The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-07-18
HOW THE CROSSROADS SCHOOL.
DISCOVERED A HERO.
By Kathryn Mortimer

In two more days school would be over for
three long months. group of boys of all ages
and sizes stood in front of the weather beaten
country school house, discussing the prospects for
vacation fun.
I'm going to the city for month";" said Ted
Baldwin; and then my cousins coming home
with me to spend the other two months Their
school doesn't close early as ours. Hello!
There's Duncan's Petro l suppose he's going to
spend his vacation building a hospital for toads
and stray cats Fore I'd be such Nancy as he
isl"
ooh, say, now, Ted! He's not such bad sort
/ wish somebody would tell why we fellows are
forever tormenting him. 1t was Rex Norton
who took the little Italians part. Rex was "small
for his age" the neighbors said; but his ready
smile made up for his lack of height, and he
carried perpetual sunshine with him.
Ted did not attempt to answer for himself or
his mates, but stood watching the short, but stur-
dy figure as it climbed up the long hill
Hurry up, Petey," called one of the boys. "You
will be late. Teachers clock won't wait for italy"
Pietro gave him glance that was half-smiling,
half distrustful, and hurried toward the door,
if he feared trick of some sort were about to
be played upon him.
But the boys were again absorbed in their plan
ming. In fact, they became so interested that
they were in danger of being late themselves and
Miss Glidden finally had to ring the desk-bell out
side the door to attract their attention.
When the children were all in their places Miss
Glidden read the morning lesson and led them in
song. Then she requested them to take out their
History readers" The lesson to-day was about
Abraham Lincoln, and when it finished their
teacher asked them to tell what quality they adj
mired most in the of whom they all loved
to read.
The boys gave many reasons-all but Pietro He
sat staring straight ahead with his great black
eyes, and silent as if he were voiceess.
At last Miss Glidden spoke to him. "Pietro," she
said, tell us why you admire Mr. Lincoln"
Pietro fdgeted uncomfortaby-he was sure the
boys would laugh at him. Then looking straight
into Miss Glidden's face, he answered: Because
he didn't like to fight"
Yes, it just he thought The boys were
all laughing now; and Patrick Kelly whispered to
his neighbor, Ward Elkins: "Wouldnt fghtl
What do you think of that? But it's just like the
little Eyetaan. He's regular coward Do you
mind how he ran away when killed that snake
the other day?" Then he Miss Glidden's eye
upon him, and he Strengthened up
But Pietro overcome with confusion, and
sat silently staring at her with his solemn big eyes,
so she gave them answer of her own:
There is often a better way of gaining vic
tory than by of weapons of warfare, or with
fists" she said, "and the boy who is constantly
seeking fight is more often a bully than brave"
Freddy Brown glanced syly across at Patrick
on the next bench, and Patrick, for some reason
which the boys seemed to understand looked fool
ish and uncomfortable.
Now" continued Miss Glidden, eve must go
on with the regular lessons. But tomorrow I
am going to ask you to tell me about some heroes