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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1.0 I.I 1.25 956 US. la IX 2.8 ilM 1.4 2.5 1 2.2 10 1.8 1.6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) en •o ■o ■o i\m •CD CO ■"WWaiw SIMINil^l ■flrr(u-vii,l.; >.;<..iiMnMj^tV : v!k*MyiMUI*!i^^ " i.'iM' •H :; a; ill ROSEVILLE SEMmAEY. ■■■t ■m ' 'i' \ 1 R< ROSEVILLE SEMINARY A TEMPERANCE STOKV, BY MAETA SIMPSOK. ft^- , SJotottto : HUNTER, ROSE AND COMPANY. MDOCC'LXXVIII. 4 HV b TO m ord |£»u» |l|rt?'i, THE GREAT CAPTAIN OF THE TEMPERANCE ARMY THKOUGHOUT THE WOULD, THIS LITTLE BOOK IS REVERENTLY f HftUrated BY THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER I. g HiKAM MoRoss CHAPTER II. 2- " Distilled Damnation " CHAPTER HI. YouNd McRdhh in Trouble CHAPTER IV. in "Sunday at the Seminary" CHAPTER V. n f . . 56 " Temi'eiiancr on the Brain CHAPTER VI. 65 Thk Homdavh CHAPTER VII. 73 ' ' Temi'Erance Forever " CHAPTER VIII. «« Father and Son " s '.II' Hi, Vlll CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER IX. " Hattie Mays " J!9 CHAPTER X. ff • " Giant Despaik " 118 CHAPTER XI. " The Rumsellek'.s Lament " 132 CHAPTER XII. Tin: TnuE CiiuiicH 130 CHAPTER XIII. Ronald McFaulane 154 CHAPTER XIV. The Pupil Teachek 172 CHAPTER XV. Mk. Gk . Ho»o- vmJ.ancl are not allowed to go even to that nnseraUe ittU village, except o„Sun,lays, wlu-u Mr. (irantu,arehe» all to the Oon,re«ational Church. He . rehKu.u,, ,,„t very coM an,l reservcl ; while hi» as..,stan. ,s one of the n,ost snarhn,-, hateful n,en you ever .™ue acro,,.^^ ..Not a very favourahle account of n>y future teacher,, laUL'he.1 (Jeor},'e Thorne. ..You will wish to know the nmnes of the scholars. Thaf, Archie t.'au.phell. ruunin, hetween those snow- tort.. He is just sixteen, an.l .,uite popular n, the Sonu- nary, hut I .lont like hi.u, for hes a samt. ..AClhristian, 1 suppose y. ,uean. Ton,. My uu,tho, isonchut famnot;an,l»o „mch the wor.se for me. Who is that la»l over there i 10 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. i " Hiram McRoss. He has done nothing but go to school all his life, though he has only been with us for two years." " How old is he ? " " Nearly twenty. Hirain has a fearfully bad temper, and yet makes out he is a Christian." " Poor fellow ! " exclaimed the sympathizing Thorne. " It must require a good deal of gi-ace to subdue a con- stitutionally hot temper. How long has he been a Chris- tian ? " " Only about a year, and, to confess the truth, he has improved greatly since then. If Mr. Slow were not so snarly. Hiram would have a better chance." In the evening, the new-comer formed acquaintances with several of the scholars. ^ At nine o'clock they were summoned to prayers ; then the Principal sent them off to bed, Thorne being permitted to room with his friend. " Isn't this a very gloomy place, Tom ' " "Of course it is. That's why 1 wanted you here. Misery likes company." George laughed. Then his thoughts going on a differ- ent tack, he inquired, " Is not Ivon a dear little fellow ?" "Yes, he is, Thorne. That ten-year-old child has set his heart on being a minister. Now, my old chum, what do you think of the Princii»al >. " "Indeed, Tom, I feel a little afraid of him ; for I never got oii well with my teachers, and it will doubtless be the same 'lere. Of course I am cigliteini ; but, in case of trouble, what chance would you and 1 both together havp against that munHtrous Yankee C HIRAM m'ROSS. 11 " None at all" said Tom emphatically, « and believe me, George, that, in regard to Mr. Grant, ' discretion is indeed the better part of valour.' " As they were talking in a similar manner, Mr. Grant's step was heard in the hall. He sud.lerdy opened the door „f their room, and said sternly, " I expected tins, Tom. You have not made the sliglitest preparation for bed. Perhaps you intend to sit up all night, and are welcome to Pled^'e. " V\n .dain„ y "^ That win you »ay. young McRo., H j -k^ y- ,tay in for two hou,. thi» afte.noon '< a»k«l M,. G.aut. .. Sav that I am justly punished, sir. Day Th.mie » " asked Mr. Slow. " What surprises you, Uioine .a .. I was told that Hiram had a very hot tempei, su, thoughtlessly answered the perple..ed Oeo.^. .. r„d .so he to," snapped the assistant, >»«« fnv vouraelf but he does not show ,t much to soon see £o. y"'"'-^'*- j ^„a independent the head-teacher. Hiiam is also p t„ .1 fault so much .so that his name ought to be ioucn to a fault, so ^^_^^ j^^^_^^ ^^^^. ^„ ,,„„tty Tltsho :l a.:, it is sure to be pushed off in a hurry^ Miml you, though, he hasn't the slightest objection .. the hands of our worthy Prinripair' ^^.^^^^_ The lads giinned; and Ihoine, seein„ . „ „, lootol mueh confused, changed th. .ject by saym", looKtu muv. favourite game oi do hope the day will keep hue, \oui taNou. ^ SoldL's' 1 never saw played l,etore,aiid aiualUagcn. s. If ;1 1 •.. ' li ' ' ! \y kill 10 ROSEVILTE SEMINARY. to join in. But T .nust Jiave Hiram ivi.^Ross for my cap- tain, and not James Bell." " You forget that I have to stay in, Thorne. You may be captam in my phice ; and, wind you uphold the honour Seeing Tliorne's look of surprise, Shutei- volunteered a word of exi,lanation. " Hiram is of Scotcli parentage, ^eorge; hut. in our play he always fights under the Amei-iean tiag. I'm sure you can guess the reason : " and he laughed. " Will you feel disappointed at being kept in," asked ueoro-o. ^ ^'M don't mind the punishment," replied Hiram gravely, " But svhat '. " grunted Mr. Slow. '' Finish what you were gomg to say, if you are not ashamed of it." Hiram's face reddened, as he abruptly added, " but— I au. .so/'i-y that J vexed Mr. Giant." The dark eyes of the Principal rested on "young McRoss" so ovingly, that the gloom melted from his face at once and the dc>risiv<. laugh of the assistant fell unheeded on his ear. Tlu- lads were soon dismissed to the play-o-round " I would have tried rvasion an.l not criminated myself as you did ; ' remarked George to Hiram, " then, who would have known that I was at all to blame ? " " God would : " replied Hiram McRoss. Thorne was considerably taken aback : ho answered very gravely, " You're rhjht and T'm altogether wrona" Tom hfistily d,v\v George away. HIRAM M'ROSS. 17 When lo.«on. weve over fov the .lay, and the te.cher» „ Jw ; hawn .V«m the .eho„l-roon>, Shuter exela.med, ! Oh how ,,-„vok;,>g : 1 cli.l long fo.. a good play ; and. just look, it is a real teuipest out-door«. ■ ■■Weshallhavetoheeontent.here^ ^^,,.„., "ItwillbeAVontentwithme, rhoim. . Gio nni. studying his T™„.evance 1-^- ^ ^ '^ the wind howl ever »o loudly, .t never trouWeUm. .. Has he imbued you with his queer notions ! Has he inn ,/ ^,. ^^^_.^ ^,. ,^,, . Shuter laughed. He has uno t,o„gh Hiran> stands out ^^^^^ "^^ " , .^re, w»s, thing that Giovanni san to him, on to a ^^^ ' Please McRoss take the Teiupeiance fledge refused, and ha-s never done it" ., And never wH. probably ^:;^'^Z^^^^ ::Str„';ritba^^ ^,1.- Te.t-b„ok o^ Temper. ance' What a dull thing ! " It's deeply intevestmg: returned the owner. ltsacepi:y" » <> "Now Giovanni, I hear Thorne, laughingly remarked, ^ow, , . 1 Un-qm nearly two years ago to take '"'oflllupVexelaimed Giovanni, with alook of amazement, " oh, never : , . . T«,.u.fM-.mce ? " '< When did you last speak to him of Tern) c» ance " This morning," returned diovanni, gravely. Thorne looked uu-vvily at his companion. ':r i 3 ^;i ' i 111 ii 18 KOSEVILLE SEMINARY. *1 " How long ,li(l you stand out against him, Shuter ? " " Only three days ; and I'm not sorry." " Neitlier am I, if this is the way he plagues us." " Is It for Jm good or our's, Thorne ? " " I .suppose it's for our's," answered George. " Wha . makes you so strongly in favour of Temperance?" he ad- ded, addressing Giovanni. '' I've had reason enough ; don't ask me, please," and a look of pain came over the boy's pale face. Thorne turned hastily away, and went up to the desk where Hiram was studying. Forgetting the character ot his companion, he put his arm around his shoulders " Keep your hands off me ! " said McRoss, angrily, giv- ing the friendly arm a rough shove. "HI try to remember the next time," answered Thorne mildly. " I thought you did it to tease me, but, you mrs,^ '..-. away, George, or yow will get into trouble. I am kepL in ' The new scholar hastily retreated, and rejoined liis com- rades in another part of the room. At last, Archie Baid, pitying.. " Hiram has doubtless been pu^^zling over that problemal^ i cim. and we are not allowed to go near Imn. He Ma. L,:',wenty minutes to stay in. How tired he must Ke • . fu,h t-her. comes the liead-master ' He cannot walk over to Roseville, as usual, for it is so very stormy." "^ George saw that Hiram was not aware of the Princi- pal s approach, until a hand was laid on his curly black hair. J/«.niand was not pushed off; but Hiram looked up to Mr. Grant with a bright smile. HIRAM m'kOSS. 19 " -1 Awhic as tliiMuaster seated lt;.s all riKl-t. now, sa.-l Auhii., a,s t. ,.,.,„„u„h himsolf bcsMc his ravourito and began to help lum tl,rou„ the difficulty. _ „ .^ ^yev Thovno nndged his comrades ,«m. »_ y ,eesuch a ditforent expression on a hoys tace. '^*"*' ,. 1- -1 f'»,nnbell "that Hiiani was "You mean' rophed (ampBtu, ,.,,„„„ i,e js tronblod and puzzled a few nnnntes ago, wMle now "."X\utthats„«itctn,o. I ^^^ ^ "^Z^ .„eh a manly-iooUing boy. fa,.no..e so tha.> *e ,es o u _than Bell, even, ^^l ^ J'^ ^'.J. ^J, o^ .rlance at him, now, and tell me it yov MsagelooUsomuchlikea^chU^;^^^ ^^^^^^ " I ™™'- '•'^ "P 'r Thome" Ire added gravely. "But. you ...nst renrember. H™"^. ,,^^ ,„„h ■that there is no -"-,^f -.^ . lY'^: ,i», McKoss influence over Hu-an, as the Frineipa j jj;,^,,,, is a child ; for. he often calls hmr so. J^^' ^ f;^^,^ „„^ if he were ten years old instead of tw^i^. he appreciate Mr. Grant's ,,etUng -"'"^ ^^^ ,„o Indeed. I greatly doubt, rt there ^^'^l^^,^ ,„j„ys his parents caresses as much as H.ian, <^,ru;.aby;'said« ge Thorne. wit, . good- "t::!urta-bel,™,g.andtbesc,.U.— oWy the sunnnons. The Principal put h,s aun a.oun Hiin's shoulders and they went >n togethe.. 1 » Wi m 20 ROSEVITJ.E SEMrNARV. " Indeed he doo.s," said the as.si.tant, ■■ and n,y superior .» ve,v ond of hin,.» He then added. a,ld,-iin' t" P ■.".,«)••. there anvtidng, „„ „a,.t,, that y„„ ca about besides Hiram ; " "Yes," replied Itfr. Grant, witl, a sudden fire in his (lark eyes, «m,,/fo,M,/,.y.'" fo ha lovely ■ ,SUr-span,ded Banner ' waves over t ,,:'•;■"■'" ■"«'" ->'°'"' >-"« a,e all decorated with ,ran,cd copies of tl,e ■ Declaration of Independene,- ' I>.etnres o George Washington, and the battles If PHnl: " .. 1 .-enton, etc. I dislike then, all ; but the one that is ;',":' ":'r f ""■ '^ «"• '«"n"..der ,,,■ ,;ornwallis.- n o, victories dearly b„„,,|,t, of independence glo- s,, achieve , ,„it to you /.„,,■„/„ -, ^ ^ .s.,nb„lot " tbe J'rineipal stopped abruptly. J->o «o on," sneered Mr. Slow. "It is ipiit,. iinneces,sarv sir" uns h. i , • ' ^"' ^^as tile calm renh- •> ' "'>■ I'lii"!! it as yon p|,.ase." Tb.. assistant mockingly remark,.d, • yo„ love vour country, Mr. Grant." ■• •■ '" " l'''."," said that ''entleinnn lii« r.,.. i .,,. ^' "^"''nan. nis ia<-e -r owin.r "and r won, „.,||„„,, ,i„, ,„, ,,„^,.,,^ , .; ,^^^ _^^.^, j-;i Jhat.smo,vthanIw I do for ,„;„," ..„arled Mr ■V",, '"' ■^'■■''^"^''""'MsaHneoldspot.bu, 1 ^ ''""•-.— 'Of. have, o die for her: Tl .is,, HIRAM m'ROSS. 21 .on„ev that the P.incipa. '^'-^f -^^f* J^J^^ . mistake of settling in Canada and investing h s pi.-ix^ty :;;!; us. Howev:,., he consoles himself by tak.ng a tnp t„ the ■ Other Side ' .'very yeav." .. You are not nn.ch of a patriot, sir, laug led fehute.. .. No" s,.apped Mr. Slow ; then, to effect a d.vers.on, he sud-toly hegL to attack his nephew hy descnhmg the s of li^ordon-how they controlled men, n.oncy , , nf iho enormous amount of an.l parliamentary votes-ot the enom capital employed in the traitic, etc. He then asked ^ How 1 you expect that the Prohibitiomsts w.ll eve, overcome ? " i u; . owl •\rn\ Giovanni's Temperance literature came to h- a .1. .urd he earnestly replied, ■' But uncle. Ood ,s on ou, s.de . How u.any .lid you count Hna tor ; .. Y<,u always give such a ,i»'«'- t'";» "' """«^' "'^ nenhew ; I never thought of Him at all. " Wll sir., hut you think of Hin, u,..: Have those who ,„vo the Cause of Temperance a,.y reason U ,lespa,r .. My nephew-you ,m- deterndned to comer .ue. W hy _whv-of cours ' with a.„ on your sh.e, the, »ucc«.s of the Tempemnce Cause is uicrely a .p.estion ot tm.e : 1 1 ; m r j' i .'?;.■ 22 ROSEVILT.E SEMINARY. CHAPTKR II. " DISTIM.KI) I ).\.\[ NATION." |N the cvrninn., the assi.sta.it came into the scliool- ••ooiii. aii.l was talkin- witli Ivon wlicn Thorne joined them, and iiuiuired, "why did yrm si^m the ph'dnre, Mr. Slow ? " "It's a Jon- story. Giovanni hates the si^dit or smell of hfjuor ; he never took a diop in his life." ^ " And 7mich he's the better for it ! " e.xclaimed Thorne. " He s slender, pale, and consnmptivedo()kin;,r" •'Ves;" snarled the assistant; " l.nt if you had been half-starved and half-clothed for the first ten years of your hfe perchance. Mr. (George, you nd-dd, he slender, pale and consumptive, too.'" "Oh, Mr. Slow, was (Jiovatmi like that r' "Ves; and what was worse, he saw his mother die a lingenng death of grief an.l starvation together Her 1"ish.„d,tho miserable wretch, just killed her by inches." " Poor boy : I am very sorry for him." "And so an. I, Thorn'e ; for he will never bo a st.-oncr man ; vcver!" '^ " What b((came of his fath<'r, sir ^" jnhh.dron/. The less said about hin, the hotter 3hnd that yon never mention his ,uune to (ii(,va,u,i. I DISTILLED DAMNATION. 23 have taken the best care I could of my poor sister's oMy child ; can.e out from the old country to do so, m fa.t. " He is thriving under your care, su-. .. Yes Ivon In, glad of it. Well, when on the road ,.„ Jl th ee and a half years ago, there was a person Hht Igc with us. who was evidently a dnnU.ng c .- racter. My nephew, after much coax.ng, -^-'^ 'j™ . sign the Pledge. Some days after our -■"»•«■;■; to'ok ill of scarlet fever. I an, sure he got ,t fto.u *at raganu,ffin on the stage. No sooner -^J":^^'^ Mr Grantaud myself wcrehoth down with ,t. G.ovann Ihl 1 take /drop of li.uor. When «.e doctor pour« out a glass of wine for him, he threw ,t m that gentle „,a„'s face. The physician was ang,-y enough t hav shaken hin, ; hat he dared not do ,t. 1 gl«- ly «">!-;» f,: uor t,;at was ordered for n,e . and, when ,..^ , place, the wine and V,randy that renuuncd. m a dark closet. Now, y.u.will think n.c supersft.ous, Iho.ne, hut I finuly believe in ghosts " tv,„,.„,. .. Oh, don't tell me a ghost-story !" interrupted rhornc, with a scared look. . .. I'll do nothing of the kin.l. For years 1 had been ,n the habit of taking a little i.randy, or '"''•'^'^^y ;""; the last thing at night ; so of co«..c I dul, after gettmg well nf the f.;,.. Once, when bed-tin,e came, I went a drau, as usual. To n,v horror, instea,! of see ng OhlCoguae- on the brandy-bottle, t'-™ 7''' *' * .^ •Distilled l>a,unatiou.' That Oiovann, had put .t there but in n,y sudden fright 1 attributed it to the work i !.. . n 8. II 24 ROSEVn-LE SEMINARY. of .some tiend, who was likely concealed in the dark closet. So I slammed the door to in a hurry, and whacked the bottle a^^ainst it. My fanatical nephew gave me no peace after that, until I signed the Pledr of the lads drew near, he joyfidly embraced the .)i)jMU-tunity of tauntitig McHoss about his religion, sarcastically remarking, " If all Chris- tians arc like Hiram, then I nrvcr wish to be one ! " " Thafs a shame : " exclaimed Aleck Shuter, " / am a Christian, too, and Mr. Slow often attacks me on that score; but Im not dishearteu.'.l l,y h'un as Hiram is. Religion has improved him and no mistake— (d(m't go away McRoss, please); for, when he first came here, Thurnc, he was the most passionate, cross, hateful fellow you over saw. He beat every boy in the sehiM.l, mjd ac- DISTILLED DAMNATION. 25 dually th.a.hed the assistant teacher once-fov which / wasn't soiTy!" ^ ,, ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ Mr. " You detestable scamp . ^ ^ " It's all cniite true what you say. That UMi SUnv. itsauqu . «,nv insuboraination to hi, hand, off u, ; tV.ough ,o,„o ot ' ' ^'\ ,), , ,„, sure that h. tvi« to .lo right, n -t »o ^ Cirant, a, to honour hi, I..rd -^ ^f ,^.„.,^,, ^ Hi... ! '• ..lhave,.everhe.na,.yth.,,.t 1;^ .,^_,,_^,„. ,.„tur>i.Hl Hhain hitto.ly, as h. Mr. Slow rc,oiiie.l his su,. . o. ^^^^ ^^^^.^^^ parlour, aiul gU--f,illy iv.i.arkcl, > J ^ „,„.„, thelacl,thafifallCh.ist.ansa,vUiHiia *''C':,™b- *> "- -y -'" '' ""■' '""■' "■"" ^■r;C t:i':'.i.g aown his 1 a..,. .ooUea ,o ,a,l an,. ashamed." .« ,/,/,/•" said Mr. rant, ..V,,„«iUhe,.,n,vf.-tUt^»-^_^^ yo««'lf hotl. ilica t,w..gl.t I wouhl te. alhorU-in/.;M'l»-tl.an.n!/oi«-' B V':.