Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-10-27
.LACK DOANE

Jack Doane had always been considered a
dull boy by his teachers, by the neighbors,
and even by his father. He was seventeen,
and James, a younger brother, was fifteen,
and remarkably bright boy. His father
destined him for the law, but Jack was to
settle down on the farm. He was only fit for
a farmer. The farm was situated half mile
out from Olean, where the boys attended
school. They had completed their studies in
the public schools and were now ready for
the academy.
Jack was dull, every one said so-that is,
every one except his mother She seemed to
understand Jack and to have confidence in
him. She knew that he was slow, but she
had learned that he could be depended upon.
Farmer Doane had determined that Jack
should 60 to work on the farm. But Jack
possessed a dogged determination. lie had
decided to so through the academy, and he
enlisted his mother on his side, and between
them they prevailed and the opening of our
story sees both boys beginning three years
course-James at the head of the class and a
great favorite, Jack at the foot and regarded
as very dull, to say the least.
Jack excelled in one thiug-mathematic
He was slow, to be sure, but he mastered
every principle as he went along. He labor
ed under one great difficulty in school. He
could not explain the principles fuently and
tricate problems, give him time. He never
gave up. Once he worked two weeks on a
test problem given to the class, and he solved
it. But he never made il known. Jack new
er got the credit he deserved. Often he
would come home with his teachers harsh
words ringing in his ears and his schoolmates'
sneers ranking in his heart, and found conso-
lation in a mothers hopeful words.
Never mind, Jack said she you will
come out all right. The race is not always
to the swift nor the battle to the strong. You
have perseverance, and determination. You
are steady, sober and earnest, and these
qualities will bring you through. Remember
the fable Of the hare and the tortoise"
And then she would tell him of eminent
ounces, such as Sir Isaac Newton, Sheridan,
Goldsmith, Scott Dean Swift, Gibbon, Dry
deu, Shakespeare, Milton, and Daniel Web
ster. These were all dull boys in school,
They could not be crammed with knowledge,
they had to reason and think out their con-
clusions.
And Jack would be comforted, and go out
of his mothers presence with lifted head and
a brave heart, resolved that he would not
disappoint her in any particular. And SO he
plodded on through the three years, studying
hard and faithfully, and never leaving a les
son until it was mastered He was never con-
tent to leave anything until he fairly under
stood it, and this, more than anything else,
caused him to fall behind his class, so that at
the end of the course he failed to pass.
1t was observed in the final examination
that he was perfect up to the last year, not
missing question, but beyond this he stood
low. His brother James graduated with great
eclat, however, and went into the Office of
Briggs & Morton TO study law. Jack stayed
one year longer and graduated, and then came
the trial of his life.
The day after his graduation he requested
his father TO send him to the -- Scientific
Institute. Mr.. Doane was astonished.
81 wont do it !" he exclaimed in anger.
"You are only fit to be farmer, and you
have education enough for that. I've spent
all the money for your education that l in
tend to, and you might as well settle down
on the farm and go to work. I'll give you
good chance"
But this was not Jacks plan. He had de-
termined his course, and nothing could divert
him from it. He acquainted his mother with
his intentions, quietly packed his clothes that
night, and the next morning left home before
| any of the family were stirring. His disap-
| pearance caused nine days talk, and then
tho matter dropped. Mr.. Doane made no eff
fort to find him, saying, Hell be glad
| enough to come back of his own accord. 4"
| His mother kept her own counsel and Jack
/ lnOuRuL OF ueT with u lump III MS luIOht IOI
he knew that the $3.50 he had in his pocket
represented the accumulated savings of twen-
ty years of her life.
Five years had passed away, and not a
word had been heard from Jack. James had
been admitted to the bar, had settled down to
a small practice in Olean, was a jolly good
fellow, favorite with the ladies and society
generally, but the staider citizens began to
whisper that he was getting too fond of the
glass II was only a whisper, and most of the
people resented the insinuation. He was still
the most brilliant, fascinating member of the
bar, and the pride of Farmer Doane in par
| ticular.
The railroad boom had reached Olean, and
citizens plunged recklessly into speculation.
| Farmer Doano had taken $40, 600 stock in the
new road, which was to make Olean a large
city and its citizens all millionaires. But the
bubble burst before it had been fairly blown,
and the farm was advertised to be sold by the
sheriff. The process by which this was af
fected was a long one, occupying some
months, and they were sad ones to Farmer
Doane and his wife. James upbraided him
for his folly, and declared that he deserved tc
lose his farm.
"If Jack were only here" said Mrs. Doane
''he would be such comfort-something tC
lean upon"
"Jack is a worthless dog" said Farmer
Doane in reply, "and I'll warrant is begging
his daily bread, or working for his board al
best He would be poor stick to lean on"
The day of sale came, and large crowd