The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-01-21
JUVENILE COLUMN.

. JUVENILE COLUMN.
TIE IMDELIBLE MARK.
William Graham and James Benson wer
neighbors, yet two lads could not hav
boon moro unlike In disposition or NOR
differently circumstanced. William's f.
Z Their was gentleman Of cousiderabl,
property who occupied the only Ane man
sion In the village; while James was ths
son Of poor widow whose humble cottss,
vas almost hidden by tho high wall around
Grahem1 grounds near which it was built
Mn. Benson considered herself far from
, poor for, as abe would often say in . tone
OF gratitude, God had given her . roof,
g0od health, love OF industry, and, above
all dutifuI, obedient sons blessing that
her wealthy neighbor did not possess. In
this matter Mrs. Benson referred TO VIII
liam Graham, who was renowned in their
village a. being the worst boy thst had
over troubled the peace Of its questioning
Inhabitants. Encouraged by the indifEer-
erence OF his father, whose heaviest pun
1ehmont was careless reprimand, William
gloried In acts of laWlessness and mischief.
MRS. Benson was always extremely anxious
| to preserve her son from an acQuaintance
three months companionship with him
would corrupt the best boy in the place,
and she had been successful in this till, 1t
the time our story commence, she was at
tackled with rheumatism. Ono afternoon
when his books failed 70 anuse him, James
while there he was startled by whistle.
On looking mp he saw Master Graham
perched on the high wall which separated
their gardens.
ct heard your mother was sick, and
want yen to give her these" he said, drop
garden. ~ ~ ' 0"
james accepted them with MANY thanks,
and thought that 90 generous Q boy could
not possibly be az bad a. he was represent
ed, and the resnlt was they fell into
friendly chat. Finally Master Graham said
"Don't you want tn come with me to-
night to snare hares There's q number Of
them In old Pace's wood he keeps them
there to hunt. 1t would be such sport to
hunt some of them.n
But would Squire Pace like it Z"
Like It.! Who cares Z Any one who can
deprive the old miser of anything, will
only do it too gladly, assure your
"Well, will not. He has q right to his |
own property, and it would be dishonest |
for MS to tamper with it without his knowl- |
edge and consent. Mother has always
would wish them to act towards me and |
1t would pain me deeply were anybody to |
deprive rs of any of our belongings. |
cannot accept your invitation"
Master Graham was not discouraged BY |
the resistance of James to his roguish
every possible argument to overcome his
scrupies drawing many alluring pictures
of the excitement and sport they would
enjoy, and commisserating James on the
dali, monotonous life he led until he sue
ceeded in making the poor lad feel that he
was, in some degree, an object Of pity.
I'll give you to seven o'clock to over
come your squeamishness," he said when
James had answered an appeal by q posi-
tive denial, "and then, il you look out on
the night, and see how pleasant it is in the
moonlight, you'll come, I am sure. I'll
whistle for you when I'm ready"
James went into the house with q dis
turbed mind. Much as he shrank from the
proposal of Master Graham, still his false
eloquence had awakened an unquiet feel
He had determined to resist the tempta-
ton, but when the clock struck seven, and
he saw the moon shining brightly, and re-
the inviting picture young Ora
ham had drawn of the sport, he began to
feel great desire to 60 Just for once.
just then shrill whistle sounded through
the night; for moment he wavered then
his resolution failed, and he left the house
al knew you would come" said young
triumphantly, cit was too great a
for any boy with good sense to
ASSioo' AAOhO 10 ehO eAop, uOtUiuS u large,
wooden trap he carried aloft that James
might see it.
They soon left the village, and entered ,
small wood, about quarter of q mile dis
tant. Here Master Graham placed his
trap, and having prepared it, drew his
companion aside, and awaited the result.
In about five minutes a fine hare came
running by, and entered the trap. Master !
Graham spraDg forward in triumph, seized
;he trembling animal, and held it up vic 7
;oriously, at the same time bidding James Z
'eset the trap, which he did, apparently in {
cheerful mood, but in reality in o de-
,pondent one.
But he did not finish his task. While he
vas kneeling in the snow, engaged 10 it, q
bullet whistled through the air, which
truck the hare from Master Graham's i,
land; then came another, which struck
James in the arm, and laid him terrified
md bleeding upon the snowy sward.
He cried piteously Master Graham for
lelp, but he had fled at the first sign of
and 1,o7p1oea |