\ i-J.. ■ a 4 1 ii ! I 26 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. "So woukl 1!" snarled the assistant. " Yon take to yourself the credit of his conversion — doul)tless you do I" " Credit ! There is nothing of the kind about anyone's conversion. The glory belongs to God alone. Those we bring to the Saviour are our spiritual children ; ours, not only in time, but through the endless ages of eternity !" " So you are Hiram's father !" observed Mr. Slow, in a mocking tone. "Fes;" replied Mr. Grant, his eyes shining with joy, " and I am very thankful for it." " You take precious good care of your son," sneered Mr. Slow. " Those scientific books take up far too much time (ay, you may well colour !); upon my word you are a model father ! Turn over a new leaf !" Meanwhile the lads were in the school-room, talking earnestly enough. " Hiram, ivhy won't you take the Pledge ?" " What a torment you are, Giovanni ! Because I like liquor. We always have cider or beer on the dinner-table at home ; and I can help myself to Aunt's elder and cur- rant wines, whcnevei- 1 choose. Every night we have a glass of rum and water, sweetened with molasses ; which is nicer than the rest. Father has followed the sea from youth, witli the exception of a year or so. Sailor-like, he is fond of his grog; ani, since becoming a captain (eight years ago), drinks more of it than evei-. I must take after him, for 1 am fond of it, too. Whatever are you ciying for, Giovanni ?" " Poor Hirau! ! !' ^ I'V 28 ROSEVILLE SEMENARV, i sir. I would have signed it long ago, had I thought >/ou wished it." " My dear hoy," answered the Principal, " I prefer to take the Pledge with you. ft will not injuic (either of us." "Ho! Hoi" laughed the assistant, "You might both just as well have signed two years ago, instead of stand- ing out against it for so long and ijining In at last I" " Uncle 1 Uncle!" exclaimed Giovanni, "You will set them against it for good. Do be ([uiet !" " I have come to the conclusion that it is rit/hf to take the Pledge," said the Principal, gravely, " and 1 trust that all the sneers in the world would not hinder me from doing my duty." " 'Tis a pity that you did not see it in that light before !" sarcastically returned Mr. Slow. Shuter laughed. " It is from pare hcnerolcucr that the Principal employs you, sir ; I am certain of that, and so are we all !" "Mind your own business, you insulting lad,' growled the assistant, who knew that it was impossible for his superior to deny Shuter's assertion. A few moments more, and Mr. (irant and Hiraui both Aligned the Pledge, greatly to Giovanni's delight. I H I »1 YOUNG m'ROSS TN TROUm.E. 29 CHAPTER HI. YOUNG m'ROSS IN TROUBLE. .^ J^HE Studies proceeded as usual that <\ay ^^ntil^fter K recess, when the assistant marched over t.> his superior, and growled, "It is too bad; I ex- plained a difficult probknu in Algebra, yesterday ; and yet, only two lads got it right this morning. Con^e and see tor yo\u"self ! • 4.1, f The Principal co.npli,.!, ami inquired: " Whose ,« that work on the blackboard ? " " It is Archie's," said Mr. Slow. " Show the lads how you did it, Campbell." « Yes sir ; " and Archie obeyed the Principal. " That was first-rate," remarked the assistant. " I would like to see yon go over those explanations, young McRoss," sai.l Mr. Grant, gravely. -rcouldn't," replied Hiram. , , -n • ■ 1 .' That is just what 1 thought," contimied the Principal " Y..U were not paying the least attention ; for 1 watche ' M I'll 5 'M 30 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. I ({:. i'Ji I is Saturday, and if you wish to be free in the afternoon, I advise you to redeem your character." " I can't do that problem." " You can tri/." " I tvont ; " and Hiram threw down his chalk on the Hoor in a passion, and went off to his seat. " What a delightful specimen of human nature is that same Hiram McRoss," observed Mr. Slow. The usual lessons proceeded until twelve o'clock, when the school was closed till Monday. As soon as dinner was over, and the two teachers were alone, the assistant ob- served : " You're in a ' nice fix,' sir. Being an American gentleman of ample means, and merely teaching for plea- sure, you have always summarily expelled those lads who were guilty of insubordination. Hiram knew that ; but he has set your authority at defiance, thinking that you will not expel hhifi." " I shall hoi'se-whip him instead." " Horse-whij) him ?" exclaimed the amazed Mr. Slow. " Why, Hiram is nearly twenty years old, and has often boasted that he never was flogged in his life. That dis- graceful punishment was never practised here, and for you to inflict it on your favourite ! He will go into a fearful passion before he gets the first stroke." " I fully expect it." " As sure as ever you do, he will pack up his things, and leave by stage to-morrow." " I'm afraid so," said Mr. (Jraiit, sadly, " but there is Ltu help for it. 1 cannot expel him ; for there is no one on -k:: YOUNG m'ROSS in TROUBLE. 31 ea«h that I love so dearly ; therefore, the only alterna- tive is to flog him, or I AouUl be unjust to the school, and vay unjust to young McRoss. « Be prepared for his violent rosista, ice. ■" Certainly— I quite expect it." -Sow sir, please listen. Uon't, pray don t, i^og h.m hanlnough to make hinr cry. H you manage to draw ataroutrfthat proud, independent lad. he w.U ««e. '*;nir:miled. •• You are mistaken Mr^Slow. He doe, not seem to mind what ym say at all ; bu t .s al- trimpossible for me to scold him without makrng h.m "'you astonish me, sir. That proud Hiram McRoss ; are you sure you are correct ? " "I could not well be ndstaken, my assistant, foi I have oft«n wiped the tears off his cheeks." Mr. sL laughed. " Indeed, I congratulate you n your influence, Mr. Grant ■, I an, gW you »"'■'''; '>™ cry, tor it's what no other living creature can do ! I have sel; enough of Hiram McRoss to. know hat. feo th«ts why you always scold him in private, is it . ■ cfertainly fit would hurt his feelings drea^lfully it his companions should see his tears." ,„„;„„ the .. Well, you lum astonished me. As for his le'^v.ng the !::;:,i\t, ,itis„uitesafeforyoutoHogh,maa liai-l J»s you choose !" , "1 tope so." said the Principal, doubtfully. - He nas i i • i It 1:1 32 ROSEVILLE SKMINARY. ' ': ill Mr just come in, so I will go to him now." Which he did, locking the school-room door after him. Hiram was standing- just below the platform. Mr. Grant unlocked a drawer in his desk, and took out the formidable instru- ment of punishment. Then he approached the lad, saying abi-uptly, " I'm going to hoi'se-whip you, young McRoss." Hiram's face flushed crimson with shame, but Mr. Grant's keen eyes saw not a trace of anger. "Have you anything to urge why I shouldn't flog you ? " No, sir, nothing," replied Hiram, humbly ; and he stretched out his hands to receive the punishment. The surprise and relief of the Principal were great. He had fully intended to make Hiram take off his coat, but con- cluded at once to inflict the stripes in the ws the lad evidently expected them. " Young McRoss," said the master, sadly, " I am very sorry to have to punish you so severely. If you think I am giving you too much will you tell me ? " " I can frust you, Mr. Grant." The Principal's voice trembled as he said " My boy, I would not intentionally be over-severe; but never having Hogged anyone before, it is possible to make a mistake. If I whip you too hard, young McRoss, tell me and 1 will stop at once." " Just as you wish, sir. But, Mr. Grant — my hands are soft — they will be easily cut — and you nuist not mind that" The Principal immediately commenced to inflict the 4'^ I Mfc YOUNG M'ROSS TN TROUBLE. 33 rhilcVs play— and it acu8 ^of. The whip cul p .a« gained red, and the blood *'f 'f /'""' ^ Hira,ns on to the ttoov. Still the n^astevdul -^^'"P; » '^'^.y, „ de no ™";P';-^^,.,f ,';tt will do, ylung McRos." v'hip, saying, tendei 1> , !■" joge,. to The wounded hands dropped, and ,H'™"> «"! the Principal, who sorrowfully sa,d, "So th.s y first flogging, my hoy 1 " ^^ ■• Yes sir ; and I thimh you for it . Ihe laa y , he looked up, were bright and tearless. ..Mv brave boy," said the Principal, and he pu h ..„r ;rou„d young McRoss -' J^^^ Xs h nTs could not stand (/««, but burst out ^^'"^ ^^ ^^^ ,, were bleeding, so he did not cover h,s faov but against Mr. Grant's breast. . Young MeKass, indeed I did not mean to hurt your '"1 'X' have not. sir. It was worth being flogged to get ^'^^^rilohsh child; said ..Princi^.--^ clasped his arms closer around Hnam. 1 ^ 7 nigM, but you are asleep and don t know t _ _ " Oh Mr. Grant ' I'll keep awake aftei this . ™r;r "t wm nt: do , YOU are nearly always asJpb; eleven o'clock; otherwise. I do not disturb • ,,) [ 1 34 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. you." And the Principal stroked Hiram's curly hair and gently dried his tears. " Dear Mr. Grant, you are very good to forgive nie and care for me still," sobbed Hiram. " Indeed, I do love you, though I acted so badly." " Not more than I love ijoii, my precious young McRoss, you are dearer to uie than ever." And the Principal kissed Hiram again, which was followed by another burst of crying. As soon as he was c^uieted the niaster released him, and Hiram innnetliately went out to liis comrades and .showed them his bloedin^ M take that hack," said Thorne. " Y-^' ^^^"^ ^^^^^ 1 i-L m.ntcVs hut /prefer them to /m.v. When "^' ^''1m I f ^ i. tJned ahnost to death hy an Don t play tricks on me ! " 1 have something else to do. "What?" ... " Fniht r>n,r said Giovanni SomerviUe. (,X :,„;,e,i. .M,U,ntUnoww.,ic,..,ooUtoc.,oo.e. Pick one out yourself " His companion did so. v^lumps •. Thank y..u. Are all those forty, or bo, odd solumes. Temperance hooks i " " KiVery single <»ne. " What iie to my room and ehoose one. _ • The two Wis went upstairs into G>ovanm s apa. t„ ont .. Oh • that horrible picture," exelahne,! Thorn .ha.tdy ^ passing it. •• Why, you have got ,n,te a "'- W >y h ; | Let n,: see ■ Ten Nights in a Bar-room, .s that mtcrcst ;.■;; I 36 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. !«■ I" " Good ! Why they help foi-ward ihe Canm. All the boys have read some of tliem, mostly the stories. Your friend Tom won't read anything else, but they have done him good, foi-, he is strong in the glorious Cause of Tem- perance." " I'll follow Toms example and read the stories. 1 suppose that you prefer the ' Te.xt Book of Temperance,' and kindred works ? " " Yes." " What are you going to make of yourself ? " " I hope to lie a Tempej'ance Lecturer." " I might have guessed as much," laughed Thorne. " How can you sleej) with those horrid creatures glaring at you f " he asked more gravely, " Why, there are lots of demons in oin- poor, lost world. We can't see them, that is all. There ai-e, no doubt, some here, at this moment, and fai' more terrible looking than those in the picture." Thorne turned pale. "So, yoti are not afraid ?" " No, (reorge, of course not. Iin in (.'hrist's arms, and all tlie deujons in hell can nevei' get me out." There was .silence. Scxm Thorne caught sight of a handsome Bible, bound in scarlet morocco. " Tli(if\^ not a Temperance l»ook I" he observed, with a smile. Giovaiuii's largi' brown eyes opened wide as he ex- claimed. " Not a Temjierance liook I Why. Thorne, you know bettei' than that. The blessed Bible is the stroni;- ^ CMt Tempernnce book in the worM." Cieorge laughed. He fejired defeat, should he try an YOUNO M'BOSS in TKdllllLK. S7 ..gumentwith his total abstinoncc companion^ J^ at ■ .iftho hnr«..-tant facts in tl>at fonnulaUe «™y " " ^^^ ture tK.fo,e l.is eye» ^.r. safely st«w.d away .« b.s yom^' :„ ^s „.ain I U was not at all unlikely. " HI not nsU >t^ any way," thougUt Thoruo to In.uself, as ho wont clown '"aI..- oNpressinK his utter .Usappvoval of .Mr. Ciranfs .. ha itv' to tirat gentle L-^'* the assistant CO,. a„uoa/.lfyouHo,anyoftl,eotheHa,lssoshanot,2 the parents will hring a law-su.t a,.uust y,.u-ay . and ■'"m ',\wt avow himself up proudly, 'Do you supp-' , would t,:M,' myself to .log one ot the others ? N i,„U„.,, ; 1 would expel the whole ol them h.-.st. Not voun.' MeRo.s», though, I cauiu.tspaiv l,u„ ' At'the tea-table Mr. Slow inquired - Why d,d you no flo^Hivam over hi. shoulders' He wdl not he able to touch a snowball for a week to come ^ .. , intended t,. hav,. u.ade him take ott bis coat, sa.,1 thelV,neipal. .. ,m, Mr. (bant, ind 1 1 never thought of that: Why didn t you tell me , " You held out your bands before I was ready, young McHoss," said the Principal, with a smdo. Tl,„ assistant gravely in,,uned, ■ Lid the u„.stev .soon iiuikt^ vou cry, Hiiam^" Tim bead U«her replie,!, •■ Voung McRoss was a bravo ,,„y. After receiving the last stroke he was no u.ore cry- ing, Mr. Sl.iw, ih:in you are now.' wi I. 38 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. el. The assistant and scholars looked surprised. " He cried about something," said Sliuter. " What was it, Hiram ? " " Mr. Grant's kindness made a baby of me, Aleck." Hiram's face crimsoned as he made tlie confession, and the assistant and lads laughed. " None of the other scliolars could have borne such a flogging so bravely," said Mr. Slow. " Noi' the assistant either," adde.l Shuter. " I don't know about thaby. »ir, anrt no wonder ; but if you're Kcin.' to scokl <»v I want to come close. "I'm not going to seoUl you. child, but y<.u may come as close as you choose." Hiran, in,n,..diaU.ly t.,nl< bin, at his word and M,. Grant caressingly strokcl the curly head that lay on his breast. , . ... , "Young McHoss.will you tell me about your ea.ly life ?" asked the Prhicipal. " I'm afraid it will weary you. sir." " Go ahead, my boy, there is no danger." 40 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. m " I must tell you the first part, then, as I have heard it from Aunt Ellen. Father was a sailor from boyhood, but he gave up the sea for the sake of my mother, who. Aunt says, was a very pretty gii'l, with bright curly hair and blue eyes. They married and settled down on a farm, which belonged to her, A year afterwards I was born, and, as a baby, father almost hated me, because I cost the life of his idolized Lily. He went oti' to the sea again, and left me to the caieof Aunt Ellen, who thought it sinful to punish a motherless child, and allowed me to do as I chose, I used to tease and slaj) the servants, but they did not dare to touch me in return. Father came home about every two years, but Itc never punished me eithei'. If I had tnken after mother he woukl have had me with him at sea long ago ; but hecoukl not help see- ing that I was the picture of himself, and, moreover, in- herited his hot temperas well. So he said I might })lease myself, which 1 did, and went to .school instead of becom- ing a sailor. The nmster at Oakville is a great f i-iend of aunt's, and that is why I escaped punishment until com- ing here. Father wished me to go to sea with him tiie last time he was home. He has been a captain for eight years now, and promised me good times ; but 1 did not likt' the thought, so he would not urge me. Of course, I should always make him tliink of his dead wife; but, for that matttr, In- ha.< her life-size picture hanging up in his cabin. Aunt Nelly dares not mention her sister's name, fur. even vet. Captain McRoss will crv like a cliild ovui' Ids ' lost Lily.' lie often said what a pity it was tliat / 1 ,1 I 1 YOUNG m'ROSS in TROUBLE. 41 did not die instead of mother, and lately 1 have some- time thought so myself." " Why, young McRoss ! " ^ ™o he and a »ee.n« almost useless to struggle a^a.nst Hw I i Cln..t, though I am nothing but a .hame to Him!" ana Hlvan, burst into t.ars^ tone, -He knows all, my ch.R ^^^^^ ^^ j„ eonquerov through Him ^^^^^^^ ,, , .^oken .< He /ia8 forgiven me, sir , said mr , • «.nd I'm so glad that you have too. Ueai mr. voice, and i m ^^} » •' TTriflPv God 1 owe <">•"«'•" „„,! when Hiram looked up, he There wa-s no answer ; and, w en ^^^ »w tears rolling down the face ot *o P^ap '^''^^'-''":\:;;re::rs:i":t;.-^^^^ (Irant, hugging him close, .a li„r>„,s i" v.m could have .nade me cry. yo«"§ ^«'^"'' '. „ you COUia ^^^ "lam very sorry, su, to nave gi j r ^ .'.You have given me the purest pleasure You are Til ,L • ndne for ever and ever ! Look upon my own chiia now , un"'^ 1, bK 1 ' II ■ I- ■j 1 n •4s It ■Jli lal 42 KOSEVILLE SKMIN.VUY, me as your father after this ; for, by your own confession, I am your father, young McRoss." Then, the Principal arose ; and, making Hiram kneel down beside him, commended himself and his spiritual son, the child that God had given liim, into the hands of their dear Lord and Saviour. When they arose from their knees, Hii'am was crying more than ever. He thought he had very good reason. Mr. Grant, however, was quite calm, and took Hiram in his arms again, petting him like a child, until he was more composed. He then inquired, " Young McRoss, are you really fond of intoxi- cating liquors ?'' " Yes, sir ; but, God lielping me, I will keep my pledge. I got the taste for rum from my father — it is hereditaiy in hivi, much more so in me, for fatlier is a hard drinker. He taught me to sip grog from his tundjlei' when I was a little child." "I am thankful indeed that you have signed the pledge I" "And, so am I, sir. It did not strike me as of nnich importance until last night, when Giovanni was so dis- tressed on my account, that, for the first time, I gave the matter serious thought. It is not likely, though, that I would have signed the i)ledge, unless you had made me. I had not the slightest intention of . Theve -;-: '■'';';^^;,^/;"h. te„.pevance a™y ; ovthc Other. God IS the Icadei oi t i .M,e Satan . the ^^^J^ ^ ^^J^^ H . And does any man m h,. ..as"; ^"^5, , ^d' in these „f trifling -P— :-*;U;^^^^^^ the matters or not ^ What, i^u ^ , ^ ^ight ,,.