The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-08-11
Ghilaren's Column.
NO!

Clear, sharp and ringing, with an
emphasis which could not fail to arrest
attention.
=" l don't often hear such negative as
that, remarked one gentleman to an
other as they were passing the play
ground of the village school. II q
1t is not often any one hears it. The
boy who uttered it can say 'yes,' too,
quite as alphabetically. He is a new
conner here, an orphan, who lives with
his uncle about two miles off. Hefwalks
in every morning, bringing his lunch,
and walks back at night He works
enough, too, to pay his board, and does
more towards running his uncles farm
than the old man does himself. He is
the coarsest dressed scholar in school
and the greatest favorite. Everybody
knows just what to expect of him."
Quite character should like to
see him. Boys of such sturdy makeup
are getting to be scarce, while the world
never had more need of them than now. " ;
All that is true; and if you wish to
see Ned come this way
They moved on few steps, pausing
by an open gate near which group of
lads were. discussing some exciting ques-
ton 2" ,fe-0 p trag
at isn't right, and 1 won't have any
thing to do with it. When say no, 1
mean it, @
"Well, any way, you needn't speak
so loud and tell everybody about it, y
was responded impatiently to this declar-
alton.
I'm willing everybody should hear
what I've got to say about it. I won't
take any thing that don't belong to me,
and won't drink cider any way"
Such fuss about little fun! It's
just what we might have expected. You
never go in for fun"
never go in for doing wrong. 1
told you no, to begin with. And you re
the ones to blame if there's been any
fuss"
Ned Dunlap, should like to see you
q minute '.. n
Yes, sir" And the boy removed his
hat as he passed through the gate and
waited to hear what Mr.. Palmer might
say to him. a',' 81. 100 1-.r' NO
" Has your uncle any apples to sell?"
No, sir. He had some, but he has
sold them. I've got two bushels that
were my share for picking. Should you
like to by them, sir?" I-,u
Yes,.if we can agree upon the price.
Do you know just how much they are
worth2"
Eyes sir"
All right then. I will call for them,
and you may call at my house for the
pay"
This short interview afforded the
stranger an opportunity to observe Ned
Dunlap closely. The next day a call
was made at his uncles, and although
years elapsed before he knew what a
friend he had gained that day his for
tune was assured After he had grown
to manhood and accepted a lucrative
position, which was not OF his seeking,
he asked why it had been offered him.
Because [ knew you could say no
if occasion required, answered his en-
ployer. " No was the first word I heard
you speak, and you spoke it with will.
More people, old and young, are ruined
for want Of using that word than for any
other cause. They don't wish to do
wrong, but they hesitate and parley un-
til the tempter has them fast. The boy
or girl who is not afraid to say no is
reasonably certain Of making an honora-
bic man or woman"
Yes" is a sweet and often loving
word. tA ~ hr Q
mo" is a strong, brave word, which
has signalled the defeat of many a
scheme for the ruin of some fair young
life Temperance Banner.