam 60
ing around now, if you are willing, to
show him about the arithmetic, and to
ask his mother to arrange, if possible, SO
that he can attend school constantly the
next six weeks"
Mrs. Colton's consent to the latter ar
rangement was easily gained, especially
when Charley had begged permission to
assist in doing the errands after school
hours The obstacles in arithmetic were
cleared away, so that thetwo rivals start
ed on their friendly race with fair field
and no favor to either Henry had been
at the head of the class Just the same
length of time that Charley had been
before him when three weeks before ex-
animation, he was taken sick. 1t would
be difficult to say which of the two class
mates was most disappointed at this de-
rangement of their plans. Charley
watched the progress of the fever almost
as anxiously as Mrs Cotton, and daily
beset the doctor to learn the prospect of
speedy recovery.
The third week had arrived before
Henry was able to be dressed, and breathe
the outer air for few minutes of the
day. Examination day came, and by
Charley's earnest entreaties, the invalid
was permitted to be present on the inn
portant occasion. He sat next his friend,
and leaned upon him when too weary
with the effort and excitement. After
many less interesting exercises, the Pres
ident at last arose, and with some words
of explanation, proceeded to confer, as
he said, the highest mark Of honor ever
received in the Institution. The star
was awarded * to Charles Morris, for
| punctuality of attendance, propriety of
department and success in scholarship"
There was moment of almost breath
less attention throughout the crowded
audience, and Charley walked to the foot
of the platform, and was seen to address
a few words to the President Those who
were nearest could hear him say
"The star, does not rightly belong to
me. Henry Cotton has worked harder
than / to obtain it. He is better schol-
ar, and but for sickness would have been
at the head Of all his classes"
After moments consultation with the
gentleman on the platform, the President
replied
"Tae faculty, Morris, prefer that you
should retain the star, as you have liter
ally fulfilled the conditions prescribed"
" 1t would not be right, sir" said
Charley, firmly, though with a trembling
voice." beg you will give it to Hen
ry."
+" In that case, you must yourself be-
stow ii" said the President. Henry
Cotton will come forward"
Henry, unsuspecting what was going
on, advanced, his pale face flushed with
wonder and excitement. Charley. stoop-
ing down, fastened the star upon his
breast, and then supported him back tc
their seat. The noisy applause of the
audience Jared almost painfully upor
his heart, full as it was Of a deeper JOY
than earthly fame can give-the joy o
obedience to the precept, In honor pre-
ferring one another" In his mother.
loving smile he found a full reward fol
the sacrifice of his selfish ambition Gov
eting earnestly the best gifts he hadfound
the spirit of brotherly Kindness" q
more excellent way"
"HoME SWEET HOME" was written b,
John Howard Payne, andsold to Charlie