Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-01-16
NEW SERIES, Vol. XXXY, NO. g

seated there after eating our dinner.
I was reading a book, and the children
were amusing themselves in various
ways.
Pearl Atherton strolled alone across
the bridge to look for violets, which
sometimes grew on the opposite side
In coming back she stopped on the
middle of the bridge, threw some
leaves into the water aud leaned
against the railing. watching the leaves
as they fioated' away.
The railing was old and In some man
ner had become so loosened that it
gave way with her weight and. with
piercing cry, she went down and out
of sight.
Tom stood upon the bank white and
speechIess, with a look of agony I
shall never forget. He could not swim
and so could not reach her.
But at the first cry Joe had stripped
on his coat and In minute plunged
in and swan steadily toward the spot
where the little golden head went
down.
He grasped her as she rose to the
surface the second time, raised her
head out of the water and slowly swan
with her to the bank.
When 1 took her from his arms and
laid her upon the grass. the beautiful
face was white and still, but she had
been in the water such a short time
that vigorous rubbing soon made
her open her eyes and speak to us, and
she was soon talking in her usual man.
ner.
We wrapped her up us we'll as we
could and sent her home with a neigh
bor who was passing in wagon.
doe ran home. changed his clothes
and came back, none the worse for
his wetting
After the bell rang missed Joe and
Tom from their seats.
The back door was ajar, and look
ed out.
There stood Tom, with tears in his
eyes, holding both Joe's hands.
SCan you ever forgive me?" he was
saying. al have been too hateful for
anything, but I'm awful sorry, Joe. If
you'll forgive me. I'll be a better fell
low after this. If Pearl had been
drowned, don't know what would
have done. oh, Joe, 1 thought would
die when saw her go under the wa
ter. can't ever thank you enough
81 don't want any thanks" said Joe,
putting his hand on Toms shoulder.
"It Is all right. I was glad to do it.
Don't say anything more about 1t,
please"
They talked few minutes longer,
but l did not hear what they were
saying. Then they remembered that
the bell had rung. and they came into
the schoolhouse
From that day Tom was a different
boy. He was quiet and kind with the
other pupils, and he and Joe were fast
friends. He grew earnest and manly
from seeing Joe's honest. upright life.
When the term closed, came to my
eastern home and after few years
entirely lost track of my pupils. did
not know WHITTIER they had drifted or
what they were doing. though often
wondered.
In the fail of 1890 took a trip along
the Pacific coast and one Sunday morn
Ing, in company with friend went to
one of the finest churches l had seen
in that locality.
As the minister began to speak /
thought l saw something familiar In
his face and manner but could not
place him. He gave one of the most
earnest, eloquent sermons to which
ever listened.
1 sat and wondered where could
have seen that man before. Suddenly
1t came to met was the look and
manner of my pupil of years ago, Joe
Morton.
waited TO speak to him and was
invited to call at his home next day.
And there found him the same Joe in
heart, nobly, tenderly caring for his
feeble, white haired mother and In
valid father,
he has made for himself a name not
soon to be forgotten in the state in
which he lives He is strength and
inspiration to his friends. He has writ
ten several books that stand high in
the literature of our country. and once
he was only a ragged, barefooted boy.
n