„,..essonhe.avn„^^^^^^^^^^ and the powers of darkness ! UU, 1 ; , , u„e You are doin, good in oti.er ways 00 v,tW hasuitensevn jou^ ^ sionary and hible societies ; hut, did yo i1. ■ k il IS l] r if 48 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. rloUar to tlie temperance cause ? And yet drunkenness is ruining more souls than all other crimes put to- gether. Whore is the good of sending out missionaries with Bibles and tracts when the very same vessel carries in her hold hogsheads of rum to the hapless heathen ? You have influence, learning, position, wealth— and for all these talents you are accountable. Oh, why won't you ' come up to the help of the Lord ; to the help of the Lord, against the mighty V " The teachers and scholars were too mucli surprised to make any innne.liate reply. At length the assistant said earnestly, " Giovanni, Giovanni, do sit down and get your dinner." "Excuse me, uncle, if you please," replied the boy, a.s he went off to his own room. Pacing the floor, in his excitement, he said aloud, '< May God forgive me if I spoke disrespectfully to Mr. Grant. I didn't mean to ; but, oh, he has been asleep all these years ; ivilfully asleep in reganl to temperance. The Principal took good care to save himself horn a drunkard's ^rrave ; he mount- ed tlie rock of total abstinence ; but what unfortunate creatures has he pulled up beside him, during all these twenty years ? From his own confession, uof one, until yo.^,ti'rday. when I am sine that God must have touched his cold heart, or he would never have pledgeoys grinning. " Yes, sir, perlia|>s you wouM prefer this : " Dare t(» bo right ! Dare to b« truo ! Ytiii Imvo a work that no othor can tin ; D/ X I'fl . m II ': I if t »■ )% u 52 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. ill with Hiram, but at the otlior end of the chiss, ordered each of them to repeat a verse from Scrii^ture. At length it came to Giovanni. " i^e will give us a Temperance text," thought Mr. Grant, but that worthy gentleman was mistaken. Not even glancing at the master, so as to insinuate any alhision to him, but looking calmly into the blue eyes of Archie Campbell, Giovanni repeated in a clear voice that rang through the room, " Cur.se ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof ; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty." The h(>ad teacher winced at the home-thrust ; poor Mr. Slow hurried out of the room, sure that his situation was gone for goo'l ; the lads were astonished at the boldness of their comrade ; but when Hiram saw the Hushed hce of the Principal, he hotly exclaimed, " Won't you turn Giovanni out of the room, sii- ? " "Oh, no, young McRoss," said Mr. Grant, with a smile. The recitation went (m, until it came to Hiram who repeated .earnestly, " They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn numy to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.— Behold 1 and the children which God hath given me." The scholars .smiled ; they knew well that Hiram in- tended the verses for the hea., whf, i the mem- ories of events, that had saddened his y uy iii'e, came over him. Thome's conscience bitterly reproached him ; he felt that it was useless to oft'er any excuse. Giovanni soon recovered his composure and asked, " Won't any of you promise ? " Nearly all agreed to try, at least. At breakfast, I von remarked, " We" are all glad of the holidays, except Hiram McRoss." " He is sorry to leave Mr. Grant, I suppose," sneered the assistant. "My superior is away a great deal in va- cation-times. So many possessions need considerable looking after. Now, Hiram, don't you wish you ha i one of Mr. Grant's farms ? " " No, sir ; I shall have a farm of my own, on coming of age," calmly replied the lad. " Is there a house on it ?" inquired the assistant, in a tone of surprise. " Oh, yes, sir," laughed Hiram. " Do you suppose we live in a barn ? There is a brick house on it ; one of the large, old-fashioned kind." " Of course, your relatives expect you to work the place as soon as you are twenty -one ? " " Yes, sir." "Oh. vouuL' McRoss." said Mr. Grant, sorrowfully, " it is hard to lose you so soon." *' I don't intend to be a farmer, sii." 62 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. " What, then ?" growled Mr. Slow. " I don't know," replied Hiram, gloomily. "You're a lucky fellow," said Tom, "and now, you need not be troubled ; for, as you have property of your own, on coming of age, you can stay with Mr. Grant until you are thirty years old, or longer, if you choose. But, the Principal will very likely die before that !" " I hope that / shall die too, then !" replied Hiram. Mr. Slow looked dreadfully shocked. " Is that a right wish, young McRoss ?" There was a tremor in the Principal's usually calm voice. " Yes, sir ; I tliink so. I pray for it every day. It C!inn(jt be wrong to hope that my prayer will be an- swered." " How fearfully dangerous to say such prayers ! " ex- claimed the assistant. " Not at all, sir. f always ask ' i' it be God's will.' In- nocent wishes, like that, liavo been so often granted by our loving Saviour, that 1 think He will grant mi?if;'" and Hirnm siiiiliMl. The Principal aros hastily and left the roo!n. McRoss (piiekly followed him into the parlour and locked the door, for, he saw that Mr. rican) who was here some time ago. I i*mm," concludef rum. I'm glad you went. Sam, for, Hiram could not have got old Hilly home alone. Afterwards, instead of warnnng him.self, he 6Q ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. actually went out for snow and rubbed that old wretch's hands and feet to di-aw the frost out ! He would have scorned to do so, a year ago ! But, to be silly enough to sign the Pledge— just think of it ! Well, I'll coax him to break it ! " " You had better not, ma'am. The curse of Heaven ^ill be upon you, if you do ! " " You Methodist ! Our parson takes liquor and likes it, well. And, so do t/ou ! " '• I've not taken the Pledge, ma'am." " I should hope not. Well, I am still more provoked because my nephew has given up all intention of farming ; and, the only reason he can give, is the ridiculous one' that ' he can't leave Mr. Grant ! ' It is dreadfully annoy- ing." That night, as they gathered around the fireside, Sam Wilkii.s observed, " It's my belief that Hiram likes the head-teacher more than anyone else." " That is not true," retorted old Billy ; " now, is it, younir master ? " ^ " It is scarcely true, sir," replied Hiram, gravely, " for, of course, I love my Saviour better- than Mr. Grant. '' There was a dead silence. Thc^ were all surpii.sed, for Hiram had not spoken of his faith l)efore. Then William caught sight of the pain, of one of the .la.l's hands, which ho had hitherto concealed as much as possible, and asked. " How did you hurt younsj'lf so badly f " Hiram's face Hushed deeply as he answered, Mr " Grant whipped uie." THE HOLIDAYS. 67 :os The old man looked bitterly indignant, and Miss Morris, greatly surprised, but Sam laughed heartily and clapped his hands for joy, as he said, " Good for you, young boss. " Noiv you can't brag, as you always used to, that no one dared to touch you, and all such stuff. Oh, dear, I am right glad that the master had sense enough to use the rod, even though you are nearly twenty years old. X ho[)e he made you cry." " You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Sam," said William ; " a fine Methodist, aren't you ?" Then, half to himself, " It was too had of Mr. Grant." "indeed it wasn't, sir," replied Hiram, earnestly. "I deserved Hogging, and it was the kindest thing the Principal could do for me." Sam laughed, and wondered greatly what had come over the " y<»ung boss." Before he had recovered from his astcmishmens Hiram began to urge the old man to sign the riedg(^ William said lie could not keep it if he did, for the .sight of beer and cider on the table every day would overcome him. Then Hiram earnestly entreated his aunt to banish licpior during meal-times, but sbe Kcornfnllv refuseil. " 1 will sign if Sani does," sai, " answered the Methodist, " if you can prove from the Bibh^thatwe should not drink licjuor." " 1 can't," said Hiram, " but (Jiovanni couhl. Oh, I winli be wan here! 1 have not r(*ad thoHc dvy T«!np«.r, % (58 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. ■ :«.;.■:■' ance books, but only some stories. Hovvever, the Bible tells us to love one another, tlu>refore you miffht siirn +br William sake, Sam." " No, I'll not do it, ,K) you need not ask me." " Is that Giovanni mon^ healthy than he used to be ? He should drink lots of bet r;' said Miss Morris, "I would rather see him in his grave," replied Hiram hotly. ' Laughs and bantering remarks followed, so that McRoss had' great difficulty in keeping his temper. A day or two passed—gloomy ones for Hiram, who was loi,ging for a sight of Mr. Grant-and then eame Christnia. l':ve. San, called at the Post Office, and on his return after dark, handed Hiram a small jacket. The lad recognised the writing at once as that of the Principal aiid ea.;erly opened his treasure. It proved to be a lar leased him, sometime- about his Pledge, sometimes about his "disgrace- ful flogging," and Mr Grant's kindness in inriictin^ the same ! Again Hiram's crying-fit would be used as a source of annoyance— and, everything else that the mind of the thoughtless Wilknis could lay hold of. Miss Morris joined in, from sheer spite, and openly urged him to break his Pledge, a.s well. Old Billy was an exception, he always took Hiram's part with warmth. McRoss looked to Him " TEMPERANCE FOREVER. 73 who is ' mighty to save,' and, he did not look in vain. To his own surprise, he succeeded in keeping both his Pledge and his temper, and thanked God, w n the time came, for going back to Roseville Seminary. 4l 'i . 1 CHAPTER VII. EMPERANCE FOREVER. ^OW very provoking," said Mr. Slow to himself. "^^^ " Here are all those lads back again on my ^.,. ^ hands. To-morrow the classes commence, and ^*' Mr. Grant to go and sen. I me word that he ha.- just returned from the ' other side ' and cannot leave Clay- town for some days ! A plague on the Yankees and their country, too ! Happi ly , Hiram has a head-ache this even- ing ; so, he will not care to give me much trouble." The next morning at breakfast, Mr. Slow observed, " You are not eating anything, McRoss, and look so flush- ed. Does your head ache still ? " " Vc's, sir ; very badly. I foolishly exposed myself to infection at'oakville; but did not think of danger until this morning. It is, doubtless, the -carl L fever; and I must ^'o huld be done, the lad would soon be delirious. " And in that case," thought the alarmed assistant, " Mclloss might get tip an.l go out in the col.l, as others have done when light-headed. 1 am getting old and could not prevent him. No doctor in the world could save him after thot .'" Mr. Slow comnmnicated his fears to his nephew, who inunediately soaked a small towel in coM snow water, and ipiickly wringing 't out, he irave it to Hiram, saying, "Put this cm your forehead, McRoss." ^^ The lad did so, and exclahned, "Oh, that feels so nice! The following morning, about nine o'clock, the doctor came again. He at once asked, "Has the Principal ivturjaod ? " " Oh, no," answered Mr. Slow, " he has to come panly by train, and partly by stage-he could not get home be- fore to-night. ' " Have you brought any licpior.sir ?" " (\MtJiinly not. Hiram. I don't want any more of the delightful stuir waste.l. When the Principal comes, how- rvcr, 1 shall recomm.nd him to dose you widl with it. Of *. 1 li 80 R08EVILLE SEMINARY. course, Giovanni's valuable services will then be no longer required." " Very good, si,-," replied Giovanni. " You may recom- mend it as much as you choose; and on Mr. Grant's head will he the shame and the guilt, if he give a single drop out of the devil's cwp to Hiram McRoss !" The doctor's cheeks Hushed angrily. " This is no place to quarrel with that little temperance fanatic," he re- marked, "so we will lot it pa.ss." He then turned to his patient and the sight moved him to pity. " My poor fel- low," he sai.l, ' you are very foolish to he so touchy, wh v, that nice curly hair is dreadfully tangled, and— " " There is no wonder," put in Mr. Slow, ' for Giovanni says that he tossed about all ni(dit' " Has your face been washed or your hands, since you were sick ?" " No, sir . I would not let them do it." " How miserable you must feel '. " " id McRoss. ^ Just then, John knocked at the door and said, " Mr. Grant's here ; he hired a conveyance and travelled night and day." A moment umre and the Principal entered. ''to the amazement of the doctor, he advanced immediately io the be.|-side and kissed Hiram again and agaiu. " My dear boy." he said angrily, " how wretchedly they have neglected you." " It was my «,wu fault, sir." replied Hiran., bursting into tears of joy at having the Principal ha.k, Kven then ho l"ul euough n^ the <,1.1 pride or independem;e, or huth, to h " TEMPERANCE FOREVER. 81 make him hide his face on Mr. Grant's breast, so that the others should not see him cry. The master clasped his arms around Hiram and drew up the bed-clothes over his shoulders to prevent any danger of cold. " How you have excited him," exclaimed the doctor uneasily, as he heard Hiram sob, " It's all right now," said Giovanni. " You must need sleep, sir," remarked Mr. Slow, " your room is warm and comfortable." " Thank you, I'm not sleepy," returned the Principal. So saying, he sent them all downstairs for a while, and then made Hiram look up and wiped his tears away. " Don't cry, my precious young McRoss," he said tenderly, as he kissed the fever-flushed face over and over again. Wiapping Hiram in blankets, Mr, Grant carried him into his own room, which was larger, airy and beautifully fiunished. The lad protested against being put in the master's bed and inquired, " where are yon going to sleep, sir '. " Oh, on the lounge, which I will draw close beside you. so that you can wake me when necessary," replied the gentleman, lightly. Soon the doctor and Mr. Slow were summon(!d upstairs. Giovanni, white as a sheet, stole into the room unasked. Hiram looked much more comfortable ; hi.s hair was combed out and brushed ott' his forehead, and his facr and hands were washed. " Why, my patient, you will l<'t the Principal do any- thing he chuo.ses, he must, have earned yuu in Ihn arms ^1 I ^ f 82 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. ' 'i i like a ba oyl Whatever is that gold thing which you keep squeezed in your hand ? I noticed it, at my first visit, and it I^.aB a|)]>arently been there ever since ! Will you let me see it ?" " Yes, sir, " and Hirani smiled. He w^as leaning upon Mr. Grant, who was sitting upon the bedside. The doctor took the locket from the boy's hand. He thought at first that it was a watch ; but, speedily dis- covered his mistake. On opening it, and seeing Mr. Grant's likeness, the medical man laughed, and said, " well, Hiram, you are the master's pet, and no doubt feel proud of the honour. What a very fine picture this is." " You may well say that," observed Mr. Slow. " Oh, Mr. Grant, I can never thank you enough for it," said Hiram, as he received back his treasure. "You foolish child, " answered the Principal, smiling. He then took some lemons from his pocket, and said, " Giovanni, will you make a pitcher of lemonade for your school-fellow ? " "Oh, don't send him, sir," entreated Hiram. "He waited constantly on me yesterday ; anks rin^hod. • |( ^Hsnt fhaf,i^r Of coui-se, T like Hiram —but " But what ^ ' asked th.- Prinnpa. TEMPERANCE FOREVER. 83 i» " I was afraid, sir, that they would give him liquor ; so, I always poured out his medicine myself. Last evening he got worse ; and, uncle found some old rum, that the house-keeper had had stored away for years, in case of sickness. He said he would put a tablespoonful or so into Hiram's tea — that, as Hiram was slightly delirious he would not — perhaps—notice it. That was the reason I sat up all night — to prevent such a misfortune as his get- ting a single drop. He " " Now, Giovanni, what did you do with that rum ? I am confident you took it from my hiding-place. What did yon, do with it ? " " I threw it out of the window, uncle, where the doc- tor's two bottles had gone before !