Daily Kennebec journal., 1907-11-09

thoughtless, and always on the look
out for a good time.
Mr.. Lennox had no idea how much
Jack had been made to suffer at their
hands, nor how bravely he had borne
it, and uncomplainingly AT different
times two or three had tried to pick a
quarrel with him. and on the morning
referred to above, the Oldest of their
number, Joseph Grant, had knocked
him down, and when two of the
younger boys had urged him t" fight
he had started to walk away.
When Jack had left home for school
his mother had cOunSelled him wisely.
and ne had promised her that what
ever came he would be true to her
teachings, and that he would try never
to fight. AS q little boy he had been
quick and impetuOus and hard to con-
troll but his love for his mother had
taught him many lessons not the least
Of which was controlling his temper.
A panied look on her face had more
effect than the Severest punishment.
a month later three or four of t:lr
boys We're in swimming a mile from
ElmwOod Hill but contrary to rule,
they had gone in without q teacher.
1t was on one Saturday late in the
fall. Joseph Grant was taken with
cramps while in the lake, the water
being colder than usual, and he hav-
ing but recently recovered from Il
little sick spell
Help. help. help" rang out clear
and distinctly from his three com
panions, who tried in vain to rescue
him.
Jack Hunter had received permIs-
sion to walk to town and was on his
way when he heard the cries of dis
tress. Throwing off his clothes as
he ran, he was soon in the water. AS
Joe rose for the third time he grasped
him firmly and swan to shore with
one of the boys, and worked over him
most energetically until the teachers
could get there. Before a physician
could reach the place. Jack had the
satisfaction Of knowing that his cOur-
age and presence of mind had saved
his schoolmate'S life.
Mr.. LenEox was away for the dav.
and it vas evening before re return
ed to hear the story. Jack was 4
modest boy and had preferred To
spend the afternoon quietly in his
own room. reading and writing, to
meeting his schoolmates or teachers
that GAY. Mrs. Lennox had invited
hin to have supper with Madge and
herself in their own sitting room. as
sh" occasionally did ON holiday.
Madgc had asked the privilege of in
fornlmg her father when he arrived
OF the days hapenings before he saw
the other boys, for she had something
OF importance to say to him.
1t was almost bedtime when a
gentle tap sounded on Jacks door.
and upon opening it Madge said. Papa
has ccme and wishes to see you in his
study You are the bravest boy I
know. and | am prouder than ever of
You today"
"Well. Jack. I hear strange things
about YOU during my absence. Yoli
seem to be q pretty brave coward.
Madge has been telling me Il long story
about your sufferings at the hands of
the other boys since you have been in
our school. | wish she had told ME
before. but | had always taught her
not to be a tale-bearer Perhaps II is
just as well. for you have taught Joe
'tl'it s'i'l tIlc otf1GG DONS ii trSSOil
which they are not likely soon to for
get. l hear that they feel much hu-
inflated at their conduct and are anx-
ious to make amends. God bless you.
my boy, and help you to grow into as
noble ard brave a man as you give
promise of being. l am proud of YOU.
and wish from the bottom Of my heart
that you were my son.
Joe Grants apology was very sin
cere and humble. and week later ii
package was left at the door address,
ed TO Jack Hunter" Upon opening
it handsome gold watch was dis
played. with the following inscription
on the inside of the case: "Present-
ed to Jack Hunter for mis- bravery,
from his sincere friend, Joseph Grant
November 10. 19o3'
Accompanying the package was a
touching letter from the parents of
Joe. thanking him most earnestly for
saving the sons life
Mr.. Lonnox wrote detailed ac-
count Of the accident and the bravery
of the lad to the Hon. Cyrus Hunter,
Gack's uncle), and extended most
cordial invitation for him to spend
week with them at Elmwood Hill, and
make his nephew's acquaintance.
The end is not yet. The proud
uncle was very gracious to the lad.
and invited him to spend his holiday
vacation at his beautiful city home,
and he now speaks of him in glowing
terms to his friends ''He is one of
the bravest boys l ever knew and a
cre6it to any family" he was heard to
remark to particular friend. He
even went so far as to send his sister
ln-law and niece a box of lovely gifts
at Christmas. Who knows but he
Will lay aside his pride and prejudice
and make amends for his fathers
harshnesS? Jack is not at all spoiled
by his brave deed or the many flatter-
ing things that have been said about
him. He is the same manly boy and
devoted son that we first knew. Mr..
LennoX. with a merry twinkle in his
eye. occasionally speaks of him before
the other boys as the "bravest cow