Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-08-26
The Eldest scholar.
q STORY ruH Rows.

fashioned English market.town Of Wex.
bridge stood the residence Of Mr. Forbes,
gentleman Of some considerable property
In the neighboFhood. The house. which
had acquired the name Of the Red House, "
from It's warm.looking material Of red
brick, lay back a little from the road, aud
was approached by carriage drive Mr..
Forbes family consisted Of his wife aud
an only son, and to-day VIC see Edward
Forbes, lad Of twelve, standing at bis
fathers gate, putting iayorite dog through
a series Of performances. Suddenly the
dog dropped its tail, and crouchcd close to
its masters feet. Edward Forbes flung
him of impatontly, and calling him a lazy
dog vainly tried to get him to jump. No
ontreatics no threats, no blows seemed to
avail, and the lad soon lost bis temper but
the higher his anger rose, the mere difficult
he found it to make the dog obey.
In the midst Of this unpleasant scene a
bright face confronted Edwards, aud a
cheerful voice inquired, " What's the mat
ter 2"
This fellow won't DO as | tell him 20
exclaimed Edward, looking at the new
conner with a very flushed face 81 never
knew him to take such a turn before
Come sirl" he cried, addressing the dog
I'll teach you obedience 81
Poor old Snap" said Richard Free.
man, going over to where the dog lay shiy.
eriug; "let's look at you and gently in.
terposing himself between the dog and BIZ.
angry master, he examined the animal tc
see if be could discover a cause for his ap.
parent dsobedience. Why, his paw il
hurt" he exclaimed, looking up at his
companion. -" He can't bear me to touch
it. think he must have sprained his LEI
jumping, or hurt it against a sharp stone.
As he said this, he took the dog 10 hi,
arms. Come round to the stable" b,
added "and we'll soon set him all right
The wounded animal seemed to understand
the action Of his beneiactor, for he waggeC
his tail, and gave other signs Of satisfaction
As the two boys walked away together
Richard bearing the dog in his arms, it wa
impossible not to notice the disparity which
existed between them. They were nearly
the same age, but there the points of simi
larity ended; for, while Richard Freeman
was clad in a manner which indicated mar
now means, Edward Forbes wore a dress o
very rich material, even for one in his po
sition. Freeman was Of sunshiny temper
ament which unconsciously threw out beam,
of bright humor and happiness wherever hC
went, whilst Edward Forbes was generally
cold and naughty in his manner. even to biz
old school.lellow.
Richard had been for some years at the
"High School, and as one Of the most
promising pupils there, he was lavorite
with the boys. His fathers death, which
had been unexpected, made it necessary for
him to leave school and seek some means
Of assisting his widowed mother, who had
been left with large family.
As they walked up the path together
Edward Forbes was the first to break the 81.
lence. owe miss you very much 10 our
class, Dick, he said; and whether it was
the influence Of his friends happy f.oe that
made his voice sound less harsh or that he
desired to forget as soon as possible bis
own unworthy conduct, it was beyond ques
ton that his tones we're more kind ant
cheerful.
"Ah | often wish could get back t,
you all again; it's serious thing to fine
you have really done school, as have.
just feel now as if knew nothing at all
At first | thought | was delighted at th
thought of leaving school but now | wish
above all things, that could have anothe
six months"
"Why, you knew more than all the res
Of us put together!' interposed Edward.
" Nonsense" said Richard
We miss your help sadly in some o
the lessons" continued Edward.
Mamma heard to-day that DR.. Barne
wants an assistant--some one to wash hi
bottles for him, you know, and do all th
dirty work, )" said Richard turning the sub
ject, with humorous expression on hi
face "and have made up my mind that
If the doctor will have me, I'll 60 to hr
and work night and day to help my mother
Papa knows DR.. Barnes very init
mately," said Edward and | suppose
you went to him you would become docto
some day."
4" don't know about that-it's very ex
pensve; but one might make the attempt
perhaps. There's nothing like trying"
The work would be rather stupid an
dirty" said Edward.
Perhaps so but poor people must no
DO over.particular," answered Richard -
II | we're to wait until heard Of som
employment at which could do as | liked
| think | should wait long time"
They had now reached the stable and i
was pleasant to see the tender way in whicl
Richard Freeman treated the poor wounde,
dog. | begin to feel as if were profes
sional man already" be said, as be tore u
some pieces Of old linen that had beef
brought for bandage; and then. feein.
delicately for the weak place in " Snaps
paw, he bound the foot up, and, having set
tied bed of straw, soon made the ANNA
look and feel comfortable again.
Il think he'll do now" said Richard, Al
he stood up and surveyed his work. al
don't think we need feel his pulse. A lit
tie rest will do all that is necessary"
Edward Forbes could not help smiling a
the CHEEKY sound Of his friends voice, anC
the energy Of his manner, as he superin
tended the necessary arrangements for thu
dogs comfort.
You make as much Of that animal a.
If II were human being" he said with 4
smile.
. Yes; in its own way, suppose, it re-
quires nearly as much attention, )" answered
Richard, with serious face, as he look et
at his friend; and now | must be off," b,
added, "for | have several errands to &c
Tor my mother. Good.by!" And without
waiting for further remark, he darted dowr
the grayel-path and disappeared. Edward
Forbes looked after him in silence for q
few minutes, and then, with an underlined
sense Of having learned something that he
had not known before, turned away, and
went into the house.
When Richard babe his schoolmate,
farewell, be found himself beginning If,
with large treasures Of friendship and gooC
will, but very little else in the way of mean
with which to earn a livelihood. lie had
however, heart full Of love towards God
and he could fear no difficulty 10 life with
such perfect trust 10 his heavenly Father
goodness. He had determined to refuse nc
employment that would contribute to tn,
assistance Of his mother; and when he ap
piled to DR.. Barnes, that gentleman was SC