The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1880-03-04

began to tcet quite pleased with himself
Ball-playing was the game at that time
Marbles and kites had gone by and moth
ing but bats and balls were seen on the
playground, and I'm not sure but they
| were in the minds of the, boys during
school hours. At least that was the way
the teacher accounted for imperfect les
sons now and then. Tom managed tc
get through the morning in school and al
recess without once getting vexed. HI
came near it once or twice, and when
Will Hammond aecidently overturned
Tom dinncr-pail, causing the apples te
roll around on the floor in careless
manner, and making decided turn.
over" or the section Of culTant-pie, and
then allowing Tom to bear tho blame, il
required all Toms courage to keep from
stalking the top OF his head off, That
was one of TOMS favorite expressions
Not that he ever carried the threat out in
any instance, but it was only his strong
way of putting things. But he thought
"Grcater is he,' etc. in time to save Will
the top of his head; Or. what is moro to
the purpose, in time to save his temper
When he went home at noon, ter his
demolished dinner didn't quite satisfy
his appetite, he said:
'Your recipe works 6rst-rato: mother.
I'm getting great, according to your ideas,
for I've kept my temper all the forenoon
and tell you, it's been under what you
call trying circumstances too. Will
Hammond had to go and upset my dun
ner pail and spoil my dinner, and SO l
lose part OF the game Of ball. And tell
you, mother, it was too bad. I wanted
to punch him; but didn't. Why I'm
getting to be u perfect lamb. Give me a
little more pic, please, and let me hurry
off. l want our side to beat. tell you,
won't get mad once today
tom, let me give you one more verse,
said his mother.
Don't know about that. It's hard
work enough to manage one. But let's
have it. It'll be good know.
ole, not him who puttcth Oh his har-
ness boast as he who takcth it off,
"Humph! That mcans,,I s'posc, that
haven't finished this little battle of mine
yet. Rather discouraglng. But never
mind. I'll think Of it, ii CAM
When he got back to the ground, the
game was ut its height. Toms place
had been filled for him, and he took 1t as
soon as he arrived.
His side was winning, and as he was
in earnest in everything he did he forgot
all but the game. Then IN about min
ute more some one cried out: "Ton,
Gayle don't play fair
"Who says don't play G:jr?" cried
Tom.
II say oo!" said boy on the ether
side.
Say it again, it you dare!'' And
Toms temper was rapidly getting: the
mastery.
Il do say it. Tha, last blov WASH t
fair; and Ill prove it to you, ii you won't
fly into a rage
The boy was John Hollis, q good friend
q Toms: but ne said Tom cheated, and
although he hadn't meant it quite as il
sounded, and though Tom loved llin in
q thorough schoolboy fashion, everything
Of that kind faded out of his mind, and
in less than halt a rainutc he had dealt
John q blow, and then another and al.
other, end the pleasant school playground
was the scene Of that disgrace to school.
boys, fight.
John wasn't Il strong boy, and Tom
was strong and had the strength, which
anger gives; and catching hold oil
Johns arm, he gave 1t twist, and an
instant more John lay, white and
falnting, on the grass. The arm vas
broken, whether from a blow or from
the fall none could tell; but Tom thought
he knew. White! Yes, except for one
Or two ugly marks, and still, as though
dead.
Toms anger was gone, and a great re-
proach sprang up in his heart against
himself.
''Oh, boys! Have killed hlm2'
"Of course you have" cried one.
"Run and tell the teacher,'' cried an
other. And the boys ran this way and
that, while Tom bent over him, ]oosencd
his clothing, and III moment or two.
| had tho satisfaction of seeing him open
| his eyes, and trough his came back tc
consciousness only to grean with pain
the groans were sweet to Toms ears
Anything but that deathly stiffness
Then they helped him up, and Tom and
one or two Of the boys went home with
| him.
Tom stopped and got doctor to &C
! and set the arm, and told all the story
blaming himself most heartily. Then he
rushed home, and his mother, sitting qui
city at her sewing, was astonishcd end
| frightened to sec him, hair ard clothes
IN disorder, face red, and eyes showing
| symptoms Of tears.
atom: Tom! What is the nattcr?
'I'vc been fighting, and I've about
half killed John Hollis-broke his arm
and BACKED his eyes. And oil, dear it S
just as l said. There's no use trying
forgot all about Greater is hc,' and wien
he said cheated, I pitched right into
him. I'm sorry enough; but that don't
help it any.
at may help to help you in the future
Where is John now?''
"He's gone home. went with him
| got doctor, and he's set the arm. Oh
he did look so whitc-John mean. Dc
folks ever die Of broken arms?'<
"Not often. But perhaps / better &C
down to Mrs. Hollis"
Eyes, I wish you would; and want
to go back. They're poor, you know
mother, and John works nights and
mornings, and now he can't"
"You perhaps can do his work. Il
will help to atone for your fault
I'D thought Of that said Tom. II
will if John'll let me'
And they went down to see John. The
arm was set. John WAS pale and sutfc':
ing with pain. Mrs. Hollis was inclined
| to be very angry with the boy who had
brought this upon them, but could not
withstand his pleadings for pardon.
The boys owned each his fault to the
other, and they made up. Tom offered
to perform Johns work while he was laid
up with his arm; and, though Mrs. Hollis
and John were not quite willing at first
Mrs. Gayle said:
"Let him do 1t. It IS only right thai
he should. His hasty temper has wrought
trouble to you. Let him, so far as he can
atone for it,
| And SO it was arranged.
And that night Tom said: "You arr
right, mother Il think you're alway!
| rloht\-abOnt hOast1no vO1, En0w r