The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-03

to the bowler. From the next ball he
"snicked" one, then they ran another
"bye," then Charlie made two, at which
there was much cheering, as that made
"a tie." And now, if he could but make
the winning hit The bowler had already
shown some signs of losing his temper
and the fact that boy should be more
than he could master, upset whatever
balance of amiability he. might have pos
sessed. So the next ball was delivered
with great violence, and it struck Char
lie full in the face, cutting his lip open
and knocking him senseless. In mo-
ment he was surrounded by group OF
sympathizing fellows, and while one ran
to a pool near by for little water, an
other undid his collar, and third wiped
the blood from his poor, dis6gured
mouth.
1t was not long before he recovered
consciousness, and the first thing he
thought of was the post-office order.
Clearly it was impossible for him to get
to the town in that state, so he asked a
boy whom he knew to go for him, promis-
ing him sixpence if he got back in time
for post. He said, moreover, that he
would wait on the battle-ground for him
News of the accident, however, was not
long in reaching Charities home, and. his
father was soon on the ground. Much
against his will Charlie was compelled to
accompany him home, though, before he
went, he besought some men standing
near to send the messenger on to his
fathers the moment he arrived from the
Office, and this they promised to do.
+ When Charlie reached home the first
thing he did was to tell his mother that
the order would soon arrive, and thai
he was very sorry he had disobeyed her
and she replied that it was much more
serious for him than it was for her
though she, too, was sorry he had been 6
disobedient boy
But, indeed, mother" he said, I"
did not mean to stay at the cricket field
only there was man away, and they
asked me to play till he came, and
did't like to refuse. Besides, how was
to know that should be hurt?"
To all of which the mother replied
The best way always, Charlie, is t.
do as you are told If you had only
obeyed me, this trouble would not have
come upon you. There is an old saying
The path of duty is the path of safety.
And you will find as you grow older {
new meaning to those words, To obey
is better than sacrifice Butt won't say
anything more to you to-day my boy
Your own conscience will be sufficient
monitor, and the pain you do, and viii
have to, endure will be sufficient punish
ment."
And Charlie found the punishment
by no means slight one, for when the
doctor came it was found necessary tc
stitch up the severed lip, and though the
patient bore it like man, it hurt him
none the less. And the lesson that was
impressed upon his mind by his mishar
was one that in after years he found most
conducive to his success in life. He gave
expression to his thoughts on the sub ect
in more phrases than one, but the par
ticular form in which he most delighted
to put it was, Business first, and pleas
ure after"
may add, as this is a true story thai
the post-office order did come in time, SC
that Mr.. Bourne was saved some annoy.
ance in addition to the pain felt in his
loving heart for the thoughtlessness o.
his son.