American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-10-18

And yet, Larned, half of that sum
each week, with the money my father
paid in advance last term, would put
me through my college course, and do
all the rest beside.'
F." You are crazy!" exclaimed Basil.
"Oh, no" replied Gilbert. 81 have
done little else than reckon it up for the
past two weeks
For the first time in his life Basil
Larned knew what it was to be honestly
and overwhelmingly convicted of sin.
He had spent $50 Il week in prodigal
living " sundries,'' as he called
these absurd expenses-while Il quarter
of that sum would suffice to give de-
serving young man the advantages he
so longed for. Why had his father al
lowed him to be SO eXtravagant? he
asked himself; and then his thought
Travelled over to his room, where, in a
private drawer, reposed several jewels
in their beds of downy pink. The seed
planted by his grandfather had certain
~ been sprouting, for so far he had
not even been able to send the cameo
set to the lady who had won the rowing
match.
There was silence between these two
young men for several minutes, and
then Basil said, in tone which told
how fast his heart was beating, MY
grandfather said that all l needed TO
make II man of me was a course of pinch.
l shall probably never have any to speak
of myself; and, Hazcn, there's one thing
sure, if you care Il fig what becomes of
me you will let me share yours
"What do you meanP" inquired Gil
bert, flushing scarlet.
"Just this, old fellow. I haven't had
any roommate yet, and if you really
want to turn out Il minister you shall
have me to preach to till you get Il
larger audience. I'm considerable more
than half converted now. For heaven
sake, don't say no, if you care what be-
comes of fellow
"And you want to divide your spend
ing money with me?" asked Gilbert, in
trembling tones.
"Yes, sir!" said Basil. "And you'll
never, not when you are settled over the
wickedest church in creation, or minis
tering to the spiritual wants of the vilest
heather, have such chance of doing
good as you have at the present writing.
Shake hands, now, and call it square,
Hazen.'
The young man extended his hand,
but not word could he speak He
knew that all his companion had said
was true, and that no man would prob
ably have a better field to commence
work upon. Surely the Lord had open
ed a way, and Ohat a way! SO in ST
lence they walked into college together,
and up stairs to Basil's room. A few
moments after Basil wrote the following
letter to his grandfather:
DEAR GRANDFATHER: 1t was considera-
BILE of Il job you put upon me, but Pm aw-
hundred by any larger number. If you had,
your course of pinch wouldn't have worked
worth cent. As 1t is, 1t will suffice one fell
low for the rest of his education, and anoth
er fellow for caramels and postage stamps.
In conclusion, dear grandfather, let me say
there are some articles of jewelry i'm my pos
session which would like to have you dis
pese of for cash, which will be carefully ex-
pended for both fellows, by
Your affectiOuate BASIL.
Four years after the above happen
ings Gilbert Hazen was settled over Il
fiourishing church. Basil chose mer-
camille business, and from that day to
this has been the minister's staunchest
friend.
What Strengthened me out,'' said
Basil, on a recent occasion, "was an
other fellows Course of Pinch. ~
Eleanor Kirk, in the Christian Union.