Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-04-21

\ luS OICn all nOOu poitIOu VI tuc tiuiS'
contrived some gYmnastic figures, aud
rose au hour earlier every morning and
exercised.
took especial pains 10 develop the
muscles of my hands and wrists. Catch.
ing hold OF the bough OF tree, | would
lift my body up till my chin was on level
with my hands. l was careful. however
not to over task my strength ! was
methodical and regular in these habits of
out door exercise, allowing no inclemency
OF weather to interfere with them. My
parents soon began TO wonder at the
marked improvement in my health. My
cheeks were no longer pallid. The
cough with which had been constantly
troubled, left ME all ut once, and 1 slept
well gained SO in strength that | could
with ease. lift barrel OF Hour into cart.
For nine or ten months | had been
faithfully al this system, when, one day,
as was passing along secluded road
that skirted our village, heard loud cries
as from one in fear and distress Turning
bend in the road. saw a boy on the
ground with an ther bent over him,
belaboring him with hearty blows. The
victorious assailant was the butchers boy
of the village. and the unfortunate
recipient of the blows was my old enemy,
Ethan
Without hesitation, rushed to the
scene OF the combat, and pulled Master
Jacob, the butchers boy of from his vic
tim. Jocob lhcreupon rolled up his
sleeves anew, and remarked that he
would give me 'lits." Then. like young
buffalo he came at me. But, rs hc flour.
ishcd his arms in The onset, | caught him
by the wrists. rs in wise.
In vain did he struggle. pulled him
up on his knees so that lie could
neither kick nor bite; then pressed his
hands til he yelled with pain. asked
him If he had enough. jacob was in
very great lage, il WAS ovidcai. out he
did not care about having another turn of
the screw put upon his hands. Aud SO.
when | finally inquired il he would 60
quietly home. without making any more
fuss, Inc answered yes, and kept his word.
As Tor Ethan, he could not have been
more transIixed with wonder il he had
seen me hy up in tho air, or DO any other
marvellous thing. As approached him.
he was stupid with silent aslonshment.
Ethan. said /, carclcsSly, 'rou see /
have turned over new Leaf. Hereafter.
any one who ventures to impose upon
me, or upon another in my presence, will
have first to prove that he is stronger in
the wrists than l. DO YOU thipk am
right"
~ es." siammered Ethan.
Snake hands on it. then. said |.
Ethan gave NE his hand. but. as |
squeezed it rather too cordial pressure.
he nicd to pull it away, at the same time
u!Iering cry of pain.
"What is The matter ?" exclaimed.
You squeezed rather hard, " he replied.
why do you not squeeze Lacl; again? ?"
said /. pressing his hand again, till he
uttered another cry Of pain.
That will do'' said he trying hard to
force = smile. Ills last words were pro
phclic. lie was thencefor,h the most
peaceful boy in school
\ week after this adventure, rs | was
trying 10 pitch n large stone beyond
certain mark on tie ground, Mr.. Stanley
tapped me on the shoulder.
"What have you been doing to Ethan p
said he. shaking his lore finger at me.
Returning good for evil. answered l.
Letting him see, at the same time"
added Mr.. Stanley. "whal you could do
If YOU would, Ell? Well, Paul. was not
right in my advice? Returning good for
evil Is best shown when. having the power
10 return evil, we render good. And
this: The boy who eglecls to
develop his physical strength, may neglect
it at the expense of his mental strength
also"