— Mr. Grant," and the boys cheeks flushed, " you need not think that 1 deserve any credit for sitting up with Hiram — it was not for love of hiw, but for " he stopped abruptly. " For love of the Temperance Cause, " said the Princi- pal, smiling. He instantly became grave again, when he saw how exhausted Giovanni looked, and continued, " your nephew had better go to bed, Mr. Slow. / will take care that young McRoss has no liquor in his tea or any other way. Hatl you played such a trick on my V)oy, sir, you should not have stayed another day in the house. You may thank Giovanni for not being dismissed as it is." " Indeed," said Mr. Slow. " I meant it for the best, being afraid that Hiram would die. Dr. Mays strongly recom- mended tliat licjuor sh<»uld be given. " V il''i '< 84 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. "Certainly," remarked the physician, "it is my in- variable custom. I prescribe wine, spirits or malt liquor for almost every disease in existence. People like these things-like to take them, except, when one comes across such a Temperance fool as Giovanni Somerville. That, thank Heaven, is very seldom." " You ought to be ashamed of yourself, sir," exclaimed Hiram, angrily, " that boy is worth his weight in gold- the day may come, when you will be glad and proud to have him for your son-in-law ! " The doctor looked astounded-he was too much sur- prised to speak— and Hiram went on : " That little dauo-h- ter of yours is just Giovanni's age-vou must have noticed the loving glances which she casts at him in church " Hiram stopped abruptly, for (iiovanni burst into such a merry laugh, that Mr. Grant could hardly keep his countenance straight, and Mr. Slow did not tn-. As soon a^ he got his mirth in check, the lad observed " You must be mistaken, Hiram. There is nothing in me to attract her attention. But. Shuter sits in the same pew, and he is so good-looking that- " Its not him at all," said Hiram impatiently—" vou must know that it's yourself ; " " T never noticed that she looked at either of us." said Giovanni, who had regaine.l his usual grave demeanour. " I'n. afraid that Hiram is partly right." groaned the doctor. •■ 01, dear ! I see now what Hatti<. meant by ftsk.ngso nn.ch ahout (Jinvauiii. To think ofu.yowt. FATHEH AND SON. 85 lovely little daughter, my only and idolized child, falling in love with such a Temperance fool, " " She shows her good sense," angrily retorted Hiram. "Don't excite yourself," said the young teetotaler, calmly, " all the evil names they could call me, would not hurt me in the least." " The judgment day will reveal luho is the fool," said Mr. Grant, firmly. " And doctor, if you administer any kind of liquor to young McRoss — there is an end to your practice in the Seminary." Forgetful of the patient, Giovanni clapped his hands and danced out of the room, singing, " Temperance for- ever ! " " That odious boy ! " exclaimed the angry doctor. " Wouldn't I like to shake him ! Very sick — isn't he ? It looks like it, truly ! " ii :r ■ - i it i'^ i ■Is il. CHAPTER VHI. ^ " FATHER AND SON. HE physician was greatly surprised whc he found that the Principal was going to ia.'- care of f^ Hiram himself, and therefore repeatet r's orders tt) him. " I'll call in a couple of houivs' tinie, be- cause my patient needs other medicine, as you von't give !( II 86 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. > t II him brandy. Don't forget the sponge-bath, that always affords relief." Then, beckoning Mr. Grant outside the door, he said gravely, " You were very foolish, sir, to touch your lips to that boy's face. Never kiss a fever- patient." The master laughed and the doctor went his way. " It is no use speaking to the Principal, he is as self-willed as Hiram McRoss," said the physician to himself. " My warning went in at on* mr and out at the other. Of course, if he had the fov. - ;<.-ain, he would probably die- came very near it the liisr iime. I never had a patient that it was such a pleasure to attend — so good and gentle» though he suffered acutely. When told that he was not likely to recover, he smiled calmly and said, ' Then, I shall soon be with my Saviour.' He was so fit for Hea- ven that I felt certain he was going there. Oh, how differently Mr. Slow behaved — cross, peevish, hateful— though he was scarcely sick at all." The assistant and his nephew were at once released from any further attendance on Hiram. John took up his station in the hall to assist his master when neces- sary, while Giovanni lay down on his bed to get a little rest. He looked at the horrid picture op})Osite, and thus addressed the demons, "ay, you may all grin as you choose, but God will not let you get Hiram McRoss ! " About fifteen minutes later, a terrific yell rang through the house. "That's my nephew — he's in a fit," exclaimed Mr. Slow, as, shaking in every limb, he hurried up stairs. To ii "FATHER AND SON." 87 liis astonishment, he found Giovanni peacefully lyin his bed, but wide awake. " What in the world is the matter ? " " Why, did I scream out, uncle ? " " Scream ! I should think you did ! I only hope that you have not frightened Hiram." " Oh, I'm so sorry," said Giovanni, " but it cannot be helped. I got to sleep, uncle, and dreamed that those demons were tearing Dr. Mays in pieces. It was enough to make one squeal." Hiram's nervousness was soon quieted when told of the cause of the shriek. The conversation with the phy- sician had excited him, and his head ached dreadfully. The Principal laid his cool hand on the boy's forehead. " Dear Mr. Grant, I am so glad you have come back," said Hiram, with tears in his eyes. " My poor child," replied the master, tenderly, " I wish I could bear the pain for you." " I'm glad you can't, sir. My head is worse now, because I got excited in talking to the doctor. It was a shame for him to speak of Giovanni as he did. Miss Hattie has more sense than her father. Oh, my head is all in a whirl," " Let me bathe it, young McRoss, and quiet yourself if you can^" he added, " or I fear that delirium will set in again." When the pain of his head was a little relieved, Mr. Grant proceeded to give Hiram a sponge-bath. The lad would have violently resisted the assistant or the doctor,. ? ii \ !:a 1.0 I.I 1.25 Hi lis | Z8 IIM I -10 L4 2.5 II 2.2 12.0 1.8 1.6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No 2) 88 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. lil IM I ' h ^' but he was passive in the hands of the Principal. That gentleman was as tender as though the big boy before him were an infant. When it was over, Hiram felt much easier, and earnestly thanked Mr. Grant for the trouble he had taken. " It is no trouble, but a pleasure to do anything for ymv, young McRoss. Did I hurt you ? " " Oh, no sir," and Hiram smiled, " you could not hurt me, for you were so gentle." He then added in a lower, graver voice : " Mr. Grant, I have not said my prayers yesterday or to-day." " My poor child," said the master, who well knew by experience how the latl felt, " I don't wonder you could not collect your thoughts. But the Lord Jesus prayed for you, young McRoss. Hiram smiled. " Yes sir, I know He did. 1 piayed in my heart, of course, but just in detached sentences, for I I could not think, and neither can i now. Dear Mr. Grant, please tell me what to say." The Principal immediately knelt down and took Hiram's hand in his, while he slowly uttered simple petitions, which the lad repeated after him. There was something which the master designedly omitted ; but McRoss remem- bered it, and conclutled by praying : " and if it be Thy will, please I^ord Jesus, let me die with Mi'. Grant." The Princii>al arose, his eyes were full of tears, but ho controlled his emotion, au.' gave Hiram a drink of Unuouade. As Dr. Mays ueared his home, his thoughts turned to his daughter. " Now there's my darling Hattie — (oh that Fi t '1 l! " FATHER AND SON. 89 odious Giovanni — though I'm sure it isn't his fault — he doetsn't care a snap for her— not ho) ! niy poor little girl —a perfect idol she has been to me since her mother died —that is nine years ago now. Oh, my angel wife, I pro- mised to follow yo\i to Heaven, and to bring up your child for the Saviour ; but alas ! I am not doing cither. Ilattie's nurse is a good Methodist— (juite a saintly woman— but Hattie herself isn't saintly, nor likoly to be. She is the picture of her dear mother, but, unfortun- ately, has my headstrong, determined nature in a two- fold degree ; and I have let her do just as she pleased — why shouldn't I ? She is mi/ only one ; and what a com- fort the wilful, saucy, little lass has ever been to her lonely father ! I always tell her about my patients, (^tc, for whom else have I to talk to, I'd like to know! It seemed to interest the girl to lu^ar news of Roseville Seminary, especially of Oiovaimi. Why, it is long ago that I pointed him out to her in coming from church. And now — oh, I've no patience to think of it." Here Dr. Mays entered his house, and Hattie, a girl of fourteen, came flying down stairs as soon as she heard her fathei's step in the hall. Following her panmt into the parlour, she drew a low ottoman close beside him and seated herself upon it. Leaning forward on his knees and looking up into his face, the girl said » " You are grave, papa ; is Hiiam Mc- RosH going to die ? " " Oh, no ; he is not any bettor yet, it cannot be expect- ed ; but, the I*rinci[)al is with him now." " Can he make him mind 1 " f.'ii 11 I m 1 ;* \ 4 90 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. Ifl " I pres.iime so," replied the doctor, smiling, " but it was more than / could do." And he gave his daughter a full account of his visit, save, of course, that he did not mention anything concerning herself. " Oh, papa, is Giovanni sick ? " " You seem very anxious about him, my girl ! " " Tell me, papa, is he ? " "No — no — only tired. And now, Miss Hattie, I really believe you are in love with him ! Yes, you may well hang down your head and look ashamed." Hattie sprang from her seat and proudly raised her head, shaking back her long l)rown curls. Her rosy cheeks were crimson ; but, she spoke clearly and ]»oldly, "It's nothing to be ashamed of! 1 do love Giovanni Somerville, and glory in it ! " The physician said not a word. He opened his arms to his little daughter, who immediately rushed into them, and, hiding her face on his shoulder, began to cry. " Oh papa." sobbed the girl, "you have got me every- thing I wanted, all my life long — now, do please get me Giovanni I " Poor Dr. Mays was nonplussed, as well he might be, at such an unreasonable request. So he said, " you're a foolish child, Hattie ; and don't know what you are talk- ing about. You have listened to my stories of the lads in the Seminary until you believe (Hovanni to be a hero — and, to say the truth, he is a very common place little mortal, indeed ! Now, if you could see him and talk to him for a while " " I wish you'd give mo the chance, papa !" ■a * \ "FATHER AND SON.' 91 " So I will, my girl, as soon as Hiram is better ; and you will be speedily disenchanted." " Oh, no, papa ; don't set your mind on that! 1 have seen Giovanni at church, and have a very fair idea what he is like." " Hattie, if it were one of the other lads, I would not mind ; but the absurdity of j^our taking a fancy to that red hot little fanatic ! It's too bad." " I can't help it, papa — I didn't moan to, but it just came itself ! Besides, why do you objoct to him ? Didn't you tell me, long ago, that he was a Christian 'i " " Yes." " Don't you think so still ? " * The doctor's conscience cojnpelled him to answer emphatically, " ,?/r.s." He then added tartly, "what makes you so particular about that point ; are you a Christian, yourself ? " Hattie replied in a whisper, " I've hoped so — lately — papa." The physician was silent for some time. Then he said, "I'm not sorry for that, my little daughter; but, I am sorry that you care for that boy. He will never love you, child, 7i.firer — nor, anyone else, eithei-. He thinks of nothing, tallcH of notliing, cares for nothing, l)ut the Tenn)erance ('ause." "Papa, from what you say, (Jiovanni nuist be very strong in his likes and dislikt's. He has i\ henrl ; and, if the Temperance Cause takes it up altogetli(»r, why, I'll try to push a little (jorner of the cause out ! ' " You can't do it. " 92 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. II 1 1 '! i m Hattie laughed. " It's not necessary, papa. I'm sure he has room for me, too ! " " Oh, my child, you are so young ; do give up all thought of him ! " Hattie sprang off her father's lap in anger. " No — no, papa ! If I cannot marry Giovanni Somerville, I will 7iever marry at all," and she ran out of the parlour. Dr. Mays, who knew the determined nature of his daughter, was shocked by her bold words. However, he did not forget duly to fulfil his promise of calling again at Roseville Seminary — two hours after his previous visit. John, who was stationed in the hall, upstairs, told the medical man to go in Very quietly, which he did, and was astonished to see that the Principal, in his black broad-cloth dress, had lain down to set Hiram to .sleep, and, in so doing, had set himself to sleep, too. Hiram was lying so happily at rest in Mr. Grant's arms, with his curly head on the master's bosom. The face of the Principal was beautiful in its expression of calm repose. The doctor muttered to himself " Father and son ! " an('., after a long gaze on them, quietly withdrew. Mr. Slow insisted on his remaining for dinner, to which he agreed and remarked^ " Mr Grant is a plucky fellow ! The idea of his sleeping so composedly with a fever-patient ! It is very foolish to run such a risk ; but he evidently thinks then^ is no danger. I never thought before that the licad-teacher was :-iU(^h a fine-look i rig man !" " / did ! " and Mr. Slow laughed heartily. Ah Giovanni did not make his appearance at the din- " FATHER AND SON." 99 ner-table, the physician inquired, " Where is your nephew i " " Oh, he's asleep yet ; don't trouble yourself about him." An hour or more passed before Hiram awoke. After seeing him and giving directions, the physician took his departure. At the hall-door, he was confronted by Gio- vanni, who stood before him as pale as a statue, with a roll in one hand and a pen in the other. " Will you be good enough to sign the Pledge, Dr. Mays ? " The medical man burst into a fit of laughter, at such an unseasonable attack ; but as he had been most kindly entertained by Mr. Slow, he could not think of injuring that gentleman's nephew. Therefoie, he merely pushed the boy aside, and was going off without deigning to reply. " Dr. Mays, don't go yet — I want to speak to you." " What about ? Why, Giovanni, your face is Hushed to the roots of your hair," exclaimed the physician, laughing. The lad looked full into the doctor's eyes, as lie said, " I am sorry, sir, that you were made uneasy by Hiram's nonsense. There is not the least occasion. I promise you that I will not attempt to inHuence Miss Hattie's affec- tions in the slightest degree without " he stopped abruptly. " Without my cimsent, you were going to say," sai physician's turn to redden. He replied, " Yes ; but mind this, when you see Hattie and talk to her, you may not like her in the least, and it is e({ually proltable that she will not care two straws for you. But should it be otherwise, my lad, dll riyld." " FATHER AND SON. 95 The bell rang. School was called very late that after- noon, but Mr. Slow had had other things to attend to. Giovanni smiled and said, " Thank you, Dr. Mays," and then immediately entered the school-room, the door of which was only a few feet from the place where the doc- tor and he had been standing. To the boy's astonishment, Shuter was there ; he had evidently been listening to every Avord. Nothing was said at the time ; but at the tea-table, Aleck, foi- a joke, repeated the conversation between the doctor and Giovanni in full. The latter was indignant, and declared that Shuter had acted in a dishonourable manner. " So he has, my nephew. That's the way he recom- mends his religion." " Shuter professes to be a Christian," said Tom. " I hope you are proud of your convert, Archie." Cvampbell coloured. " You should not expect Christians to be perfect, Tom — the best of them have their infirmi- ties and sins, too." Shuter's face flushed. " I only did it for play," he said. *' Was it wrong, Archie ? " " I'm afraid so, because you would not like Giovanni to do so to you. But I do not wish to judge, Aleck, ior I often do wrong things myself. " " I never see them, then," snarled Mr. Slow, with whom (Itimpbell was a favourite. " Well, Giovanni, I envy you," said Shuter. " That girl is a lovely little creature." " Be silent, all of you," growled the assistant. 1. . 