The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-11-30


You couldn't see it from the other side,
for some grass and weeds that grew
just there and the way the sun was.
And l knew that, medal or no medal, l
should have stopped to unfasten it, too.
But at least l tried to think that it
was not l who put it there, that if
Jack had been first he would have left
1t so, but was not so sure Of that.
Moreover, Jack did not come, and we
were told what to do about next day,
and given notes of invitation for our
parents, and all went on as usual, only
Jack Spicer's shiny red head was not to
be seen as usual, and know every body
thought of that as we'll as /, only not
as l did. AS l went slowly home, no
ticed that the wire was gone.
mo dement's" said my uncle; I'll
buy the watch tomorrow"
But could not smile; felt wretched
-wicked-murder0uS 1 couldn't help
letting mother see my scratches and
bruises, and got lots of pity and lotion
for them, but they didn't ache as my
conscience did.
And when l went to school next morn
ing in my best suit, with carnation in
the buttonhole Of my jacket, I'd have
given the world to see Spicer standing
in his place; yes, and to see him get the
medal too.
Well, there we all were. Mother,
father, Uncle Jack and Sister Tillywere
all in the audience. We went through
our exercises, and we sang, and we
drilled; and then the prizes were given
out-last of all, the gold medal to the
perfect" boy.
AT last DR.. Brown rose up and looked
about him and made his speech, and
ended thus:
But for an accident which occurred
yesterday two of the competitors would
have been entitled to draw for the
medal; but Jack Spicer-perhaps tho
most meritorious pupil in the school
injured himself severely by falling over
the path, we believe. He is very i'll
at home, and was yesterday; but his
mother tells me that, injured as he was,
he unfasted the wire before he crawled
to Dinah Burroughs little cottage for
help. We all regret the absence of
our young friend, especially from such
cause"
A little murmur of pity arose.
''Henry Martini" said DIR. Brown, "you
are entitled to the medal"
l saw my mother smile. Uncle Reu-
ben waved his hand to me; but l did not
feel glad and triumphant
/ arose; walked up the aisle; stood
before DR.. Brown, and put my hands in
behind my back.
"Dr. Brown" 1 said, 81 am not en-
titled to the medal. 1t is sort of-of
deception if l took it. l fell over that
barbed wire yesterday, and if I had
stopped to take it down Jack Spicer
would not have been hurt. was hurt
myself, but l came on and left it,
That was Careless" said DR.. Brown;
''but you couldn't know Spicer would
fall
l had my chance out of it then, with
honors, too; but couldn't be so mean
as to stop there.
CDR. Brown, I said, 81 heard Spicer
coming. knew he must fall. l want
ed him to fall. OF course, didn't think
of his hurting himself so much. But it
was any thing to get ahead of him. 1
think, if you please, that ought not to
have the medal. l deserve the biggest
demerit for being so contemplate that
ever you gave me yet"
l was hot and red, and I was trembling
all over. But DR.. Brown reached his
hand over the desk.
81 give you the demerit," he said.
''Shake hands. You shall carry Jack
Spicer his medal. He is the only boy
who has none in the SCHOOL,
Then every body cheered, and l came
near crying, and saw my mother doing
it.
DR.. Brown went with me to take Spi-
Ger his medal, and he was very glad;
and the doctor-Jhe pill doctor, mean
said it helped to make him get we'll
sooner.
And what do you think? Uncle Reu-
ben gave me the watch!
You'll understand why when you are
older, my lad" he said.
And Spicer and l have always been
the best of friends ever since.-N. Y.
Ledger.