The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-04-28
Ghildren's Golmmil.
FOUND TRUE.
MRS. ]. B. MOORE BR1sToR.

and what coarse boots! Well, we shant
have much to do with him, anyway. ~
Lewis, and l were chums that year.
l can't say that the intimacy was of any
real benefit to me. l acquired greater
knowledge of elegance and style in dress
than before, and could Judge much more
accurately of the fit of boys garments
after 1 had been with Lewis; but as for
mental and moral improvement, it would
be hard to say what | gained. Merely
to look at Lewis was pleasant with his
fine features, large brown eyes, and grace
full figure, just then arrayed in suit of
perfectly fitting cashmere with stylish
cravat, and overcoat of fur beaver, closely
fitting over all. .d9 III
Robert Archer was the new scholar
whose outfit had been SO criticised. He
was poor, and dependent largely on his
own exertions for support. That was
why his clothes were OF such rough ma
terlal and make. But he was full of
ambition and energy, and if the two
boys had been thrown out in the world
on their own resources only, Lewis would
have been at the lowest round of the lad
der, while Robert by diligence, patient
industry, and never emitting an oppor-
tunity to help himself honestly, would
have been several rounds above. csaz
IL is what we do for ourselves that
shows character, not what has been done
for us by others
Because Robert had had to work for
himself, most of the boys thought them
selves justified in coolly ignoring him.
1t must have cut him very much, but he
rarely showed that he felt it, and Kept on
his way, silently going ahead of many of
these rude lads in study. a aFi
That Christmas Robert was. very anx-
ious to get work He seemed to have
some special reason for wanting it
Most likely to get new suit" said
Lewis sarcastically; I'm sure he needs
one" .!.4'rg,y -51q fr1rflr
Whatever 1t was, out of school and
study, hours, Robert was indefatigable.
He ran errands, was actually seen shov-
cling coal, carrying baskets of wood, and
even came to our house to ask my father
if he could give him something to do.
There twas bright flush on his cheek
when he saw me, but he turned away his
head after saying, well, Harry" and
kept on at his work. .-.-l - evss
1t must have been terribly unpleasant
for him at the Cliffords. No one knew
what a sharp struggle it cost him before
he could ask for employment there, and
when he got it he must have had many
cut lfrom Lewis. @ ssl
When all this work was over, and he
came to school in the same poor clothes,
Lewis declared he was Disgusting
miser, loving money for its own sake,
close and mean. And most of the boys
thought no more deeply or intelligently
than Lewis.
That December was unusually mild
and genial, and some of us went down.
to the river boating. Lewis and I we're
among the number, starting in little
row-boat from, the shore. oiIIewis did not
pay attention to what he was told about
keeping quiet in the boat, resenting d.
rection from one whom he thought his
inferior. As he moved, the boat upset.
Lewis s-own weight probably would not
have done the mischief but there were
two other boys who would not be .guided,
and this was the result We were not
far from shore and ID the others could
SWIM. I1alone was ignorant, and help
less. Lewis did not wait moment but
swan at once for shore, None of us had
noticed that Robert Archer was employed
helping to load or unload steamer
which lay near. Without delay he
sprang into the water, and swan towards
me as I rose thelsecond time, .f. I'll
Lean save you, Harry" he said, "if
you will let me take hold of you. Don't
you touch me- If you do, I will have to
throw you off, for you would take us both
down"
had read of persons being drowned
from clinging to one who was trying to
save them, and had often thought Of
their folly.
Something in Roberts firm, hopeful
voice gave me confidence, and resisting
the strong inclination felt to grasp him,
I-let him take hold of my coat collar,
and swan with megto shore. The by
ISLANDERS gave a cheer as,we reached it
safely o. Nl|I ~
Where Lewis was lido not know, but
Robert did not leagelt me II meyer once
thoughtsof his old clothes ~ he took me
home and listened to nay raether's heart
felt thanks. a few days later he came
to my father to have him draw a check
for fifteen .doflars for which he had been
working, MOTTO Lbty anv, thing for him