The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1883-08-04
THE "BREAKING Boy"

1t seemed that Geoff was the most
unfortunate boy in the world for he
was nearly always in trouble. And vet
he was not exactly bad boy. for he
did not wish to displease his mother and
father, and was greal deal happier
when they praised than when they
blamed him. Sometimes, when he sat
down TO think, which was not often,
he tried to find out the reason of his mis-
fortunes, and one day he thought he
had it. r .. ;..y
II am too strong he said. THAT
is what is the matter with me. As soon
as | touch a thing it seems to break
Only to-day l took hold of plate. |
think it must have been cracked; but,
at all events, it came in two in my
hand, and of course | got the blame of
breaking it. 1t must bG because am a
great strong fellow. Fred is different;
he would not have broken the plate if
he had held it for an hour, but then he
has no strength at all in his hands.
Mother, the best thing you can do is to
starve me little, and then, perhaps,
you would not have to call me break
ing boy" i3'g +
Before Geoff's mother could answer
sister spoke. ...
at is very well for you to try to dis
pose OF the matter in that way" she
said; "but surely you know that it is not
your strength, which is in fault"
al don't know. Let me prove it to
you,' said Geoff. "Look here, / take
up this DOLL
Geoff was interrupted by scream.
His little sister Annie flew to the rescue
of her favorite.
30 Geotf. put down that doll! ! be-
tieve If you only look at her she will
break. Now see, she is broken" Il,
Annie began TO cry, and poor Geoff
looked shcepish. But he tried to COM
fort his little sister, and wished fervent-
ly that he had half crown in his peck
ct at the moment to give her.
Il declare only gently tried to
straighten the dolls arms, and one of
them must needs come out directly. 1t
is too bad that the dolls arms should be
made soft and weak. If l had doll
she should be strong''
Nothing but an iron doll would do
for YOU" said Annie, resentfully; land
/ believe you would contrive to break
that, somehow or other"
''Now don't be cross, Annie. A
broken arm is not nearly as bad as a
broken head; but is it not strange that
l can not touch thing without break
ing itP"
THAT is not quite the case" said
Geoff's mother. ''You do not break
everything you touch, and | suppose it
is only the fragile things that come to
grief. But you need to practice gentle
ness, my boy. You have large and
strong hands, and you use unnecessary
force. Only this morning, when you
it as if it were something that would
slip away, or something heavy that
needed all your power to retain it. Ii
my arm had been soft, / am not sure
that also would not have been broken"
80, mother, am sorry. Did l really
hurt your
"a little, Geoff; but did not mind
1t, and l only speak of it in hope that
you may be careful in the future
II declare" said Nellie, THAT if
Geoff catches hold of my arm when we
4 are at play, it is always black and blue
for day or two afterwards
Nonsense, said Geoff; but he looked
sorry and panied. guts3i .br54
Il am sure, mother, something must
be DONE" he said, presently; ''y6u must
put me on short commons. and then,
perhaps, Ishall get thin and weak
but, my boy, | do not want you to
get thin and weak. Strong hands are
needed in this world, and hope yours
will do some good and useful work
when you are little older. You must
try to cultivate kindly heart and a
thoughtful spirit. and then you will