Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-07-07
How John GOOdnow Got His Own Way. ,

9iaos wis lull vi nopplnS, Hutlerln5 ana
creeping things rs wheat beard is of
grain. Those tiny little creatures seemed
to find life so pleasant and comfortable,
and the glisten and swish" of John
Goodnow's scythe so very old and anus
ing that they kept little out of his way
as be moved, and when he stopped to
whet his scythe they fiocked around and
settled on his boot legs, on the rim of his
hat, and even in the creases of his shirt
sleeves, to see how he did it.
John Goodnow was just sixteen. He
was "a manly boy, strong, straight and
good looking. He had plenty of spirit
and energy, and liked what he was doing
well enough; but he had some ideas in
his head which made him think he could
DO something else much-very much bet
Ter. Johns father did not happen to think
about John rs John thought about himself.
This very often happens between parents
and their children. Your parents are
older and wises than you, but then you
boys and girls often think great deal
nsEe, and and with more good sense than
You get credit for. When your parents do
lot think as you do about what you are to
he and do in life, it is hard to tell which is
he wisest, and there is no sure rule to
ielp you out; but will tell you one little
Ting that think will be good to remem-
Ter; it is very much in your own power to
tecide for yourself, to get your own way
W giving it up, as John did.
81 wish father could see this as l do,
, ohm thought.
He had put the milestone in his pocket,
md was once more leaning to the scythe.
"Of course can be a farmer, and of
course farmers are as necessary rs presi-
dents; and farmer can be president
and eat potatoes and corn in the white
house, instead of hoeing and hilling them
in the field. But l want to be lawyer,
and that settles it for me. l just wish it
would do as much for father. He did look
queer when l told him | didn't believe u
lawyer that was always hankering after a
farm would amount to much in lawyerin'. .
Mother said: DO let the boy have his
way; it's his life he's got to live. you
know, not yours
"She's so sensible, and Just the best
mother in the world. | made up my
mind, when she said that, that if | did get
my way, I'd just like to be the one to fix
Uncle 81. Stingy old fellow I'd make
him pay mother what he owes her. Guess
he knows it, and that's why he looks at
me so sour, and tells father to keep him
ut the plow. He'll never come to nuthin'
moonin over them lyin' lawyer books. "
John smiled with Il bright, mischievous
look, as if he had already won the case
against his uncle.
Then he whistled til he came to the end
Of the swath. He liked the sweet, fresh
smell that rose from the cut grass.
II know farming is good, useful
work." he thought, "and pleasant when
one likes it; but want to do what can
do best, and Pm sure it's law. When
things happen, | want to know how they
happen, and who was wrong, and how to
fix things so that they'll happen right. 1t
Just makes me tingle all over when l get
hold of a case, and read up all about it,
and can talk it over with mother. She's
smarter than steel trap, and might have
been lawyer herself. But l can't show
of to father at all. He shuts right down
on me so-almost makes me think don't
know anything, after all. He's real
good father, though, and l should hate to
disappoint him."
John set his lips, and his young face
looked troubled. He cut the swath very
neatly to the edge of the brook as he went
along.
Il told him I'd say no more about it,
now," John went on thinking, as he look.
ed at the pretty ripping stream which
kept up such a merry little song over its
round pebbles, land promised him that
I'd stick to the farm for this year, and dc
my best to like it. and so | will. Mother
said: 1t isn't because he doesn't like you
to be a lawyer; it's because he thinks
YOU aren't old enough to Judge; and he
thinks good farming is the best and mobiles,
work in the world, and that you CAM
help liking it if you try. But he won't
stand in your way, moment, my boy
when he sees that you know your own
mind. You just yield to him first, and
he'll yield to you last"
1t was nearing noon, and the sun wa:
hot. John lifted his hat just enough tc
wipe his forehead; then resting his scythe
upon the bank, he leaned against its curv
ing handle. He looked well as he stoot
there, like boy who would one day be Q
man of purpose, and will to carry out his
purpose. He was tired-just tired enough
to make rest sweet. He looked across The
little hollow at the foot of the meadow
towards his home. lie was very hungry
and glad to see a little girl coming dowr
the path through the hollow with pail il
her hand. "Thank goodness! there!
Kitty coming with the lunch. I'm hungry
enough to eat u crow, feathers and all.
know just what's in that pail-ham sand
wich, Il big slice Of brown bread, bottle
of milk or sweetened water, and some o
mothers apple pie, with a slice of cheese
Hurry upn' he shouted aloud in strong
pleasant voice" hurry up, Kitty, dear
I'm as hungry rs cat"
When the end of the year came, Mr.
Goodnow did not wait for John to speak
On New Years eve, just before bed time
he laid.dow his paper, crossed the room
put his hand on Johns shoulder, and, a
if only an hour instead Of seven month
had passed since he had last spoken o
what he wished John to be. he said
Well, my boy, speak out; will We b.
farmer or lawyerp'
John rose quickly and looked at hi
father. u will be a lawyer, if can,
said he. But, father, l do wish yol
could like it, and his voice trembled ;
little.
81 do like it-I like it very much,
said Mr.. Goodnow, quickly; :" for if y
can do so we'll as ye have done at wor
ye don't take to, I'm sure yell prove
master hand at what yer hearts so sot on
Ye've helped me in my way and I'll hel
ye in yourn. Ye shall have the bes
sehoolin' in law that money can buy. an
ye've shown that yell do the rest yerseli
Happy New Year, my boy" Mr.. Good
now held out his hand, and John took
with a grip that made his father wine
and smile at the same time.
Then John went to his mother. who, c
course, kuew all about it, and was n
happy, yes, happier than her boy over tn
happiness which he had earned so vel
When he went to his own room he was S
busy thinking that it was some time be
fore he looked up; but when he did b
started, and shouted Jerusalemm rs
the word had been bullet and he tn
gun. On the wall over the table wer
ihree pictures which had not been ther
before. One was of Charles Sumner
one of Rufus Choate and one of Abraham
Lincoln. On the table beneath was thi
note in his mothers hand:
81 want you. my own good boy,
learn what you attempt to know MS thol
oughly, and do what you believe to b