The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-10-14

carrying big loads The man who had
charge of the horse commenced giving me
a few hints about driving, seeing l was
novice, but l soon shut him up, leading
him to believe / could teach him. Of
course he said no more, and jumped
into the cart feeling at last had begun
to live.
All went we'll at first, though I fear
many who passed on the road were not
at all sure l should not get in contact
with their wheels. At last, while turn
ing corner rather sharply, came upon
a large pleasure van, the driver OF which
called me all sorts of ugly names. and
told me to get on my right side. Now,
In my ignorance, instead of changing to
the proper side of the road, simply
shifted my seat little to the left. At
the same time, the shouts of those near,
added to the close proximity of the van,
so frightened my horse that it started
oft at a rapid pace. used the whip,
thinking to check the beast, but on it ran
till the cart was dashed against lamp
post.
l was found lying on my back with an
ugly cut on my head, though | was quite
unconscious of the fact till found my
self in the ward of hospital here was
laid up for some weeks, my friends being
allowed to visit me occasionally. I was
sorry to hear that my, poor father had
been blamed for allowing me to under
take to drive a cart, when it was clear I
was Ignorant of the very simplest rules of
driving; still, nothing would make me
admit that l was in the wrong, being
strongly of the opinion that the driver of
the van had caused all the mischief.
However, did promise my father that
the next place would not be undertaken
so rashly.
L was soon after engaged in large
warehouse, where many boys were en-
ployed, and l think it proved about the
best school l could have gone to, for in
an incredibly short space of time my fail !
ing was discovered. Here comes wise
acre there's the chap who knows every
thing !" Ask Johnnie can tell you
all about ii" besides many other such ex-
pressions, were continually said in my
hearing, with laugh and a eer, till l
began to think those worked with me the
most horrid set OF lads [ had ever met
with.
They did not have to wait long before
another specimen of my type entered our
employment, so the diversion went on,
but not at my expense The newcomer
was a tall, genteel-looking youth, who
had just left school, and according to his
own account, was the best in his late
school at Latin, French, drawing, the !
three Rs, and could beat all at cricket
and boating. 7 was highly amused
the way this youth was led on---pt
moment by professor admiration,
next by seemingly eager questions as to
his various exploits-till I could see how I
truly uncomfortable he was rendered /
when suddenly he would realize tho fact
that he was being led on to greater
boastings than he had at first intended |
He was constantly put to the test most
unexpectedly to prove his assertions,
much to his discontinue.
l remember on one occasion the French
correspondent was absent. Several of
the boys heard the manager lamentiug
the fact, as some urgent letters required
immediate attention. They lost no time
In telling him that the youth in question
was a good French scholar and could
take the place for a day.
Never shall forget the utter confusion
poor Henry was thrown into when asked
by the manager if he would read and
answer the letters. He stammered, turn
ed red, then pale, which was attributed
by the manager to diffdence, so every en-
couragement was given him to undertake
the task. He pleaded sudden indisposi-
ton, and begged to be allowed to 90
home, which was refused, the matter of
these letters being pressing, and the
manager only too delighted to find he had
a French scholar In the house so moth
ing would do but Henly must 90 with him
into the counting. house. The other youths
meanwhile laughed most immoderately,
and wondered what the sequel would be.
In less than quarter of an hour he was
back in his place, feeling dreadfully dis
concerted to hear the remarks about his
great linguistic qualities. We never
heard what had taken place in the count.
ing-house, but could pretty well guess.
The lesson was not lost on me. From
that day, I don't think anything would |.
have induced me to make believe I knew
more than I did. Upon several occa-
sions sympathy nearly moved me to con-
dole with him by relating 10Y experience;
but rejecting upon the matter, also iudg-
ing how ] should have received such
overtures in my early career, l desisted D
fepling unra fbof no vuor1d ole, loo.r "a. |