The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1903-02-05
Tapping on the Pane.
By J. Macdonald Oeley.

1t Is not Only when the issue depends
upon strength OF arm or accuracy of
aim that the help OF another may
mean all the difference between victo-
ry and defeat. There are spiritual
conflicts unseen by human eyes in
which, if 1t can only be afforded at the
right moment the support of an under
standing and sympathlzlng spirit turns
the scales in favor of the right.
An illustration of this occurred re-
Gently at an American seaside resort.
One of the cottages which stood some
distance from the beach was occupied
by mother with her only son, par
ticularIy bright, sturdy yonngster, who
claimed credit Tor seven years.
On certain day she said to her boy
at lunch:
"Now, Rodney, don't want you to
go down to the beach this afternoon,
but just to play about the lawn until
come out, and then we will go for a
walk"
Rodney made no protest, although
his face fell, and after his mother had
retired to her room he went out on the
lawn to amuse himself. 1t was very
hot afternoon ; he had no companions,
and the time soon began to hang heavy
on his hands.
Now and then some of his playmates
would pass, on their way to the beach,
and shout:
"Come along, Rodney! We're go
ing to wade''
But he shook his head.
He could SEQ the glistening ocean
from the veranda, and it never seemed
more attractive nor the cottage more
utterly dull. Presently he walked
slowly down to the gate and began to
toy with the latch. Then, with firm
set lips and hands clasped tight behind
him, he as slowly returned to the
veranda.
Again, yielding to temptation, he
went to the gate. This time he OPEN
ed it little, but instead of passing
through, he closed it sharply, and once
more made his way back to the yer
auda.
How hot and lonely and stupid it
Was there, and what merry time the
other children were having on the
cool, moist sand at the edge of the
frothing wavelets He bore it as long
as be could, and then, running swiftly
down the gravel path, opened the gate
and scampered off to join his play
mates.
It was tea-time when he returned,
and his mother met him with uplifted
finger and reproving look.
cab, Rodney, Rodney" she said,
"you have disobeyed me! You haye
been at the beach in spite OF what
told you ~
Rodney's flaming cheeks and down
cast eyes and silent tongue constituted
sufficient confession, and his mother
went on:
CHOW, l want to tell you, Rodney,
that was watching you all the time.
1 saw you go to the gate twice and
come back, then go through it the
third time"
Rodney suddenly found his tongue,
and looking up at his mother,Mith a
world of meaning in his big brown
eyes, said:
"You we're watching me the whole
time?"
eyes" answered the mother, wonder
ing what was in the little mind.
"And you saw me go down to the
gate and come back again" be con-
tinued.
IL did," was her response, still more
perplexed.
"Then, mother" he asked, bravely
although the little lips trembled, "why
didn't you tap on the window and help
a fellow?"
Oh, the infinite, inexpressible pathos
OF it Che baby conscience struggling
for the right, and only needing the
quiet tap of the mothers finger upon
the window-pane to nerve it for victo-
ry! Never while she lived would Rod
ney's mother forget the lesson he
taught her that evening, and it may
be that to many a life there comes the
same opportunity in larger field
when the right word fully spoken, the
silent clasp of the hand, or perchance
only the cheering glance of the eye
will prove the tapping on the pane
which inspires to decisive victory.