Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-07-24

ulul.
The school had assembled with
white aprons and clean collars and
shining faces. 1t was the last day,
Tomorrow would be vacation. To-
day they would speak pieces and have
prizes. A row of complacent mothers
and scattering of fathers lined the
walls and gave glory to the day.
The pieces had been spoken and the
last prize distributed. when the mas
ter rose to speak. His blue eyes
swept the room. In his hand he held
a small object that shOne in the light
81 have another prize to give, he
said, slowly. ut was not offered, but
it has been earned.
The school looked on. breathless.
There is in England" went on
the masters voice, "a reward that is
given only for bravery. 1t is known
as the Victoria Cross. No one can
wear it who has not been very brave.
It is a great honor to haveit | have
here" be glanced at the bright OBJ
iect in his hand-"a cross that would
like to give in the same way.
He paused. A futter ran through
the school.
Tomorrow" said the master, 81
shall leave you. may never live
here again. But l should like to
think that you do not forget me.
Some Of the girls blinked very fast,
The boys looked out of the window.
81 should like to send every year a
cross like this he held it up-"to
be given to some one who has shown
special courage"
They gazed at it respectfully. En-
vious glances stole toward Willie
Flint, in the back row. He sat very
straight, his eyes fixed on the masters
face, a serene look on his own.
There was no doubt as 10 who would
get it. Willie Flint's name had been
in all the local papers. He had be-
come hero since the day he rushed
out and stopped old Nose Beckman's
runaway horse. 1t had all been done
in minute-old Nose swaying drunk
enly on the seat-a swift plunge at
the horse, turn toward the fence, a
blocking of the wheel against the post,
before the horse could plunge away
any boy would have done it. Willie
had been very modest about it. But
one or two of the other boys longed
to pummel him as he gazed serenely
at the master-after the droop Of an
eyelid toward the lapel Of his coat.
The master looked at the cross
thoughtfully, and then at the school.
he opened his lips. Il give this
cross," be said slowly, because Of
special bravery, to-Annie Day"
The room stirred swiftly and shift
ed its gaze to a small girl in the front
seat.
She sat with dszed countenance,
blinking at the glittering cross. Her
anxious little face was upturned to 1t.
Dennis Quinn bent over and gave
her labored punch. "It's yOur'n,"
he whispered loudly.
The master smiled. Bring her
here, Dennis" he said.
Dennis grinned. He reached out a
hand, and, taking her by the elbow,
showed her gently to the front Of the
room.
The master bent and pinned the
cross on the plaid shoulders. she tip
toed back amid breathless silence.
Then the school broke into cheers and
clapPing.
She looked up for swift. doubtful
moment. and her head fell forward on
her arms. she burst into tears. They
ran down her face and fell on the
cross, and took the starch out Of her
apron.
Not until recess, when the older
girls gathered around her in the yard
lingering tbe cross and admiring it,
did she begin to understand what il