The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1880-04-03
WHO SHALL WIN?
n .Storu Of School life.

| NIhEFiN'A 'NN"'Ss =,
of encouraging the study Of Eng
Iish composition among you, am
with this object in view offer I
prize Of ten dollars Tor The hest es
say handed in by any Of you
number, dming ; the present term
upon the subject which I am obou
to announce"
There was hush Of expectation
us the doctor paused.
"1hc subject will be, 'The lesson
to he learned from the life and
character Of George Washington.
| [ have made this selection BECAUSE
you are all familiar with the careel
and characteristics Of this greaI
man, and will, therefore, work OF
an equal footing"
Doctor Folio proceeded to an
nouncc the required length Of the
essavs, and the date at which they
must be handed in. Hc concluded
thus:
Your manuscripts must be
neatly written. and free from blots
a sIoyenIy manuscript will lai! to
receive the prize, whatever its liter
ary merits"
This announcement was received
with nrnGnund interest by the fifty
pupils of the academy. All con
sidered The prize well worth trying
for. TO scllool-bov ten dollars
represents Il large sum. Then,
again, the honor Of carrying it oil
would he great, and confer nm hon
:ornble distinction upon tho lucky
winner. OF course all. the boys
spoke of the prize offer at their
homeS.
One of the boys most interested
was Julian Holmes, son ofa prom
incnt lawyer in Oakland.
at is an excellent thought OF
Doctor EoIio,n said Mr.. Holmes, i'll
II tone Of approval. Il take it for
granted, Julian, that you will com
pete" - IL,
II certainly shall, father" said
Julian.
"lTour chance ought TO be good
one. You are n very good writer
for a boy"
"fcs, father, I think my chance
is good. | only wish felt sure Of
it. The successful writer Is to read
his essay aloud at the exhibition on
The lastday of the term." ."o-E-
Julian's face flushed as lie said
this. for lie was very ambitious, and
had'a large share of approbaIiver
ness. That is, he enjoyed the es-
teen and respect Of his fellow pu'
pills and his friends.
ut would lie very gratifying 10
me. Julian, If You should win the
prize" his father said.
Il will do my best. father"
"a father is naturally proud "i
the success of his children" con
tinur,l Mr.. Holmes. Il am so de
sirUns that you should win this
prize that | will make you III addl-
tional offer"
Julian listened eagerly.
"You have o(tcu aSk0d me to buy
you row-boat, Julian"
Yes, father"
"ShouId YOU carry or this prize,
I will buy you one that you may
feel proud Of.
"0h, thank you, fatlsr!n said
Julian, his eyes sparkling with
pleasure. Glow kind you are
There is pothing ! should like so
we!l!" ~.
"pun't thank Inc yet, Julian
returned his father with a smile,
Bear i'll mind that you haven't
won The prize, or got the boat yet.
"hut mean TO have both, faith
cr," said Julian, confidently.
II hope yoa may, my boy. You
may be sure lllat | shall have Great
pleasure in carrying out NY part oI
the contract.
Thcrn was no fear now but TINT
Julian would exert himself to the
utmost. That his chances were cx'
cellcnt, all his sehool-mates were
agreed. Indeed. it was generally
thought that III 4. prize lay brIwceI
him AMI Harry Carter, y hoy o
about his own age.
There was Il great doal Of differ
cnce between the two rivals in 50
rial position, though as regard
scholarship and talent they were OF
an equality. vt.f
julian, rs I have said, was til,
son Of Il prominent lawyer, who's
large professional income enablc'
him to live in handsome style
while Harry was ths SOL pi a poo
widow, and paid his tuition b!
sweeping out the acatemy and act
ing ls janitor. lie received
small weekly sum in addition t
his tuition. B.
l am glad-to say that Harry W!
none the less respected by hi
school-fcllows because he perform
cd these nlenial duties. lie was
frank. manly boy. and rs ropuIa
as'Julian. In fact, the two boy
were excellent friends, althougI
they were rivals--a fact which wa
creditahle TO both - ~