1 ^ . -.. ^ ill ''■1 • i A 5 W m m \ r 96 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. *i:i >r At times, wlicn Hiram felt a little easier, he told Mr. Grant about the first day of his illness, how afraid he was that the doctor would force him to take liquor, of the dreadful consequences that would follow, of his conversa- tion with his young temperance schoolmate, of Giovanni's calmness, and his promise ; and of how God enabled him to keep that promise to the letter. " I owe a debt of gratitude to that boy," said the Prin- cipal, and his voice trembled as he thought how near the precipice his beloved " young McRoss " had stood. Could he have seen Hiram's own father at that moment as he lay raving in the cabin of the " Sea Bird," held down on his berth by three sailors, the Principal would have felt move thankful still that Giovanni had prevented the son of Captain McKoss from getting another drop of liquor. At length the crisis was passed. The fever had spent its strength, leaving Hiram irritable, nervous, and weak as a child. The slightest thing would bring the tears to his eyes now, and he wondered if he would ever feel like himself again. Well for kim that Mr. Grant was so pa- tient and kind. " You muat take this medicine, young McRohh." " I won't," and the spoon was u})set. A minute or two more and the master was offering another spoonful, which Hiram immediately spilled as before. " You cant make me take it." " You foolish child," said the master, sadly, " nothing would be easier than to make you uiiud me n(jw. It is " FATHER AND SON." 97 nece.ssary for yoii to take that medicine, young McRoss ; indeed it is entirely for your own good. Why are you so naughty ? " No answer, " Won't yoa take it to please me, child ? " " No, I won't," was the cross reply. For the third time the master stood by the lad's bed- side, but now he held a leather strap. Taking one of Hiram's hands he began to whip him, without saying a word. As the Principal expected, the lad cried at the first stroke, but that made no difference. Of course, he was too weak to be punished severely, and it was not necessary. Mr. Grant would not have injured him on any account, but he took care that Hiram's hand, though not cut in the least, was red and sore I'jlore he laid it down. The boy, cr^-ing bitterly, immediately gave him the other hand, which was treated in like manner. Then, without waiting to ask if his chastisement had had the desired effect, Mr. Grant put his arms around " young McRoss " and kissed him. After a few minutes the med- icine was taken without a word of complaint, but Hiram did not stop ciying. "What is the matter with you, child? Do you feel any worse ? " asked the Principal in an anxious tone. " Oh, no, sir, it is not that." " Wliat then -won't you tell me ? " " You don't love me now as you did before, Mr. Grant, do you ? " asked the boy, with a fresh burst of sorrow. The master's eyes tilled with teais ; his feelings were i 98 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. deeply wounded, for Hiram was more tliaii all the world to him. " Young McRoss," he replied, in a broken voice, "I had far rather you had boxed my ears than said that." Hiram looked up in astonishment at such words from the dignified head-master of Roseville Seminary. " Did you doubt my love because I whipped you when you were sick, child ? It was to do you good, for you would not mind me without. You have hurt ine far niore than I hurt you ; " and the tears, which had filled Mr. Grant's eyes at the boy's question, now rolled slowly down his cheeks ; tears which the proud head-master would have let no one in the world but Hiram see. " Don't cry, dear Mr. Grant," entreated the lad, who was in deep distress at the sorrow he had unintentionally caused. " Oh, I am so sorry J hurt you ! That medicine is not nasty ; it was from sheer hatefulness tha^ I would not take it, but you were so kind and patient, and, even though forced to whip me, you were not in the least cross. Oh, sir, if you had got set against me it would have been all my own fault ! " " Child," said the Principal, hastily brushing his sleeve across his face, " I wish 1 could make you understand how T love you, then you would not be troubled with such thoughts ; " and, as he leaned over to kiss Hiram, a tear fell on the boy's cheek. With a sob he hid his face on the master's breast, say- ing : " Dear Mr. Grant, I hioiv you love me as well as ever, and, oh, inuved, I love you ! " The tears of the Principal flowed fast as he .said in " HATTIE MAYS.' 99 such tones of i)assionate love that Hiram remeinbered them to the day of his death, " My child, my little pet, my baby — I think it would kill me if God should take you away." " I don't think He will, sir," was answered in a low, soothing tone, " Jesus is very merciful. I feel almost sure that He will let us die together. Oh, won't that be good ! " " Yes, my darling," said the master, with a sob, ' next to the joy of seeing my Saviour in heaven, will be the happiness of having yov with me, young McRoss." CHAPTER IX. "HATTIE MAYS." I |0W, Mr. Slow, do tell us how Hiram is ? " said 1 1 George Thorne, that same day at dinner. " Oh, he's as fretful and peevish as a baby cutting its teeth," answered the assistant. " I don't know when the Principal will be able to i-esume his duties again, for the lad is very weak. But / don't mind, for my salary is doubled while I teach alone ; and you must all atOcnowledge that 1 am bringing yow on unconniionly well," " Tell us something about Hiram, please." 100 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. ■1 I? " You seem remarkably fond of him, Thornc," snapped the assistant, " perhaps it will interest you to know that the eccentric Mr. Grant has been giving him a little fatherly correction this morning." " The brute ! " hotly exclaimed Thorne. " Come, come, George, not too fast ! I was just inside the room at recess, and noticed that a leather strap lay on the bed, while Hiram was crying in Mr. Grant's anus." " It was a burning shame." Mr. Slow laughed. " If you knew how cross and hateful that lad can be you would not wonder, though I believe he is sorry for it immediately afterwards." " The Principal might have a little pity for him, then," observed Campbell, gravely. " I guess he has a good deal, Archie. In fact I do not believe that that most patient head-master has spoken a cross word to the boy since he has been sick. But he makes him mind. Hiram gets petted enough, certainly ; but he'll not get spoiled," and Mr. Slow laughed. " What sort of a strap was it ? " "Now, Thoine, you need not feel uneasy. It was a leatlun- strap, suitable for punishing a child. I don't doubt that Mr. Grant n-ade Hiram smart, but I'm (juite sure he would not injure him." " It IS most likely he man ri ^ L 0i " HATTIE MAYS." 101 never condescended even to turn his head ! " The reason why happily did not occur to the assistant's mind. " I hate him ! " said George Thome ; " he had no right to treat Hiram as if he were a naughty child." The lads laughed heartily, and the assista. too ; at length the latter replied, " You have described McRoss accurately ; he is a ' naughty child ' and no mistake ! Mr. Grant loves him as his own son — only, I verily be- lieve, far more dearly ! Of course, every teacher w^ould not have used corporal punishment in such a case, but the head-master was always a peculiar man, very pecu- liar ! Besides that, he knows Hiram better than any of us do." " It is a wonder that Mr. Grant does not get tired of singing hymns," remarked Tom. " He can probably soothe his big baby better in that way than any other," answered Mr. Slow. "What a memory the man has! It surprised me when I first watched him sing those long hymns without the ghost of a book in his hand. As for songs, he evidently docs not know any, except those odious American things, ' Hail Columbia' and 'The Star Spangled Banner,' etc. I fairly detest them !" " The Principal has a fine voice," observed Reynolds ; " though, as a general thing, he makes precious little use of it — or that grand piano, either." " lie sings more in a wnok now than he did in a year before," remarked Tom. " Yes," asst^ntnd Mr. Slow. " It's a wonder to me that f' 'I \-' ji0^ 102 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. he does not get weary with holding Hiram so much. He will sit and tell him stories by the hour together — true stories of the Revolutionary war. Of course it is the American view of the matter, making England wliolly to blame. Hiram will be a regular Yankee by the time lie gets down stairs again. You can't guess what Mr. Grant gave him on his birthday — can you ?" " No," said George Thorne. " When was it ? " "Only yesterday ; now guess." " Perhaps the Life of Washington." "No — a lovely little silk banner of the Stars and Stripes, one-fourth the size of his own big one — and a beautiful Bible, bound in purple morocco." " Jt is a good thing for Mr. Grant that Hiram ever came luire," observed Archie. " I tlniik it's a good thing for Hiram," snapped Mr. Slow. " Yes, sir, it's a good thing for both of them. The Principal deeply needed some one to love, though 1 don't think, he knew it. He thinks all the world of that ' young McRoss.' " " Yes," respomled Thorne, bitterly, "ami 'that young McRoss,' as you call him, tliiTd any of you lads senseless enough to iielieve that the head-nmster, wealthy and digiiilitid as he is, would stoop to take the humble position of nurse to a sii^k, ptsevish boy if he d_id not love hin! us. Mi- (!r!i!>.t. tievi'v jnyi^d "fiv "HATTIE MA.YS. 103 one before ? No ! that he wouldn't, or my name is not Augustus Slow." The boys laughed ; but, there was not one of them who doubted the words of the assistant. That worthy con- cluded to pay a flying visit to Hiram's room before school was called. He did so, going just inside the door. The lad was evidently better— so the assistant said, and would soon be able to come down stairs again. " 1 hope so," replied Hiram, " for Mr. Grant must be tired of nuising inc, especially when I am so cross," and the lad's pale cheek flushed. " What makes you so ? " laughed Mr. Slow, " I don't know, sir," wearily answered Hiram ; " but I do not feel in the least like myself." " Perhaps my superior is cross to t/ov ; suggested Mr. Slow. " Indeed, sir, he is not. Mr. Orant has never been any- thing but kind, all through my illness." " He gave you a very kind and fatherly whipping, this morning, didn't he ? " " Yes, Mr. Slow," said the boy humbly, " it ivas a very kind and fatherly whipping. I know the other lads would not have had it, supposing they had been sick and would not obey, but Mr. (Jrant whipped me, because I was his son." " Aren't you glad of it ^ " chuckled the assistant. "Now, as you are so candid, just let me asl. whether your father (\'u\ you any good by his loving correction ?" " Vpu uif I wonlf! ri"* mind hini ln>foro. " Don't yoii think it was very ungrat*iful f" i 104 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. !, " Indeed it was, sir," replied Hiram, the tears coming into his eyes. " That will do, mv assistant, I will not allow him to be teased." " Mr. Grant, please sing ! " " Very well, my child, what do you wish to hear ? " " I lay my sins on Jesus," said Hiram McRoss. Mr. Grant sang : " I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless lamb of God ; He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus, To wash my crimson stains White in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains. " " That is more than enough of the hymn for me," mut- tered Mr. Slow to himself, as he stalked out of the room. " It shows what Hiram does with Ais sins ; of course, I often tease him and pretend that he is only a make-believe; but, all the time, I know in my heart that he is a true Christian ! How hard he fights against tliat passionate temper of his ! He will never be rid of it as long as he lives— it's a part of his nature. But, I suppose it is grace that has enabled him to get it into something like control — of course, with all his care, it will obtain the upper hand of lii n sometimes ; thaf. must be; cxpcH'ted. As for his being cross now, why, the foolish lad need not blame himself for that ; because it is more the rewult of p HATTIE MAYS. 106 his illness than anything else. When / was recovering from the fever, I felt like biting people's heads off, had it been possible to doit; ding dong, ding dong— why, it's that Shuter at the school-bell ! " " Aleck, I've a good mind to warm your cars ! " " You had better not. Mi-. Slow ; the Principal says it is a very cruel punishment — ay, even a wicked one." " Then, be off at once out of my way." The doctor came late that afternoon. In passing through the hall, he encountered Giovanni, who again urged him to sign the Pledge, as was frecjuently the case. " This is the sixth time that I have refused. I do wish that you would let me alone ! " " I'm not going to," briskly replied Giovanni, " and it makes no difference to me, whether you have refused six or sixty times." " I wish I could discourage you ! Did you have much trouble in getting your school-fellows to sign that precious document ? " " Nothing to speak of, sir ; except in one case, when a comrade was somewhat obstinate." " As I shall be ; " snarled the doctor. " He would not take the Pledge for nearly two years after coming to the Seminary. As far as I can remember I used to urge him every single day of each session- Sundays and all. Therefore you see it is vain to attempt to discouragi! me with only a sixth refu.^al." Tile doc;tor looked excessively annoyed when he saw what was in stoi'e f jr him. U 106 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. " What reason have you, sir, for not signing the Pledge ? At least tell me that," urged Giovanni. The medical man hesitated, thought a moment, and re- plied, " alcohol is a good creature of God, and you know that the Bible says : ' Every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused.' " " Do you dare to pretend, sir, that alcohol is a creature of God ? Did He make it ? No ; indeed. Alcohol is a substance that does not exist in nature. It is made by evil men, for evil purposes." " Giovanni, you're a queer fellow ; what good does all your Temperance do you ? " " Now 1 is a crea- ture of the that every drink ? " Jiow what tid left the ards Rose- )t of Tein- 11 through ;airs again especially "HATTIE MAYS." 107 (George Thorne. The latter had a headache at dinnei' and the assistant sent him to lie down in the dining-room as soon as the afternoon school commenced, for he saw that Thorne was too unwell to study. " Hattie," said the doctor, " this is my last visit to Rose- ville Seminary for the present. Hiram will be with his companions to-day, though I have forbidden him to take any part in school exercises until he feels quite able to do so." " You promised to take me, papa. T am very anxious to see Giovanni." " You shall go, my child. But be prepared for a freez- ing reception from the Principal. He is a most eccentric man and has evidently a feeling akin to aversion for the whole female sex. Wouldn't I laugh if Hiram McRoss should take a fancy to you, but the head-master would never forgive me, never." *' Indeed, 1 hope he won't, papa, for 1 could not return it. Hiran\ McRoss is the big boy that always sits beside Mr. Grant in church, isn't he ? " " Yes, my girl ; don't you like his looks ? " " Not so well as Giovanni's." " / do, far better ! What can you see in that Temper- ance lad, 1 wonder! He is small for his age, has a slight figure, very pale face, ha::el hair, and large brown eyes. Hiram, on the contrary, is a good-looking boy — though not ." " Papa, Archie Campbell and George Thorne are some- what alike — they are really handsome la At the tea-table, Mr. Slow observed, " I hope ycu did your best to make a favourable impression on the mind of Hattie." " Indeed, uncle, I never thought of it." " Oh, you stupid fellow, I thought you had more sense. I'll warrant you did your best to give her a favoui-able impression of the Temperance cause ! " " Yes, that he did," answered Thorne, with a laugh. " You look surprised, Giovanni ; but you see I was hidden behind the curtains all the time and heard every word ! " " That was very dishonourable." " I didn't mean any harm, Giovanni ; but, you know I had a bad headache and was lying down in the dining- room. When I heard your footsteps coming, I just got up and slipped into the recess of that big window behind the curtains." " Tell us all about the conversation," said James Bell, laughing. " Not I, indeed," indignantly returned George. He then added, gravely, " GioNanni, there was not a word said on either side, that you might be afraid to let your Captain hear ! Oh, how uneasy in conscience you two did make me feel ! " " I wish, Thorne," said McRoss earnestly, " that _» ou would take your uneasy conscience to Him, who alone can (juiet it." " Oh, Hiram," exclaimed George, " I wish I was like you The face of McRo.ss crimscmed. He had no iunv to ro 114 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. ply, fc , Mr. Slow immediately snarled out, " / don't — Shiiter and Hiram are a nice pair, tndy they are ! //they are Christians at all, ivhick 1 greatly doubt, they are the most inconsistent ones that evei- disgraced the name of Christ !" The tears came- into Hiram's eyes, and Shuter's face red- dened. Mr. Grant was about to interpose sternly, when Aleck answered, " God knows whether we love Him or not ! It is to Jlim that we must give account— and Mr. Slow, so must ijoii! 1 wonder you like to live with God's ctu-se upon you ! " The superstitious assistant slniddcred. " You're a bad boy ! How do you know it is upon me ?" " From the Bible, sir. ' If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranathal'" " Accursed at the coming of the Lord 1 " muttered Mr. Slow, "fearful .'" "It is indeed, my assistant," said the Principal gravely. "Young iMcRoss is safe in the arms of his Loid; and in- stead of attacking khn, you had far better attend to the salvation of youroit')* soul." " So / think," seriously observed Tliorno. " Ditto, Mr. George," snarled the assistant. Ah soon as supper was over, the lads went into the par- lour to pay their school-fees, which should have been doiu' nt the first of the term, only thi' Principal was ab- sent. Whrn (Jiovanni's turn canu!, Mr. Grant said, "I slinil never forget your kindness to young MeJloss. Hu- manly speaking, evnytliing depended on you, and yon • I' " UATTIE MAYS.' 115 acted nobly. I shall not attempt to pay you, for the M'orth of such deeds cannot be estimated in money. One day, Giovanni, you shall have your leward! I believe you are collecting a Temperance Library, so this will buy you two or three larger volumes," and the master pushed a bright, gold eagle to the lad "and, thinking you might like to show your colours, I ordered this Temperance emblem." "(), Mr. Grant, you're very kind," said Giovanni; " what a perfect beauty," and he surveyed the triangle with its central star and motto «^f "*Love, Purity and Fi- delity," most admiringly. It was an emblem of large si/e, ex(iuisitely wrought out of pure gold. " But indeed, sir, T did not wish or expect anything. On the c(mtrary, I thought you were vexed with me — that you had been vexed ever since T awakened you from your sound sleep in regard to Tempeiance. I had tritsd to arouse you by (je7iUe means for over three years, but utterly failed. Hiram might luive died a drunkard, had you slept nmch lonirer ; therefore, it was better that you should be wa- kened. Ibegyoui' pardon that it was necessary to do it so roughly." For the first time in his life, the master shook hands with Giovanni, saying, "I'll not give you my pardon ; for you don't need it." Then the lad went back to his com- rades and exhibited his prizes with joy. Hiram was the last scholar who went into the parlour. He took a chair beside tlie master, and noticeoy ; you have no rea- Hon to feel ashamed. Poor ehihl ! I'm glad that you told me. Cast it from your thoughts — it need not trouble you now." At this moment the assistant entered, and, .seeing the gold, exclaimed, " How very beautiful !" Hiram smiled. Drawing out the locket from his bosom, he said, " Th'm is worth all the gold in the world to me ! " and lie kissed Mi'. Grant's pictiuo again and again. The assistant laughed and sueeringly in(|uired, " Why don't you kiss the orvjinal, as lu; is close Iteside you i " 41 118 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. Hiiain's face Hnshrd and li(> 1iunu " GIANT DESPAIR. TRAM'S health continued to improve ; and, to his great joy, he soon felt like himself again. One day, the Principal bestowed a sevci-e reproof on his highest Latin Class in general, which made some of the culprits feel ill-natund. Bell would not join his companions in play ; and Hiram looked so fiery, that the}'' let him alone. " Where is Archie ^. " asked Ivon. " He stayed in the school-room to study his lesson ; " answered Shuter, " which is more than 1 would do, after Mr. (irant's lecture ! it is (pieer what a hardening t'tl'ect that cri'ature's scolds have upon me. He has made his favorite Hirain, crosn, this afternoon, and no mistake ! " At tea, Mr. Slow, who took every occasion to sneer at his scholars, sna?"led out, " did not your class do well, Shu- I "UIANT DESPAIR." 