The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-10-03
Georges Victory.

Itwas the first copper penny the
bows had ever seen one of the large
coins we used to have but now almost
out of circulation. Georges uncle had
given him the penny, and naturally
he valued it very highly: He spent
much time admiring its bright and
shiny designs and turning it over and
over in his hands, lovingly.
The boys stood on the brink of a
deep gulf just behind the old red
school-house, and George had been
showing his penny quite proudly to
the little circle of schoolmates. What
wonder if all wished they had a
penny like Georges? Was it strange
that they envied him his pretty
pocket-piece He was in their opin-
ion as rich as king.
"Let me see it," said Rodny Lester,
after most of the boys had held the
coin in their hands and examined it.
George trusting.y handed his treas
ure to Rodney, who for a moment
looked longingiy att, then stepping
away from the group he raised his
hand and hurled the shining thing far
down the gulf. 1t cut it's way through
the leaves Of the trees below and then
disappeared from sight.
Cries of "shame! shame v'went up
from the boys as they realized what a
mean thing their companion had done.
Georges eyes flashed as he saw the
penny flying out of sight and felt
that most likely he never would see 1t
again, and he sprang madly at Rodney,
who was much larger than himself.
Quickly he drew back his clenched
fist to strike Rodney. Then as sud-
denly he dropped his hand and ran
into the school-house, where he cried
for some time.
That night, as soon as he reached
home, he told Uncle John the story of
his loss.
"It was mean thing for Rodney to
do, George" said his uncle, when
the boy had finished his story. but
Rodney is poor boy; 1 suppose he
had never seen such thing before,
and his envy caused him to do that
unkind act. You did q manly thing
in not striking him when so sorely
tempted; and am sure you will for
give your comrade when you think
the matter over little.
George sat by the side of his uncle
for long time, looking very thought
fully into the fire. Then he said:
"Uncle John, can you get me anoth-
er penny Just like the other? ?"
"Why / think so, George" was
the answer. And few days after
ward, Uncle John banded the boy
another coin. just as bright and hand
some as the first.
us this mine? CanI do just what
I want to with it?" asked George
earnestly, looking into his uncle's
face.
"Yes, my boy. 1t certainly is yours
to do with as you see fit.
At school that day George shyly
slipped around to Rodney Testers
seat and placed the penny in his
hand.
"What's that for ?" asked Rodney,
with shamed look on his face.
because I want you to have it,
Rodney" was all George said, and
away he went, leaving Rodney gazing
at the coin with an expression OF
pleasure mingled with humility on
his countenance. Several times that
afternoon he glanced over at George,
who returned his look with such a
happy and friendly smile that Rodney
felt more humbled than ever.
Some time after that, Uncle John
thought he would make inquiry about
the penny, as George had been curl
ously silent regarding it. George then
told bis uncle what he had done, and
how kind and good his schoolmate
had been since- and not only Rodney,
but every boy in the school had been
q better friend to him than ever
before.
Uncle John drew his nephew to his
side and stroked his head lovingly, u
tender light in his eyes.
"You could not have put the penny
to better use, my boy" he said.
The next Christmas, when George
took his stocking down from its place
behind the kitchen stove, he found q
bright dollar piece snugly tucked
away in the toe. Around it was wrap
ped paper, on which was written in
Uncle Johns handwriting. these
words:
"He that is slow to anger is better
than the mighty, and he that ruleth
his spirit than he that taketh a
city,"