Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1906-07-05
that wagon of his. His father and

that wagon of his. His father and
mother depend entirely on him.
But, all the same,''. said Mr.. Teller
soDerly, hes dropping steadily behind
IN MS studies, and had counted on
him at Keybrook to represent our
tschool well.''
AT home Robert, who had a long
race with some snow-blinded sheep.
was falling asleep over his Latin in
the lace OF his despairing determine.
ton to keep awake.
But, father" he said, with hone re-
newed when the April report card
showed his marks low in the eighties
there are the final examinations this
month. I'm reviewing for them every
minute can find. They count one
third on the terms work. I always
Keep pretty cool in the exams" and he
Went out to the barn whistling more
cneerfully than he had in weeks he-
fore.
Hope to come up four places on the
hnals. do you, eh?'' came the doctors
dlscouraging voice. The doctor had
Iallen INTO the habit Of frequenting his
barn In the morning at quarter ia
nine, although he seldom had an en-
couraglng word to offer. That morn
ing he noticed how thin and pale Rob-
ert had become
snail Go my level best, sir. I have
Deen reviewing for weeks now"
when do the examinations begin o''
tomorrow. Robert responded
Ihe following morning Doctor Jar
Wis was startled at the sight of the
boys face. 1t Lad a drawn, sleeuless
look See here, Doe, did you studs
all night?''
ROBERT turned away. His tone was
mufhed. NO. sir, but l was up all
night with a sick cow
Nice preparation for final exam
nations" the physician muttered, but
thls time he mercifully waited until
Robert was out Of hearing.
1t was a preparation which could
nave but one result. Roberts stand.
lngs for the term were lowered almost
to the passing mark. He could barely
graduate, Mr.. Teller told him. and the
teachers face expressed his regret.
In heaviness of heart Robert an
nounced at home the principals deci-
sion
I feel wicked, mother" cried Clara.
to stand higher than Rob after all he's
done this winterv'
All day the boy secretly 'oEged for
something to happen which would Of
fer a reasonable excuse for his absence
from the evening graduating exercises.
but he longed in vain. Eight O'Clock
found him sitting, in humiliation of
spirit, in the fifteenth place as the class
OF twenty were arranged on the plat
form in order of their rank.
Even the students had not known
before how low a position he would oc-
cupy, and many were the surprised
stares which met his shamed face on
every side.
lie was glad Doctor Jarvis was not
tnere to see him. The physician was
attending a trustee meeting at Key
brook. 1t was bad enough to face his
mother and father, who felt in their
hearts that the fifteenth place was for
once the seat Of homer, although they
We're sore.y disappointed for Roberts
sake.
The hour spent on that platform was
the keenest torture the boy had ever
and it was with a feeling OF
relief that rose with the others to re-
ceive his diploma. When Mr.. Teller
mad passed fourteen rolls down the
line, he paused moment and pulled
an envelope from his pocket
Here is something which will in
terest you. Robert" he smiled, "ard l
you on your prospects.
You deserve them.''
The letter was handed over with the
diploma. while the audience
watched curiously, and whispered
questions which no one could answer.
Robert walked off the platform and
down the aisle, staring stupidity at the
envelope. It was postmarked "Key-
brook" Sitting beside his father, he
read the typewriter sheet within, and
caught his breath 1t was from the
principal of the preparatory school.
Mr.. Robert Sprague, Swansea, Pa:
"My Dear Sir-It becomes my pleas
ant duty to inform you that Doctor
Jarvis of our board of trustees has
founded second scholarship for
Swansea with the understanding that
t is to be at your service for four
years, beginning with September
lext. The doctor has asked me to say
he considers it of greater inn
,ortance to be the successful head of
house than of ass."-Youth's Com
}anion..