Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1889-11-09

his mother.
Charley took down the little we'll
worn Bible in which he always loved tc
read aloud to his mother. Turning tc
the 31th of Corinthians, he slowly read
the first six verses.
| "Do you think, mother" he asked
"that this forbids seeking any other
for ones self? 1t says 'seeketh not
her own
at is not necessary for us. to settle
the bearing of this on the question OF
prize in school. But one question
comes nearer to the case in hand Do
you think that in strict honesty the
star would be y0ar OaOn, if you gained
it, not by superior scholarship, but by
your more prosperous circumstances,
and Henry's hindrance through his
mothers necessities? The only value
of the sign is in the thing signifed.
To me this badge would mean, not
that my boy was better scholar than
Henry, but only that his father was
richer than Henry's mother"
Mother, | don't want the star at
all" said Charley with a resolute
effort, "that is, if Henry can get it.
| am going around now, if you are
willing, to show him about the arith-
metic, and to ask his mother to ar
range, if possible, so that he can attend
school constantly the next six weeks"
Mrs. Colten's consent to the latter
arrangements was easily gained, especi'
ally when Charley had begged per-
mission to assist in doing the errands
after school hours. The obstacles in
arithmetic were cleared away, so that
the two rivals started on their friend
ly race with fair field and no favor
to either. Henry had been at the end
of the class just the same length of
time that Charley had been, before
him, when three weeks before the
examination, he was taken sick. 1t
would be difficult to say which of the
two classmates was most disappointed
at this arrangement of thier plans
Charley watched the progress of the
fever almost as anxiously as Mrs.
Collen, and daily beset the doctor, to
learn the prospect of speedy recov-
cry.
The third week had arrived before
Henry was able to be dressed, and
breathe the outer air for few min
utes of the day. Examination day
came, and by Charley's earnest entrea-
ties the invalid was permitted to be
present on the important OCCASION
He sat next his friend and leaned
upon him when, too weary with the
effort and excitement. After many
less interesting exercises, the President
arose, and with some words of explain
alton, proceeded to confer, us he said,
the highest mark Of honor ever receiv-
ed in the institution. The star was
awarded "to Charles Morris, for
punctuality of attendance, propriety
Of department, and success in scholar
ship"
There was moment Of almost
brcathless attention through the
crowded audience, as Charley walked
to the foot of the platform, and was
seen to address a few words to the
President. Those who were present
could hear him say:
"The star, sir, does not rightfully
belong to me. Henry Colten has
worked harder than | to obtain it.
He is a better scholar, and but for
sickness, would have been at the head
of all his classes"
After a moments consultation with
the gentlemen on the platform the
President replied:
"The faculty, Morris, prefer that
you should retain the star, as you have
literally fulfilled the conditions pre-
scribed."
at would not be right, sir" said
Charley, firmly, though with tremb-
ling voice, 81 beg you will give it to
Henry"
'In that case you must yourself
bestow it" said the President. Henry
Gotten will come forward"
Henry unsuspecting what was going
on, advanced, his pale face flushed
with wonder and excitement. Charley
STOPPING down fastened the star upon
his breast, and then supported him
back to his seat. The noisy applause
of the audience Jared almost painfully
upon his heart, full as it was of a
deeper joy than earthly fame can give
the joy of obedience to the precept,
-"In honor preferring one another"
In his mothers loving smile he found
full reward for the sacrifice of his
selfish ambition. Coveting earnestly
the best gifts he had found in the spirit
of brotherly kindness, "a more excell-