11 ter ? I assistant. " Why di«ln't you add ' and Mr. Grant too^' " coolly in- quiied Aleck. " You incorrigible fellow ! " growled Mr. Slow. " You shoidd not judge Chri.'itianity by tlic conduct of 1 120 ROSEVn.LE SEMINARY". ll'tl ^t- its professors, sir," said Caiupbeli, colouring. " .Tudg'c it from the PJiblc, fi-oni the life of Jesus Christ." " Very true, Archie," remarked Shuter, gravely, "they ought not to take us for model Christians, any more than we take fhem, the Principal and his assistant, foi- model teachers!" The naughty Latin class nearly all laughed, but the two gentlemen looked annoyed. They covdd not punish Shu- ter for so grave a remark, although it hit them hard. " What do you say to that, Hiram ? " ■' Mr. Grant is a model teacher, Mr. Slow." " And what am I ? " "A model of peevishness ! " The Principal sternly inquired, " J)o you want another horse-whip])ing, young McRoss ? " " If you choose to give me one, sir." " Isn't Hiiam a model scholar ?" sneered Mr. Slow, The master hastily replied, " He has been more trouble to me, than any half-dozen of tho othei's !" The excited feelings of Hiram were stung to the quick. He rt!])lied in a tone, so hopeless, that even Mr. Slow was touched, " I know it, Mr. Grant; but, you can turn me away to-night, if you wish, and I will never, never troidtle you any more !" Before they could answer, he was off to tlie school-room, while Archie gazed sorrowfully after him. Half-an-hour later, the culprits were all seated around the tabU> in the dining-room, for an hour's study, as a punishment for the missed lesson. The boys haut I can sec liow hi' struggles against b.is evil temper, every day of his life. Oh, what a bitter, u "(IIANT DESPAIR. 125 ^, I bitter conflict lie will have. And then, when under i^reat provocation he gets cross and angry (the hoys say that Mr. Slow drove him almost vv^ild this afternoon), ho loses heart at once, and is altogether discouraged. We see how changed he is for the better ; but he is blind to it him- self. I am sure that he suffers more than we have any idea of, for I have watched him closely. O, Mr. Grant, you won't be cross with him, for he is just <]es})erate as it is?" " No, I won't," said the master, gravely. " I am glad that yoii spoke to me, Campbell. I feared that my boy would have a severe struggle with his hot temper, but did not anticipate this. I will do all for him that I can, but he is in better Hands than nunc." " Thank you, sir;" and Archie went back to his com- panions. A minute or two later, and the Princi])al en- tered his favourite's room, and while placing his lamp on the tal)le, saw that Hiram's Bible was open at the fifty- first Psalm. Hiram himself was lying in bed, with his face buried in the pillows. The master sat down on the bed-side, and laid his hand on the boy's curly hair, saying, t(ynderly : " young McRoss." The lad raised his head. He had not been crying, but there was a cold, stony look about his face, which proved the truth of Archie's words. ' Don't, Mr. Grant, please ; " and Hiram calmly pushed off the master's hand. " IS'^y boy, you never did that before ; " said the Princi- pal, gently. " You nmke it harder for me, than it need be, sii- ;" was im 12() ROSEVIT.LE SEMINARY. If, Mi 'i! the gloomy answer. " T don't wish to stay hero to troulih:; you any longer. It is surprising how you could have wasted your affections on one so utterly unworthy. There's Ivon, who will far more than lill my place. He is a dear little fellow, not nuich over ten years old ; and you can adopt him, for he is an orphan, and will make you a good son. I have been nothing but a trouble to you from be- uinnino- to end ; but it need not be so any longer. I have got nearly everything packed up ; and shall be ready to start to-morrow. But—" he added bitterly, " 1 think you migJd have left me in peace, to-night ! " The Principal was surprised and grieved beyond mea- sure. He said, " Young McRoss, a hundred Ivons could never fill your place in my heart ! What are you think- ing of ? You have been more trouble to me than any half dozen of the others ; Init, that trouble you have re- paid a thousand-fold. I confess that you would not think so, by the way I spoke down stairs. But, my boy, will you leave me because of a few harsh words spoken in haste ? " " O Mr. Grant, Ivon will fill my place far better than you think." " He won't, child ; and shall not have the chance. I never loved any one till ijou came here ; you must know that." He then added very sorrowfully, " I have passed my fortieth birthday, young McRoss ; are you going to leave me as I begin to go down hill ^ " Hiram was touched. " Dear Mr. Grant," he said, " I will iirrrr leave you, unless you wish it. liJut, oh, you do \ \: "GIANT DESPAIR. 127 stand in your own light." He then added in a despairing- tone, " However, if 1 day here, even you cannot keep me from going all to the bad ! " "No," said the Principal, calmly, "I cannot; and, neither can I keep myself. But that does not trouble me in the least ; for, there is One who will keep us both. I am not afraid to trust myself and you in His hands. Young McRoss, do you think that my confidence is mis- placed ? " " No, sir ; " was the firm answer, " not in regard to yourself; but, in my case, it is." " Archie told me what you said to him. O young Mc- Ross, how could you wish you were dead 1 " " I did wish it, sir ; for, I thought that both God and you had cast me oti"! " " My boy," said the Principal, in a shocked tone, " you must not speak in such a way." " It's nothing but the truth." " I saw that your Bible was open. Were you reading the fifty-first Psalm ? " " I read the first verse or two ; but, it was no use. I. suppose, sir, you will be asking me, next, whether I said my prayers ; so I'll just tell you at once that I didn't ! " Mr. Grant arose ; and, taking Hiram's Bible, returned to his seat on the bedside, saying, " I'll read a chapter for you, young McRoss." He then turned to the account of the crucifixion as given by Luke ; and, long before he had finished the story of the sufferings and love of Jesus, Hiram was crying like a child. The Principal was re- iff !1. IIP f^: . n^ ii 128 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. joiced that the stony coldness of liis favourite had jjjiven way. There was more hope of comforting him now. When the chapter was concluded, Mi-. Grant took his handkerchief and wiped away Hiram's tears. " Young McRoss," he asked very gently, " are you going to give up your Saviour ? " " Not if I can keep Him, sir ! " sobbed Hiram. " Keep Him ! You foolish child, //« will keep you. When a baby is carried in its mothoi''s arms, do you think it need be very anxious for fear it should not hold fast enough to its parent, and therefore be in danger of getting killed by a fall ? " "No, .sir; the mother would hold it; and the baby would be a foolisli little thing to })e at all afraid." " Very well, young McRoss ; you are just like that habji" " Am I ?" and Hiram smiled through his teai's. " Will Christ hold me like that ?" " Yes, my darling, only far, fur moi-e safely. If He suffers you to stumble on your heavenward journey it is to try you, as He has so often tried His own ; or as a punishment because you have neglected to look to Him." Hiram replied in a low voice, " I thought Ho had given me up altogether, sir." The tears came into Mr. Grant's eyes as he said, " Oh, no, young MeRosH ; you are too dear to the heart of your Saviour for that. You have no cause to feai', for He will never |)art with you, — will never give you up. Nothing shall separate you from Hi.s love, ' Because He lives, you. (!TANT O ESP AIR. 129 shall live also,' acconlinjjr to His promise ; and as suiv as the Lord Jesus is in heaven Himself, so surely will He bring you there too." " Oh, Mr. Grant, you have comforted me so much 1 He will forgive me after all." " Now, my boy, you had better say your prayers, at once." " Yes, sir," and Hiram rose and did so. When he was lying down again, the master said, " Tell me all about your trouble, young McRoss." Hiiam opened his heart to the Principal as he would have done to no one else on earth ; and lovingly did that gentleman cheer, advise, and hel]) him. " You are fighting bravely, my boy, and your crown will be a brightei- one than as if you had no evil temper to overcome." " Oh, Mr. Grant, do you think so '>. But " " But what ? Tell me all, child." Hiram raised himself up, and laid his head on the master's breast. " TAis has troubled me more than anything else, sir. I am woY^t since becoming a Ghristian than I was befor*'." " Oh no, my boy ; you nuiy ihluk so, but that is all." " Oh, but I know it," said Hiram, mournfully. " Then- are evils in my heart that I never dreamt of." " Very likely ; but do you aup])OHe they were not there before ?" " Of course not; I never knew anything of them." •' That might easily be, my child. God does not alwayn '!■ jlii m J 4? I i: no ROREVILLE SRMINARY. show youni>' Cliiistians inucli of the evil in their lieartfi ; fi'ecjuently Just cnomjh to make tlieni feel thcinseives .sinners, and lost without a Saviour. Havinjjf embraced that Saviour their spiritual education is begun, and God shows them the hidden evil of tlicir hearts by degrees, as they are able to bear it. I do not say that this is the universal mode of God's dealings with His children, but it is very fre(|uently the case. Hundreds luive felt discour- aged, like youi'self, wlien they had no reason to ■/ glasses of liquor from Dr. Mays. The first was a draught of wine, given to relieve the patient after a severe illness— the last was a tund^ler of brandy and water, given four years afterwards, when the young man was dying of deliriinii tremens. The pliysician opened his eyes, and half-unconscious of Giovanni's pre- sence, mournfully reuuirked, " If I 'e ; but, I do ])roniise that I will be verij careful how I prescribe another drop of li([Uor!"and he rushed upstairs anil as- tonished Tom by telling- him that he would send a sub ti- tute for the wine. Accordingly, Dr. Mays carried the bottle away with him, Harding improved rapidly and was able to mingle with his companions before vacation. Giovann' urged the physician to sign the Pledge, but in vain. When the medical ni^an made his last visit to Tom, he invited Giovanni to spend tlie Easter holidays with Hattie and liimself at Roseville. " Thank you very much, Dr. Mays, but Hiram McRoss wants me to go home with liim." " You can divide your vacation, my lad, and give us each a share. Isn't Temperance woi'k as good at Rose- ville, as elsewhere ? " " Yes, sir. Your jdan is a good one, and I will accept your kind otter with thanks. Tell Hattie — " he stopped abruptly. "Tell Hattie what ?" asked the doctor, laugliingiy. Giovanni coloured. " How jfitd J shall be to see lier again. "Very well," answered the j)liysician, " we shall expect you," and lit; took his departure. On the following Thursday, Hiram and (Jiovamii were in th(^ stage on tlieir way to OaUville. They wen; talking earnestly, notwithstauding tlu^ presence of a strange gen- tleman, who sat just opposite. " What is the work you wish me to ilo '. " " THE RUMSKLLEK's LAMENT. 135 " Why, to prevent Aunt Nelly from having' wine at her wedding, to convince Mr. Sam that Temperance is taught in tho Bible, to make him and William sign the Pledge, the latter is becoming a poor, old toper ; but he will join the Teetotalers if Sam Wilkins will, too. Try your hand on Aunt Nell's husband-to-be, and draw him over to your side, etc., etc. Is that plenty of work for you, Giovanni ? " and Hiram laughed. " I d6n't know, we can 7iever do enough," was the grave rei)ly. Seeing the gentleman opposite, smile, the young teetotaller drew out his pocket Pledge-book, with pen and ink, and eagerly asked him for his signature. " I'm a wholesale liciuor-dealer, Giovanni ! Tiiere, I knew that you would look shocked," he continued with a half-laugh. "The traffic will never be put down— ncucr. Even the Temp(;rance fanatics say it will be a dirticult task to undo the evil we are doing, for they de- clare that (til hell Is with m-t." " Much joy of your allies," replied Giovanni Somerville. " Let the rumsellers— backed by the devil and his angels, do their worst, they can never conciuer, for (ill Heaven <.s on oui'nide" The lilo about me, ma'am," said Giovanni, I can sleep with Sam." " You had better not, for he is a Methodist "—playfidly remarked Hiram. " Is he ? all the better ; " exclaimed the young teetotaler. " The Methodists are deserving of all praise, for tlie noble stand they have taken in behalf of the Temperance Cause. I shall be delighted to sleep with him ! " " Indeed it is well you are so sociable," remarked the gratified Wilkins, " every one has not such an aversion to Methodists as the young boss." " I have no avei-sion to them, Ham," was the grave 142 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. .11 ■ t if ii •! reply of McRoss. " On tho contiary, Archie Cainpl»ell, my favourite .sehool-iuate, is a Metliodist — and a juot I ona, too!" Giovanni smiled, as he observed, " Hiram plays and sings so man}' Methodist hymns, that he has no reason to speak against them, or, he would be apt to condemn him- self. He goes to the Episco[)al Church here ; but, when at Roseville, to the Congregational Chuich, for Mr. Grant is apparently descended from the old Puritans. I wish your concertina was here, McRoss — anyway, sing your favourite hymn for us, please, a real Methodist one it is ! You know that the Principal often comes into the dining-room to hear you play and sing ; well, perhaps you have not noticed it, but that third verse always makes him look so grave. " I like it very much," answered Hiram, " it need not make anyone look grave," and he sang, 1. My Jeans I love Thee, I know Thou art mine, For Thoo all the pleasures of sin I resign : My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou — If ever I loved Thee,.n>y Jesus, 'tis now. 2. I love Thee, because Thou hast first loved mo, And iiurchased my pardon on Calvary's tree ; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy bnjw — If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now. 3. I have loved Thee in life, may I love Thee in death And praise Thee as long as thou lendest mo breath And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, tny Jesus, 'tis ntiw. THE TRUE i:HU11CH. 1*3 4. In mansions of glory, and endless delight, I'll ever adore Thee in the heaven of light ; And sing, with the glittering crown on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesua, 'tis now. " There is no wonder," remarked Giovanni, " that the third verse makes Mr. Grant feel sad— that about the cold death-dew. One time 1 heard him say, in a low tone, to uncle who stood by his side, "Long may it be, ere that time comes to young McRoss ! " " I hope not ! " exclaimed Hiram, (juickly. Giovanni looked very much surprised. " Do you wish to die ? " he enciuired. " / don't— not till my work is done." " I haven't any work," said Hiram, sadly. " Yes, you have ; ei^eryone has," replied Wilkins. " What is your's, ])ray ? " snapped old Billy. " Oh," said Sam, colouring, " to commend Christi- anity, in general ; and the Methodist Church in particu- lar ! " " Then, I congratulate you on performing your work so remdrkalilij well ! " sneered William. " It's time to go to bed," said Miss Morris. " Don't you have family prayers, ma'am ? " " No, Giovanni ; but 1 have not any objection to them. Perhaps yon will conduct them, to-night ( " Hiram smiled, thinking it extremely unlikely; but, Giovanni, without a moment's confusion, replied, " certain- ly 1 will, if you WLsh it, ma'am ; only, Sam will do it so much iK'Uer, that you would be wise to excuse me." 144 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. " No — no ! " said Wilkins, " yoti start family worship, please ; and then, after that, I will take it, if you choose." " Yes, do ; " urged the old maid. She little knew what she was asking. " Very well, ma'am," said Gioranni, calmly, " will you let me have a Bible, please ? " One was soon handed to him, and he reae Church— and J. C. Ryle is in the fore-front of them!" iVliss Morris, seeing that the parson was getting excited, adroitly changed the subject by asking a cpiestion about temperance, stating that her young visitor had ui-ged her to sign the Pledge, and asking the advice of her pastor in the matter. The Rev. Mr. Wood warmly counselled her to bind her soul by no such vow ; and then turned his wrath upon Giovanni. The boy was apparently un- ailected by it; for ho continued to urge Miss Morris to sign, telling her " that her own conscience would approve him. THE TRUE CHURCH. 