The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-15

schoomates called him, to his face. and
he could do nothing but bear it quietly.
The way of Il was this. Jonathan's
mother did not believe in a boys fight
ing. She thought there were better ways
of settling quaErels than that, and she
had asked Jonathan TO promise that he
would never fight. She was quite will
ing that he should run or row or leap
or wrestle or enter into any contest OF
strength or skill, always provided that
good nature reigned. but the moment
bad temper or I'll feeling Of any sort
arose on either side she thought IL was
time 10 stop. So did Jonathan when he
was talking with her. but sometimes
when he was at school he felt differently.
one autumn a new boy entered the
school. He was q big fellow, about
year older, and good deal larger than
Jonathan. As soon as George Bartlett
entered the school-house yeard he resolved
TO DO king of the place. He cajoled the
large boys, domineered over the little
ones. and soon controlled them all. The
only one who resisted his influence was
Jonathan; and. as soon as George realiz-
ed that he was provoked. and resolved
TO bring him under. So he began a Sc
ries Of petty annoyonces which he thought
would provoke his rival into battle,
for IL he could only get him 10 Tight,
George had no doubt he could subdue
him; but Jonathan remembered his prom
Use to his mother and stood firm.
"Why don't you fight, and have IT out
like a man." said George tauntingly 10
him one day. You are afraid, that's
what's the matter; tied 10 mammals
apron string and daren't do it,
How Jonathan's blood did boil! But he
kept silence.
Fight him. Jack; I would IL were
YOU" said Jonathan's chum. Harry RAN
dali. ''You can whip him easy enough.
because. though you are lighter than he.
you are ever SO much quicker; and ne
needs n whipping the worst way. Be
sides, all the fellows think that YOU are
afraid; so why don't you show them you
aren't?'
But Jonathan said nothing. That after
noon. however. he looked so downcast
that his mother asked what was the
matter, and after a while he told her.
IF hadn't passed my word TO YOU"
said he, AZ should have fought him to-
day. | wish you would let me off just
this once. for a sound whipping would
do him good. You don't know how hard
It is mother, to have to stand and take
what he says; all the fellows think I am
a coward, and l can't bear It,"
HE that ruleth his spirit is better
than he that taketh a city," quoted
his mother gently. BE not overcome
OF evil, but overcome evil with good
No, my boy. / cannot give you back
your promise: you must keep It to the
end"
But. mother" urged Jonathan, some
times It is right to fight"
True" answered his mother. when
a great principle is involved. such as
the defence OF the weak and oppressed.
i would be willing TO let you fight In
such cause. but never for such fool
ish reason as this"
How much Jonathan suffered that term
only . boy who has been In his position
knows.
I'll make that fellow fight yet" de-
clared George one recess: I've found
a way" George had noticed Jonathan's
considerate manner towards the younger
boys In school He helped them many a
time when they were In hard place,
and they all liked him. So at noon. when
the whole school was out playing, George
picked the youngest boy Of all. a delicate
little fellow only six years old. and hung
him into . great mud puddle which dlled
the middle Of the road. The poor child
fell splashing In. and was covered tom
head to foot with mud and alma
s2hAa enas go - snns eAaa" 40