Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1882-06-21
The Boy W no hadn't Half n
chance.

ringing
Not going 10 school to-day
| HIS mother said nothing more. How
could she send boy to school, who
had but half breakfast. and who was
out at elbews, and knees and toes. But
the father, who, more sober than usual,
Ilounged around the door, reused him.
self at the boys words.
Not going to school, eh! How long
since you came to be your own master!
lIf that's the way you appreciate your
privileges, its high time you lost them.
| Might as we'll stop school any way; you
don't learn anything
Reckon l could if 1 had half chance
said the boy, looking discontented at
bis rags.
4 havn't another patch left to mend
vour clothes with, said his mother sad
lily.
'Oh, it isn't your fault; no one
blames you, mother said Ralph
quickly.
Il s'pose that means that am to
blame for everything that oughtn't to
be. A boy of thirteen ought to be
able to earn himself suit OF clothes,
| to say nothing Of his bread and butter
Lots Of good it would do me to earn
ANYTHING muttered Ralph, sullenly.
| Uusually, he would not have dared to
say so much in his fathers presence,
but this morning he hardly cared what
he did or what might follow. Usually
too. he would have paid dearly for such
a speech, but now Mr.. Allen only said;
You're au impudent young rascal
put seeing l hav'nt done as we'll by
| you as 1 might, I'll make a bargaio
with you. Every cent you can earn
you may have, but not a bite to eat
nor rag to wear besides. Do you un-
der,tand ? Now be off and sec wha
you're worth
| All right answered Ralph, picking
up his ragged hat.
| you won't go out Of town:' said his
| mother, anxiously, as be passed out.
| No, no without letting you know
bs answered from outside the gate
From simple force oHhabit, and with
out any definite purpose, he took the
. road to the schoot-house, and found
himself at the door lust as the noisy
troop were entering. Might as well
| 90 in. too he said to himself, and he
. did. Bat his books remained unopen-
ed. and when his class was called Sal
still in his seat. His teacher was sure
. from his look that he was sick or 10
trouble, and knowing something OF hi'
home life, thought bcs. to pay no at
!, teution at the time. At recess, how
T ever, she went and sat down beside
hin.
| No lessons to-day, Ralph? she ask
:. ed pleasantly.
Not coming to schoo anymore
why, how is that"
+ Got TO earn my own living
g. oh, work, Is it; well that's not ba'
excuse for leaving school. what are
you going to do?
That's what I've got to find OUT
Don t know yet.'
I erhen the first thing is what can 20
do?'
Not much of anything never hat
}halF chance 10 learn and he looked
enylously at Louie Hatten, who wa
passing through the room-a boy OF hi
own age, we'll fed, well furnished will
all a school boy could ask. Mss Lei
tt followed The direction OF his glance.
" why, Ralph she said. 1 think yo'
have better chance than Louie 10
making a man OF fyourscli.'
Don't see how that can be-
Can you swimF Ralph looked W
very much astonished. He was an ex
pert swimmer, but he did not see hoV
!, that would help him IN trying to max
something Of himself.
Il can, that he answered emphat
cally.
j.. Did you learn by having some on
hold on to you all tho time, keeping 20
out OF deep water"
o Guess fellow wouldn't learn muc'
- that way. Had TO 60 it myself
) Then, why isn't better to go, 1t your
At SELF In other things?' Havnt you
J. better chance than boy who has
.. everything done for him. who is al"ay
n n as far as possible, kept out OF danger
N never allowed TO make effort eaouSl II
re sny direction, to tire him?'
n Never thought OF that before sal
d Ralph. Aud while he thought oil ii
m his teacher thought Of something else
'will you carry note TO Mr. Scot
for me?' she askeds
l..