151 the act — God would approve it ; and to all eternity she would rejoice at having taken the Pledge ! " The minister coiild not help admiring the lad's courage in sticking so bravely to the point. So, with a smile, he unfolded to Giovanni his views of the subject and this le'l to a general conversation which it is not necessary to repeat. The clergyman did not believe in Total Abstin- ence ; and at length inquired " if his young friend were foolish enough to believe that the traffic in liquor would ever h^. put down." " Certainly, sir ; " replied Giovanni, " for we have One on our side who is stronger than all the rumsellers in creation 1 " The old maid had always been in the habit of offering cake and wine to her minister whenever he called ; she did not like to do so now, but feared he would think her lacking in courtesy if she omitted it. Therefore, she set the usual refreshments before him, and he immediately poured out a glass of wine. Giovanni sprang forward and eagerly inquired, " Will you do me a favour, sir ? " " Of course, I will ; " answered the minister. " Thank you, sir. Then, I beg that before you drink that or amj otlier glass of intoxicating liquor, you will arise, bow your head over the poison cup, and pray, " Lord, lead us not into temptation." The clergyman Hushed crimson. He was a middle- aged man, and wine had come to have great charms foi- him. He knew that he liked intoxicating li(j[uor well — knew, alas, that he had been several times the worse of 1: 152 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. it ; and knew, too, that if he repeated that simple prayer, aver the wine-glass, it would be a fearful mockery in the sisht of God. He dared not do it ; but casting an angry look at Giovanni, remarked, " 1 little thought what was the nature of the favour you asked, or it would never have been granted ! " . , j The boy earnestly answered, " Ought Christians to do anything, sir, that they cannot do in the Name of the Lord Jesus ? " , . ^ ^ j The minister made no reply, but left the wme untasted and soon took his leave. Miss Morris gravely looked on, her pastor had fallen below zero in her esteem, as she expressed it afterward to her Presbyterian lover, when announcing her willingness to go with him to ^^. place of worship-a thing which she had always pointedly re- fused to do before. ,, t> j The minister had just departed when Mr. Reed " dropped in." The lads rightly guessed that he was a constant visitor at the farm-house. He wa^ inclined to Temperance already and at once signed his name m Gio- vanni's Pledge-book. Miss Morris could not refuse to add hers ; and the following morning, all the liquor in the house was poured out in the mud and thus came to an ignominious end. The wedding on Easter Monday was a joyful one, and the happy couple departed on their bridal tour Hiram and Giovanni returned at once to^RoseviUe ; the former to finish the vacation with his beloved Mi-. <^»rant, t .e latter with Dr. Mays. The physician welcomed his young THE TRUE CHURCH, 153 Temperance friend most cordially, and informed him that the Principal of Roseville Seminary had delivered a lec- ture on total abstinence, in the village, just after the students under his charge had gone home, and a most effective lecture it was. The boy clapped his hands. " Oh, I'm so glad 1 He has ' posted ' himself at last." The poor physician could not share in the lad's joy. He said gloomily, '' I hope that God has forgiven me, for the harm I have done ; but Giovanni, I am getting on in life ; am in my forty -third year, and therefore it is too late to sign the Pledge and become a Temperance man." " It is not too late, Dr. Mays ; I have read that an ear- nest, energeoic Christian has done more for the Master, in a single year, than some sluggish Christians have done in the whole course of their lives ; come over to our side, sign the pledge ; go immediately to work, and, by God's blessing, you may, in the years that remain to you, do far more good than you have ever done harm." •' My dear boy, I will think it over ; " and the gloomy expression on the doctor's face cleared away. Giovanni's holidays were very happy one.s. Hattie was jubilant and insisted on her father taking them out to spend a day with Aunt Alice, who was a widow lady, a sister of the doctor. She lived in the country, two miles beyond Roseville Seminary. It was not until the last moment that the physician .and H.attie took their vQunii' friend home. What matter- ed it to Giovanni that the two teachers and all the lada i|M 154 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. were in the play-ground ? He leaned over the gate as the carriage drove off, and threw a kiss to the doctor's little daughter. Hattie smiled and returned it eagerly. The boys laughed, and set up a rousing cheer, in which Mr. Slow joined, but it did not disconcert Giovanni in tiie least. At recess, the lads insisted on looking over his Pledge-book, and to their great surprise, they saw that the last signature was that of George William Mays, M.D. CHAPTER XIII. RONALD M'FARLANE. lO YOUhave actually succeeded ingetting Dr. Mays' signature on your Pledge-book ! " observed Tom Harding to Giovanni Somerville ! " Allow me to congratulate you ! Now try your arts of persua- sion on Ronald McFarlane, the new scholar. You will find him a hard case, I fear." " That's HO," said George Thorne, " I know him well , He is very fond of his glass ; and, though little older than Hiram, has been intoxicated several times. When he gets too much of the brandy bottle " " Any at all is too much \ " earnestly put in Giovanni. RONALD m'FARLANE. 155 "You are quite right," and Thor.e smiioi "Well, when McFarlane is drunk, he is mo e 'ike a *yild beast than a human being — you need not ii tqh. ''J.om, I am speaking the sober truth— at best, McFarlane has a violent temper ; though, happily, it is not easy to arouse it. I am really afraid of him sometimes ; for when maddened by liquor, he acts like a perfect fiend." " Then I am glad that he has come ! " said Giovanni^ turning to look at his new companion. " Isn't he handsome ? " asked George with a smile ; "i'w not amiss, but freely confess that I would willingly ex- change my light brown hair for his magnihcent black curls. His eyes are dark and tiery as an Indian's— and are not his features most exquisitely cut ? " Tom and Giovanni laughed heartily. " Yes, " replied the former, " Ronald is a fine looking fellow and no mis- take. He is not only tall, but strong and nmscular in pro- portion." " What a splendid voice he has! He would make a good Temperance lecturer ; " said Giovanni. " I thought you intended to be one yourself." " Certainly, Thorne ; and God helping me, so I tvill ! " was tke earnest reply. A week passed, and Ronald's name was not down on the Pledge-book; but, that was very far from being Giovanni's fault. The lads felt a kind of respect for the new-comer, because he was very clever, dearly loved to j^^i^j^y, and, what was m.ore in their eyes, made the best " captain " they had ever possessed. One day, at the din- S I 156 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. n ner-table, Ronald thoughtlessly acknowledged that he had been expelled from Stirling Seminary. Mr. Grant instantly demanded the reason of his dismissal, and Ronald as promptly replied that it was for nearly killing Mr. Gibson, the young assistant teacher. " Take care what you say ! " said the Principal sternly. " It's the truth," replied McFarlane. " Mr. Gibson kept me in one day which made me angry. As soon as 1 was free, I found him in the garden alone, and thrashed him so that he was insensible for over three hours. His in- juries were severe, he was stiU in bed when I came away. The Principal urged Mr. Gibson to have me sent to the Penitentiary— but my young teacher being very forgiving, would not hear of it. It was not hw fault that I was ex- pelled." " McFarlpne, I don't understand how you coM act so! said Hiram gravely ; " Wa.s Mr. Gibs n as strong as you ?»» " Oh, no— not at all. He was always very pale and thin. Indeed, there is consumption in the family, and he has evidently got it." •' And yet you attacked a sick man ! Was that honour- able, McFarlane ? " « No, Hiram," replied Ronald, and his cheek crimsoned, " it w(L very ^i«honourabh 1 would never have done it had I been inyselt ! " " I don't understand you," said the Principal. ••/do" emphatically renarked Giovanni, "he means that ruin wan the causc' oi it 1 RONALD m'FARLANK. 157 " Yes," replied Ronald, " I was half drank or I would never have been such a fool as to run a riak of the gal- lows. Why, the doctor was very much afraid that Mr. Gibson would die without recognising any of us again ! " "What a wicked, hardened wretch!" exclaimed the shocked Mr. Slow, " do turn him out at once ! " "That ivould be unjust," hotly exclaimed Hiram. " Give the young Scotchman a fair chance !" Ronald McFarlane smiled at his earnestness. " I don't want to be expelled— more especially from Ivere " he said, " for this is my la«t chance. Father will never think of sending me to the University, if I am unfortunate enough to get dismissed from Roseville." " Mr. Grant is just. You are all right, Ronald," said Hiram McRoss. " Turn him out ! " shrieked Mr. Slow. " Certainly not' he has been sufficiently punished,' said the Principal. He then added, " Did you part good friends with your young teacher, McFarlane ? " " Yes, sir ;" and Ronald coloured. "The head-master, Mr. Gordon, took me in to see Mr. Gibson, before I went away— he was getting better, but very slowly." "I hope they weren't stuffing wine into him!" said Giovanni, earnestly. " Oh, no ; he declined to take it. Mr. Gordon angrily comniand».d me to aptilogize to Mr. Gibson ; but, 1 would not do it for him." " But you parted /ri«w^.'" observed Hiram, "will you tell us what Mr. GiuHon f^aid to you §,t last ? mh 158 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. McFailane answered in a low voice, " He held my hand in hoth his own, and said, ' Good-bye, God bless you, dear Ronald.' ' There was silence on ihi^ pail o^ teachers and scholars. It was broken by Geor;i,'e Thorne, who gravely observed, " I always knew that MacFarlane was a great favourite with Mr. Gibson." "Then he might have apologized ! " snarled Mr. Slow. " So I did, sir ; but not before Mr. Gordon. [nnnediat«'ly on reaching home, I wrote to Mr. Gibson and asked his forgiveness." " I'm afraid you got it '. " snarled Mr. Slow, again. The lads laughetl. " Is Mr. Gibson a total abstainer ? " incjuired Giovanni. " Yes," replied McFailane. " He is one of the most de- vottid Sons of Temi)enince that I ever knew. It was through him that a Divi-ion was organized in Stirling Seminary also, a band of Cadets. They are prosper- in far from being the in- tention of the young Scotchman, who conducted himself ren.arkably well. It was evident to both the teachers that a warm friendship was springing up between Ronald and Hiram McRoss. The following day was one of those di.scouraging sea- sons that all teachers occasionally experience, even their l>est scholars failing in nearly every class. Ronald was an exceiUion. each lesson being perfect und carefully re- cited. Indeed, Mr. Slow ha.l his .loubts " whether Mc- ^. . ... . I „- _,.-.„.,*l.;.%.» tn Iwirin \itMtb " 1 110 buriano did not Know cVofj vi^i^b ^-'•"r, 160 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. head-teacher ordered the culprits to stay in for an hour, and study ; intending after tea to have an examination as to the result. At the table, the lads perceived that unpleasant news had come through the post-otlice. The Principal looked troubled, and was anxious to get Mr. Slow to oblige him in some way unknown to the boys ; but the assistant seemed very unwilling to comply. It was evident that Mr. Grant's usually calm temper was slightly rufHod. At about seven o'clock, he came into the school-room to conduct the examination. The lads were all taken by surprise, and the majority of them were entirely unpi ^spared. The delinquents were marched up in front of the platform, and Mr. Grant hastily wrote a problem on the black-board, and called upon Hiram to do the work. The lad camo forward very unwillingly, say- ing ii» a peevish tone, " 1 cant do it, Mr. Grant." " You nuist make the attempt ; T insist upon it," and the Principal handed the chalk to McRoss, who imme- diately dropped it on the floor. "Pick up that crayon this instant, and go to work," said the master sternly. " I wmi't:' The scholars had never known the Principal to lose his temper before. He did noH>, and gave Hiram a ringing box on the ear, angrily ordering him to go to Itod. Mc- Ross was son'y at once, for he dearly lov(!d the Principal. Instea4l of leaving the room, he stooped for the chalk, and then, with tears in his eyes, humbly oti'ered to do his ' best at the problciii. ;ur. viniiit gave nini a pris^ionrit.Q RONALD M'FARLANE. 161 box on the other ear, and told him in a stem tone to be off to bed. Hiram went a step forward, as if to obey ; then suddenly turned— threw his arms around Mr. Grant, and burst out crying. The Principal was soiTy now for his passionate behaviour. The anger, which ill became his calm, manly countenance, instantly passed away, and he put his arms tenderly around the big boy who was sobbing on his bosom. " Hiram, you great baby ! " snarled the assistant, with a mocking laugh, " Won't the lads torment you about this, and 80 will 1 ! You proud fellow, do, by all means keep your face closely hidden on Mr. Grant's breast, so thatw'e cannot see you cry. I never saw anything so like a whipped baby, sobbing in its mother's arms. Now, do try and hug Mr. Grant a little more tightly. My worthy superior, v/on't you make him look up ? " The Principal did not condescend to reply. A few minutes after he raised Hiram's head, just sufficiently to enable him to })ress a long, loving kiss on the forehead of "young McKoss." No words were spok« a, but Hiram knew tliat he was fully forgiven. " Where was the use of that ? " sneered Mr. Slow ; "we did not catch a glimpse of his face at all." " I certainly did not intend that you should," replied the Principal cocjlly. " Shuter, he continued, " be good enough to do that work on the black-board." Aleck immediately strove to comply, but, after a ten minutes' trial, confessed himself beaten. Then, the mas- t<^r. wlio was ntill holding Hiram clasped to him, a-sked *#P 1 I ](l } r i»r 162 KOSEVILLE SEMINARY. Ronald k> put the work on the board, as a favour to his compani<-n8. McFa^iar,e did so. The problem was long, and it took about fifteen niiiiutes to accomplish the task. He then asked if the Principal wished him to explain it. " Certainly, Kf)nald." Hirani, who wa,s comparatively calm again, raised his head. He was anxious i<3 see the difficult problem worked out, and to hear its intricacies unravelled. " As soon as you stop crying, young McRoss, you must go to bed." Hiram's head drooped. He only replied, " very well, sir, I ci!)^ go now. Thank you, so Triurlt, Mr. Grant." The arms of the head-teacher were still around McRoss. " Don't be in a hurry, my boy," he said. Then, stroking Hiram's dark hair, he gravely continued, " 1 am very sorry that J struck you in a passion, young McRoss. It was very wrong. Still, I cannot remit your punishment on that account." " T don't wish you to do so, sir ; " and Hiram looked up in the master's face. " I will submit to anything you choose to inflict." " Very well, my boy, you may go to bed now, but keep awake, for 1 " the Prii • , al stopped abruptly. " I will not get to sleep l^-.u. j you come, sir," and B . "ni went off. Mr. Slow at once attacked his superior as follows : ' i feel perfectly delighted, Mr. Grant, to think of your get ting into such a passion. To be sure, Hiram showed his bad temper, as he often does, but you were far the most RONALD m'FARLANE. 