Year: 1859




Tell US a story, father, this evening, do


Mary made this request in behalf of her.
self and her two Henry, who
was twelve years old, and Andrew, who
was only seven; her own age being about
midway between theirs


We'll, what shall it be, made up story,
or a true one p


oh, a true one, if you please, we like
those the best


But if l tell you true story, it may
not be very wouderful not near SO marvel
Gus as something could make up; perhaps
you will not think it interesting


oh, know we shall, we always do


well then, as you have chosen a true
story, l will give you one that know was
all true. / was a school master once, and
twenty years ago this winter, l was teach
ing large school in Michigan. AS | was
passing around the school-room one morn
ing, ] saw a notch that had been newly
cut in the desk, just before William c..
pointed to it and asked:


William do you know who did that2'


Yes, sir, l did it,, he very frankly re-
piled.


Did you not know that it was against
the rules of the school to whlttle the desks
or the seats


Yes, sir


Don't you think the rule good one!'


Yes, sir


What must be done then p


suppose you must punish me, sir, he
said. looking very much troubled.


Nntu William, ohnnf tor old
was one Of my very best scholars, very
bright aud generally obedient boy. He
did not own a pocket-knife, but had that
morning borrowed one at home, and the
temptation TO try it on the new desk before
him had proved too much for him. But
his frankness in confessing his fault and
condemning himself added to his general
good character, made me WISH if possible,
to avoid pnnShing him. Yet how could |
avoid it without appearing partial to vii
liam The school-hOuse was q new one,
and | was anxious to leave it in good order
at the end of the term. | turned the mat
ter over q moment in my mind, and then
said to him


William. can't bear to think of punish
ing you, for you are one of my best boys.
Bnt what can | do? If let yon go un-
punished how can enforce the rule? And
if that rule is disregarded we shall have a
sorry looking school-house when spring
comes


know it will be so, sir" said he, look
ing more disconsolate.


But is there no way that can let you
go and still save the desks g


i don't think there is, SIR


You may lay aside your books think
about it for while, and see if you cannot
contrive some way, and / also will see if i
cannot find one.'


turned away and engaged in other du-
ties for some time, aud then came back to
him.


well, William, have you thought of
any plan to save the necessity Of that pun
ishment =


NO, sir, l cannot see how you can do
anything else with me


Well, have devised plan which pos
sibly may succeed The boys are now to
take their recess; and if, while you are out
with them, you can induce them to pledge
their word aud honor that they will not
white the seats or desks if you are not
punished, can let you 60


William seemed very little encouraged
by this proposition. He evidently doubted
whether the boys would give such pledge.
| stated the plan in presence of them all
and then gave them their recess. As af-
terwards learned, William had not courage
to ask anybody for the pledge, but one OF
the older boys gathered them all around
him aud made stump speech in Williams
behalf. Boys said he, wi don't any OF
US want to see Will whipped, and we can
prevent it by just giving our word aud
honor that we won't white the school
house. Now what do we want to whittle
: the schcoI.house for2 I'd rather have a
good smooth desk before me than one all
cut up, and so had any Of you. Besides
4ee ought to have some pride in keeping the
house decent, as we'll as the master In
giving this pledge we only promise not TO do
what we ought not to do any way. 1t We
don't give it, Will must be whipped, aud
then If we cut the desks we shall DO whlpp'
ed with him. For my part, ain for CIV
ing tue pledge with all my heart-who
votes ayel' He then put il to vote, and
every one shouted AYE"
| William came in with the cloud gone
from his face, aud said that the boys haC
all given the pledge. Others confirmed hi
renort. so dismissed him 10 his seat, anC
was as glad as be at the success Of th'
plan.


! But father interrupted Mary, did th'