The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-09-02
Our Mons ano Girls.
Grandfather's Story.

III OnC NCCh hdN hOPb Nv lhO nCdu VI
his class in Latin was permitted to
wear home silver medal and keep it
from Friday noon until Monday morn.
ing. l had not been very studious,
and so, though looked ever with long
ing eyes at the head of the class, had
never exerted myself to gain it. But
at length | determined to make up, and
one Monday morning l found myself
second from head, and the boy ahead
of me was so often absent that the
chances were against him in regard to
keeping his place very long. In fact
he had obtained it by a companions
illness instead of earning it, and he had
never stood so high before. This boy,
Ned Mobiles, was not favorte in the
school; he was quiet and unsocial; his
clothing was shabby, and he never
spent pennies and treated as the others
did. We knew little of his home, for
he lived out of town, and walked over
three miles every morning that he at
tended school. Accordingly Ned was
Stunned and sighted by us all. We
knew that he studied diligently, and
would stand high but for his frequent
absences. Now l did hope that Ned
would stay away day or fail in Latin,
llldJ IulGuI ldhC uIS IL ulu uOL
seem so hard TO see another boy carry
away the prize-but Ned, why should
he excel me? l was rich mans son,
and he belonged to one of the Hillside
farmers or laborers, l did not know
which. l was full of envy and dislike,
and ready TO contrive to make Ned miss
lesson if possible. Charlie Hall, my
chum, shared my feelings, and was as
i A l.
head of the class. Ned answered all
questions promptly, and was in his
place every day during that week.
On Thursday morning l said to
Charlie, "That fellow is just mean
enough TO keep me back; what need
he care for the prize, away off out of
town."
"Sure enough" answered Charlie,
and he shan't have it either"
What did the boy mean? How could
he hinder Ned's having the prize? The
question was answered by himself
AT afternoon recess he asked me to
linger little after school, as he es-
pecially wished an interview with me
before we pate for the night, and, as
our homes were in different directions,
that would be our only opportunity for
talk before parting. l did as he re.
quested, aud when he join ID me was
surprised to see broad smile upon his
face.
"What is the matter, Chad?" 1
asked.
Pulling book from under his jacket,
Charlie replied, Look at that!"
took the book with an exclamation
of wonder. "What's that but Latin
grammar" 1 said. cts your own,
isn't it?'
"No, it's Ned Nobles'. You know
how our old readers look like these
Latin grammars, don't your"
l nodded an assent, and waited for
Charlie to 60 on.
"Well, l contrived to put one of the
readers on Ned's desk, just as he was
about to gather up his books to take
them home, and snatched up this gram
mar. The lesson is hard and long, and
Ned may blame himself for not know
ing which book he took home; and
blame himself for losing his place to.
morrow, too. Don't you think it jolly
in me to get this book and play Ned a
trick, old fellow"
Yes" cried l; "you are chum OF
the sort like, Chad. What made you
think of it?"
ooh, 1 wanted you to beat Ned, he
is so mean and queer"
"And what is to be done with the
book in the morning?" / asked.
ooh, you must hurry to school in the
morning, and slip it into Ned's desk be.
fore he comes" answered Charlie.
took the grammar, thanked Charlie
babe him good night, and started home.
ward, knowing that Ned could not learn
his lesson unless he had some time fol
it before school in the morning. AT
first this was a pleasant fact to contem.
plate. Ned would fail and l would
stand in the coveted place. But
thought ], show shall I feel when ]
have gained the head of the class by
wrong-doing? Mamma always tells me
to 90 by the Golden Rule. How should
l like to be served as we are planning
TO serve Ned? But Ned is so mean, he
won't play, he won't treat, he dresses
poorly, and scarcely talks at all. He
does not deserve the medal, so I'll just
keep the book and let him miss, sc
there" and / started on briskly.
The school was dismissed at four, and
when | reached home half-hour had
elapsed, and hurriedly threw down my
book and ran out for play-spell before
studying my lessons. But somehow
could not keep my mind on play; il
would follow Ned Mobiles, and l won
dered what he would do or say when he
discovered that he had no Latin gram
mar from which to learn his lesson.
ooh, bother" said 1. L" Why CAM
] enjoy myself and remember the goot
fortune may have tomorrow? Chat
is so kind to plan to help me; he knew
/ could not bear to have Ned Mobiles
triumph over me. Chad is so good al
ways, that he isl''
/ was trying to enjoy game of ball
and the day was lovely, for it was brigh
weather, clear and crisp, such as Octobe
generally brings. In the midst of thu
game l threw down the bat and started
tor home.
Why, what is the matter, Harry?'