The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1884-04-24
ALWAYS IDLE.

The setting sun was tinging the trees
with ruddv gold, casting purple sha-
dows over the rocky mountains out
lined against the skies, falling and
bathing the little red schoolhouse with
unequalled glory.
School was oyer-at least, the chill
dren were supposed to have left, but
even now a few fingered behind, talk
ING with great animation over the COM
inc holidays and the priZe-drawing.
Il expect Bert will be first in COM
position; his essays are always best" !"
one boy remarked.
''Yes, if he tries" answered the
other little dolefully. 81 wish he
wouldn't, then there would be a chance
for one of us.
Try! Of course he will. l say,
Bertr' Tom cried, as tall bright
looking boy passed.
Yes; what is it?''
-'Are you going in for the compost
tion?"
Il should rather think so," Bert
cried in surprise ''Why?"
Il thought | should like to know.
You see there might be chance for
me if you didn't. You are sure to car
ry off the prize
Bert smiled and tossed his head
proudly.
'Well, yes, perhaps You see, 1 am
always first. There is not one of you
can't beat"
You forget Sidney Lennox."
''Lennoxr' Bert echoed scornfully.
Il am not afraid of him."
Hes awfully clever when he chooses
to exert himself"
Eyes, when he does; but you know
he is always idle. / do not think l
shall have him for rival"
mo, don't either What pity he
is such an idle boy, always dreaming
never doing. Now, if | only had
one-half his brains, | would beat the
whole lot."
Bert smiled again, little triumph
| antly; he knew he had nothing to fear
from Tom, and after few more words
the boys parted.
But it so happened that the few care
less words spoken by them were not
unheard.
They had been standing beneath the
school-room window, never thinking
that anyone was there; but a pale
dreamy-lo6king boy, sitting by the
open easement, dividing his attention
| between his unlearned lesson and the
beautiful sunset scene beyond, had
caught the words.
As he listened the thoughtful look
died away, and was succeeded by one
of mingled surprise and indignation,
the deep flush rising to his brow, show
ing the words had struck some hidden
chord in his heart, rousing him from
his dreams to reality.
always dreaming-neyer doing"
came waited up on TIE summer breeze,
and Sidney felt, with shame, how true
those words were.
A sudden thought fitted through his
mind, and he pondered long after the
boys had gone away, until new re-
solve shone in his dark eyes, new
earnestness settling on the broad
brow; and rising, he flung his book
aside, and went in search of his mas
ter.
''Mr. Selton."
''Ah, Sidney, is it you? Have you
mastered your lesson?" the school
master asked.
"Yes; but it is not that l wished to
speak about. 1t is that l want to put
my name down for the composition
prize.
Mr.. Selton gazed in some surprise at
his pupil; it was very unusual for him
to ask to enter into the lists of compet-
itors for the prizes, but he said kindly
enough:
Very well, Lennox. l am glad to
see you are willing to work. | only
wish you would always try"
Il am afraid | am always too idle,
sir, but think | will turn over a new
leaf now, and begin afresh; perhaps /
shall get on all right
Il am sure you would if you tried;
you are intelligent enough" said the
master.
Sidney flushed slightly at the praise,
and he inwardly determined to prove
the truth of the words, so with this re-
solve he went home prepared to work
earnestly and diligently.
Bert Linton was very much sur
prised. when the list of competitors
was read aloud, to hear the name of
| Sidney Lennox, and for moment his
confidence of gaining the prize was
shaken, then he frightened up, for it
was well known that sometimes Len
nox commenced a thing, then with his
usual dreamy Indifference left it, and
forgot that he had ever began.
Il did not know that you were go
ing in for this, he said later to Sid