Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1890-12-27
How Jack Kept His Promise.
BY BELLE v. CHRIsHoLM.

Laird's room, and nothing but the
subdued scratch Of forty pens, NOV
ing swiftly and silently across the
two score copy-books, was to be
heard. The Master looked round
over the rows of eager faces before
him with evident approval, and
when the bell tapped for change Of
employment, he said quietly:
"Boys, this afternoon is so beauti-
full, and the ice is in such splendid
condition, that ! have concluded to
give you the half-holiday [ promised
you, and go with you for turn upon
the river. You may put your books
aside, and pass in order down the
stairs. After which, get your skates
ready and wait quietly at the front
gate until l join you"
What merry, light-hearted set of
boys they were as they stood around
in little groups talking in subdued
tones of the pleasures in store for
them that bright wintry afternoon.
Presently lad of thirteen made
his appearance, swinging his satchel
of books in his right hand, while I'M
der his left arm was tucked away a
little parcel that looked very much
like his skates.
"Why do you trouble with your
books, Jack?" asked Dan Harold.
"You don't propose to stand still
long enough to study lesson this
singing day, do you?"
81 am not going to the river today,
Dan," answered Jack, cheerily, "but
all the same | wish the rest of you a
jolly time"
81 thought you would be the first
fellow en- the ice" said Dan. "You
are the best skater in the lot"
81 would enjoy the fun ever Sc
much, but l can't go this afternoon"
"What is the reason you can't?''
demanded Dan. "Y0u intended tC
stay at school, and you may rest as
sured that the Master will not allow
us to remain on the ice after foul
o'clock. You must be sick, JACK
Clover"
81 never felt better in my life" re
sponded Jack, "but for all that
can't stay"
"His mother don't know he is out,
chuckled Joe Morton, nudging Dal
in the ribs.
Jack is none ofyour 'fraid-babies,
said Dan, patronizingly. "Why, h
is within an inch Of my height, an,
mother would be sure l was sick if
ran to her every time l wanted lit
tie fun"
81 am no 'fraid>baby, Dan, but
must admit that Joe has guessed tn
real reason why | cannot remain.
promised mother, year ago, that
would never go on the river withOu
her permission, and would be
coward if broke my word" JAG
said, firmly.
but the ice is perfectly safe" urg
ed Dan. eff it had not been tn
Master would not have given us tn
privilege of trying it, unaskeC
Mothers are all scary, but they 500
get over their fussing when they fin
sthey can't run things to suit then
selves. Come right along, have
good time with the rest of us, an
your mother will rest easy, becau,
she will know nothing about it unit
the fun is all over"
"But that would be deceiving he
and then she would lose confden,
in me-" replied Jack.
"Pshaw! that's the veriest MOI
sense" laughed Dan. GA fellow
mother is not like any other bod
She never goes back on him."
"Then he should never go back {
her." insisted Jack. "At any rate,
am not going to break my promise
"What is the trouble, boys" ask
Mr.. Laird, as he joined his schola
at the gate.
Dan related what had passed b
tween himself and Jack, and tn
appealed to the teacher for his de
sion.
81 am quite sure that if Jacl
mother understood all the circuI
stances in the case, she would give
ready consent to his afternoons e
joyment. l think the trouble wi
mothers is that boys are usually We
turesome, and often risk their liz
on the ice when there is actual Ola
ger" said Mr.. Laird. "If Jacl
mother were in reach l would adv
him TO go and consult her, but as t