Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-05-09

Something gone wrong in SCHOOL,
No ma'am' again, and l kept silent
for had learned that the boys conf
dence was not to be forced. We hal
nearly reached my door before b
spoke, and then he said suddenly, '0h
teacher, / must go awayp
60 awayP | repeated, Has MI
Grant sent for your
He shook his head, while the tear
rolled down his cheeks.
What is it Fred2' l asked in rea
alarm, for he was not q boy to cry a
trihes.
We had reached the gate now, ant
he turned and faced me, Teacher, b,
said solemnly, do you believe in keel
ing promise2'
Certainly, If it is not wicked one.
Then if tell you will you promis,
not to tell? Certainly, 1 said again
for | thought some fsncied obligation
was troubling him.
But was not prepared for tn,
next words that fell from the lad'i
white lips.
Teacher, sm Ferdle's twin broth
erp
l thought the poor boy had gone
suddenly crazed, and putting my hand
on his, said soothingly, Come, Fred
come into the house with me, dear.
He shook his head, and smiled faint
ly, You think | am crazy, but l amt.
You remember the locket l showed
you? Well. Ferdie wears one just
like it, and he says that he and the
other,-the twin, you know, each had
one you know with the others picture
in, apd the picture in his is mel
'Oh, Fredp l cried, it cannot bel
and yet as spoke l remembered q
strange fancy l had had of having seen
Ferdie before, 1t was the baby face
in the locket.
l led Fred into the house and it
was not hong before I was convinced
that he was right, and I was thorough.
ly excited and delighted. Not so Fred.
He was sorrowful but set in his de.
termination to 60 away, and no argu.
ments or persuation could move HIM.
d am not fit to be his brother was
all he would say.
He looked so little, so young, with
his curly head, and little brown face,
but there was look in his eyes, child
though he was, that I must respect.
You will walt few days?' l plead
ed, as he got up to 60.
He nodded, and was gone without
word. 1t is not part OF this story
to tell Of this story to tell of my
struggles in regard to my unfortu-
nate promise, and before I had desid
ed what l ought to do, the matter
was taken out of my hands.
Small causes sometimes produce
great effect, and this time it was 0
rabbit that Ferdie and his dog gave
chase to the morning after Fred
revelation.
The weather had been warm fol
days, and the ice in the brook was
quite unsafe but Ferdie in his ex
element gave no thought to this
and when the little creatures track
in the fresh fallen snow led to brool
side, boy and dog followed at full
speed.
And when Bunny, jumping from
clump Of bushes, cleared the brool
with few bounds, the dog bounded
after without breaking in, but whel
Ferdie, in his turn attempted il
snap, crash, the Ice gave way and b
was in the icy water.
The brook was deep at that poin
and he was no swimmer; he clutches
at the ice but it broke in his grasp.
He gave one wild cry for help bu
no answer reached him, and b
thought, poor little lad, that he mus
de in sight of home
But help was near for Fred, who's
feet had followed his thoughts, ha
seen the whole occurrence, and nov
came running down the bank, an
plunged in,
Hold on Ferdiep he shouted. as b
came, Fred was strong and muscular
Ferdie brave and cool, and togethel
they broke their way to shore.
But the weaker lad was so exhsus
ed Fred dared not leave him until b
was safe at home, where both boy
were speedily supplied with q war;
bath and dry clothing.
And some way during the operatio
Ferdie caught glimpse OF the other
locket, and the carefully cherishe
secret was revealed.
That day ! received the followin
note:
Dear Teacher;
Please come up to our house. W
have some wonderful news TO tell you
FERDIE.
| When | was shown into Mrs. Jacl
sons pleasant sitting room, one glane
told me all.
| A sweet faced little woman sat
an easy chair, propped up by pillow
scarce whittier than her face, with
boy on each side Of her and her hu
band near, the sad look quite gol
now from the noble face.
| How shall we ever thank you Il
lyour great goodness to our tv
boys7' he said, coming forward
lgreet me, while the mothers face W
eloquent.
Ferdie was perfectly radiant, VIII,
1 y e l. L.