163 U> blame. How could you have the face to punish him when you needed it so much more yourself ?" Had Mr. Slow not been well acquainted with the calm, Christian forbearance which shone so brightly in the Principal he would not have dared to use such language. Mr Grant did not choose to defend himself-his assistant could not reproach him more than his own conscience had done. To some teachers a tit of unseemly anger is of al- most daily occurrence, but neither assistant, scholar nor servant had seen Mr. Grant lose his temper before. The Principal was naturally dignitied and reserved ; but it was not the thought of being lowered in the eyes of his scholars that troubled him. No-it was the disgrace that his fit of passion had brought on the cause of Him whom he loved and served. As there was no answer, Mr. Slow boldly continued. " A fine Christian, aren't you ! Often have you scolded Hiram for not controlling his temper- 'tis a pity, indeed, that there is no one to scold you! I lately read that Christians have the best Master in the universe. Dont you think that you have ' disappointed His expectation to-night ? And yet I don't doubt that you love Him. Mr. Grant's face showed that he felt the home-thrust deeply The keen eyes of the young Scotchman noticed the (luiver. only just perceptible, of the master's lip. and he immediately interposed, by saying loudly and impa- tiently, " How much longer are we to stand here, Mr. Slow? Perhaps yoii vouid like to explain this problem yourself— if so, here's the: ^nlk." " I'll not do it ! " and the assistant walked off. ! )l 164 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. 1' McFarlane took his time over the explanations, for reasons best known to himself, and, as soon as they were finished, Mr. Slow returned to the attack. " You are not the judge, my assistant," answered the Principal, calmly. " Do you mean that you acted right ? " growled Mr. Slow. " Did you not hear me tell young McRoss that it was very wrong ? " asked the master. " I only meant that you are not the Judge — not the One to whom we must give account." " I would like to hear you give it." The light that shone on Mr. Grant's face was beautiful as he replied reverently. " Thxm shalt answer for me, O Lord, ray God ! " " Mr. Slow can't say that ! " triumphantly exclaimed Ronald McFarlane. " No," growled the assistant, and he hurried out of the room. " Now, we must finish this examination, boys," said the master; and he accordingly summoned Giovanni and Archie, who were free, to work two short problems on the board, while he busied himself with a third, more difficult than either. When they were completed, with- out any explanation, he inquired of Shuter whether he understood the work. " Not Giovanni's," said Aleck, " for I can't conceive «/hl^- ^>'» maanu Kir ^-Uz-wo.^ \,Ui-^wr. fi TJ Ci " Giovanni darted forward at once to rub them out, but RONALD m'FARLANE. 165 was prevented by Mr. Grant. Ronald laughed, while the other lads looked puzzled, for chemistry was not taught in the Seminary. " McFarlane, what is the meaning of C2 H« O ? " asked the master. " Tt is the symbol for ethylic or common alcohol, sir," answered Ronald, half laughing. " Giovanni, do you know much of chemistry ? " " No, sir— I wish I did." " / can help you a little," answered Ronald, eagerly. " If you want assistance from that delightful science in your temperance studies my chemical cabinet is at your service." Giovanni's large brown eyes opened widely with plea- sure as he expressed his thanks. " And you have retorts, test tubes, etc. ? " he eagerly inquired. " Certainly ; " and Ronald smiled. " What is the meaning of those letters, Giovanni ? " asked the master. " Oh, sir, it just means that the compound which we call ethylic alcohol is made up of two parte of carbon, six parts of hydiogen and ri'2 pai-t of oxygen, chemically combined together." " Quite right ; but why did you put it on the black- board ? " " O, Mr. Grant my > ead ached—and beside that, I am sorry to say, that I was. thinking of something elso." " Very well, I excuse you. The i'roblem ia correctly vrorked, with that exception." M; ! I ! I I 166 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. Giovanni retuTricd to his seat, feeling thankful that he had escaped reprv»of for his carelessness. When the lads were sent off to bed, Ronald went into Hiram's room. McRoss was lying in his usual position* viz : with the pillow pulled down beside him, his arms around it and his check resting against it McFarlane smiled. " Do you always hug your pillow after that fashion ? " he inquired. " Oh, yes, it's only a habit." " McRoss," asked Ronald abruptly, " why does not the head-teacher get a new assistant ? " " From pity to Mr. Slow, who is so p(^evish and hate- ful, that if even he succeed«\d in oltaining :iother situa- tion (which is doubtful) he wui.* id not keep iL for a week ? " " It is very good and Christian-like of Mr. Grant." " Very" responded Hiram, vaiifily, "and Oie assistai;t has often owned it, but that does not prevent him from being extremely snappish to his superior. " nald, it is against the Jides for you to come in he? " Why didn't you tell me that before G d-night." A few minutea later Mr. Grant camo up stairs. The young Scotchman was standing at the door of his room. " I went in to see McRoss, sir, having no idea that it was against the rules. Will you kindly excuse me this time ? " " Oh, yes, McFarlane, it's all right," and the Principal passed on, entered his favourite's a})artment and locked the door. Then he sat down on the side of the bed, and Hiram pushing away his pillow laid his head on Mr. Grant's lap. That gentleman stroked the lad's curly hair, I ! RONALD m'FARLANE. 167 and with flushed cheeks and an evident effort said, " young McRoss, I want youi- forgiveness." " I've nothing to forgive ! you did not hurt me the one- twentieth part of what I denfrved." " Perhaps not ; but I struck you in passion, not for punishment, not, to do you good. Say that you forgive me, young ^loRoss." "I don't mt to;" answered Hiram, reproachfully. " You, the heud-master to ask pardon of a scholar ; you say you are pr- " he added sadly, " did it hurt you to ask that ? " The master replied a low voice, " yes." " Then why do you do it, sir ? " inquired Hiram in a tone of distress. " Because it was right, young McRoss, it will hurt me worse if you don't say it. Won't yon., just to satisfy me ? " Hiram burst into tears, it hurt him the worst after all. He could only sob, " I forg ve you, Mr. Grant." " My poor child," said the master, " I did not aiean to distress you ; " and he wiped the tears off his favourite's face. " Why are you lying with your head down liure ? " he continued. " Because nir, I felt that I was in disgrace." "Thei. I can sympathize with you, my boy, " said Mr. Grant, sadly, " for 1 too feel that I am deeply in disgrace." " How do you mean, sir ; " asked Hiram in a low voice — " with God ? " " Yea ; " repUed the Principal, and he told hi« favourite h'1 I :l:[ *f y I ] ;'l 168 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. of what Mr. Slow had said — " Christians have the best Master in the universe. Don't you think that you have dis- appointed His expectation to-night ? And yet, I don't doubt that you love Him ! " The voice of the Principal was husky and his eyes were full of tears as he added, " Indeed I do love him. It matters little what the scholars think of me ; but, oh, I am so sorry that I have grieved my Saviour." " Dear Mr. Grant, tell Him so ! " and Hiram raised him- self from his lowly position and leaned on the master's breast. The Principal smiled sadly. " Well, it is some comfort that I can do that, young McRoss." " Pray for me, too, please ; " said Hiram, as Mr. Grant knelt down by the bedside, " for I need it far more than you do." The Principal did so. At that moment, Ronald was in his room, with the door securely locked. He was sitting at the table, with a glass of brandy-and-water in his hand. He always chose the evening, now, for indulging his appetite for liquor. Sev- eral times he had had his stock surreptitiously replenished, through the means of the old house-keeper, who was not abov<' being bribed. Ronald was the only child of wtdthy parents, who kept him liberally supplied with money. They thought that he expended it mainly for books, philo- sophical apparatus, etc., and they were not mistaken. Still, there remained a considerable margin for rum and brandy. Ronald was generally careful not to exceed, for RONALD M'FARLANE. 1()9 tear of expulsion ; Init this cvcnino-, for th(i third time since his arrival at Roscville, he drank to partial intoxi- cation. On each occasion, he went to bed as soon as pos- sible, to avoid suspicion ; and the next morning awoke, with nerves unstrung, and a dreadful headache. How he longed for just one glass of brandy, to steady himself ; but that he dared not take for- fear of discovery. Some boy would be sure to detect the alcoholic fumes in his breath— or, the teachers, even, find out his disgrace. "You're not eating any breakfast, McFarlane," said the assistant, snappishly, " Have you got headache again?" " Yes, sir," was the weary answer. " Well, I'm not the least sorry for you. It's all your own fault." Ronald coloured. " You're just as bad as Mr. Grant," went on the assist- ant, " he used to be troubled with fearful headaches con- tinually, and no wonder. Oh, how many times have I arisen from my bed, at midnight or past, because I was sure that ghosts were around ; but the ghost always turned out to be Mr. Grant who was stalking upf;tairs to bed at that unseasonable hour, having been unable to tear him- self away from his beloved books before. Science is all very well ; but he need not study himself to death ! And when he did get as fa' as his room door, it was invariably with a lamp in one' hand and a couple of books in the other. How much longer he read, I'm sure I don't know. Of course, Ronald, I Wfis never in the least sorry for him, ''\i m ri J ■ll 170 ROSEVILLE SPMTNARY. when be suffered the conseciuences ; and neither am 1 for you ! McFarlane coloured. " Oh, that my headaches had as innocent a cause as those of the master ! " he tliought to himself. " You stulves inde.ibly in his memory: " May Thy favour, numt procioua Lord Jesus, Thy hlossin^' to mo In* «ivon ; Lot u.o carry Thy Toiuporanco Hannor To tho vory gato of Hoavoii." The words rang through McFarlane's brain. "I've no doubt he will do it," mutti'red the young Scotchman to himself " lie will carry the temperance banner as long us he lives on .artli—or, us lir expresses it, ' to the very !l 174 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. gate of Heaven.' Giovanni !" he called, and the lad im- mediately approached. " Aren't you afraid that the teachers will read your notes, poetry, &c. 1 " " Oh, no ; they would not think it worth wlrlle. Be- sides, if they did, there's nothing to hurt them." Ronald smiled in spite of himself. " No, [ don't believe there is. That will do ; you may go. I see where the exercise is now." " Oh, dear," nmttered the young teacher, as Giovanni went back to his companions, " I do wish that I had never read those wretchedly-composed lines." All proceeded as usual until the clock struck nine. At that hour Mr. Grant invariably assembled the lads in the dining-room for prayers, before sending them to bed. " / can't pray," thought McFarlane, " and yet, how can I conscientiously dismiss them for the night without family worship — what in the world am I to do ? " Just then Hiram came up to the platform, and Ronald asked, in a low voice, " McRoss, if 1 read a chapter, will you pray ? " Hiram coloured deeply. " I couldn't. It is as much as I can ten-year-old minister can help us out of oiir dilticulty.' I >3«' V*' THE PUPIL TEACHER. 175 The child immediately came forward, and McFarlane asked the same (luestion of him as he had of Hiram. « Oh, teacher 1 do read us some of tlie Collects m our Book of Common Prayer. Where can you find anything more beautiful I " At this moment, Giovanni came up, and McFarlane answered gravely, " I never pray, Tvon. If I read those collects I shouhl not mean thom---and, therefore, it would be hypocrisy and mocking God. ' " 6 ! Ronald," said the child, " don't you want to be saved V " Vesr repliestomed stimulant kept hiiii awake for liours. The following morning he felt somewhat better, and the hoase-keeper, unknown to the other lads, made some strong coffee for him, so that he was able to teach with more comfort than on the previous day. Innnediately after recess, in the forenoon, Ronald ordered the boys to put every book in their desks — take a sheet of foolscap paper, and write a composition then and there. The scholais looked uneasy, for they invari- ably wrote their themes, etc., in the evenings, and many of them got far too much help from one another and f i-om books. There was no hope of assistance from either of these sources with Ronald's keen eyes upon them. They waited somewhat anxiously for the subject. Wlum all were ready, McFarlane announced "The compositions are to be on Alcohol I "' It was amusing to witness the consternation with which one scholar gazed on anotlier, but Ronald did not smile — he was as grave as a Jutlge. There was only one briglit face among tlie group of boys, and that was Gio- vanni's. Ho was well actjuainted with the subject, and felt confident that he could write bis composition well. The other lads, not caring to offend Ronald, did theii be-t whicli was very pr it," emphatically r(>turned Geovge Thorne. .'M.c-/.do ladu.ire McFarlane, and like hLn w-ll, to<>. There is only one thing against bim, and that i. urWc. I 180 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. " Work hard, Giovanni, and niakeliim sign, if you can," urged Slnitcr. " He is a noble fellow, and well worthy of your efibrts." " I know it, Aleck. Indeed I will do my best." " It would not be you if you did not," said George Thorne, merrily. He then added more gravely, " Th(>re is, however, a boy hei-e that I admire and like more than Ronald, and that is Hiram Alclloss." Laughs and looks of S5i course we like Hiram, he is popular among us, but — but, there is nothing to admire about him." " Why not ? " was angrily demanded. " Oh, he is so hot-tempered, and is constantly getting into some troul)le or other " " You make it worse than it is," remarked Aleck ; '' Hiram has improved greatly since he became a Chris- tian — remember it is only aVtout a year and a half ago. Surely you don't expect McRoss to have become a full- grown saint in that short time ? " "Reynolds professes to be a Christian himself; but I am sure that Hiram is a far better one," said Thorne, warmly. " Well, it's too bad," put in Tom, "there are far more sjunts, or ii-()i(l to got into a l»-»". ^; "^ , .tnLs one of you oven tl.en. nov «ay» a bad w >d. Ot^- andoftoudid 1.0 do botl, belovo '- "'"; -^'^^Vnow it naturally of a fio.y tou.por. Ton., and woll you know _,„.ay Luo,ubor, wbcn you draw Inn, mto s.n what foirf,d account you arc laying "1' ^«""f .^""c^ , snap " Just stop, you Mctho,&t preacher; I, lent cai, a snap "'r;::;l'carc s„n,ctin.c, Ton.," said Ivon. in a tone of distress a, ho clasped his ar.ns around Ha.-d.ng . wa.s. The latter replied cal, dy, "If they were al hU ^», child, and Giovanni. I should th.nk "-« » j;f I^^; than I do. Thome," he ad,kd, .n a -f "« '"» ;_^7;;, yon a,l..,i.e Hiran. the other ..ight. when he bmst out crybrg because Mr. Grant boxed his oars ? ^. Us a burning shan.e you won't hold your tongne exclainrod Georg; hotly. "How often •>- you^-- , ., 1 ,1,, T WIS so ! to get Hiram into a passi(m." *'I don't see what good that would do you, ' ealudy re- plied McRoss. THK rUPIL TEACIIEll. 18? " My .Icai- folU.w," sai.l Thornc, " I would not l.c uui.lc angry by him." " O, George !" was the cavncHt answer, " it you had niy hateful temper you would see how hard it is to help it." " It mud be," said the sympathizing Thorne ; " but, Hiram, you are doing bravely. I am sure that you please;! your Master to-night." ^ " Thank you," was the l.)W answer, " 1 tried to, and he went away. i -r " McRoss is a queer fellow," said Tom. " I wonder if Mr. Grant whipped him that night ? " " Oh, no," replied Georgia " Then why did he tell him to keep awake ? " " 1 (Tuess he wanted to talk to him ; anyway, Mr. Grant neithcM- flogged nor seolded him, for I asked Mcdloss myself. What the master did H&y 1 don't know; to. Hiram would not tell me." t i • i " There's the l)ell for prayers ;" said Tom, " I tbuik RonaM might have safely omitted them ! Now you need not look so horritied Archie; you might say a double amount upstairs, if you chose instead! " "O Tom. you should not talk ho!" said Giovanni, sorrowfully. Harding did not reply ; he could not speak crossly to his young Temperance comrade, of whom he was very fond. ,, „ , . That night when all was still, ILmald MelMirlnnes resolution Tpparently failed him, for Uv produced a tumbler and a bottle of brandy. " It's no use talking; I cant 1S4 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. M I 11 resist;" ho said to hinisclf, " of course it is dislionouriible to break one's word, aye, and dreadfully wicked, too, for the promise was made to God ! And then, the Principal reposed such confidence in me, that he left everything in my hands, and I said that I would do my best. Would this be my best ? No ! What would Mr. Gibson say if I broke my word ? " At this point, McFarlane drew out a letter which he had received a few days previous from his former young teacher. It was written in a trembling hand, and with good reason, for the writer was propped up in 1)0(1 with pillows to be able to do it. "^^'^ tender words of love touched the heart of McFarl; md the prayer, with which the letter concluded, sottU'd the mat- ter for that night at least. Ronald folded up the note and placed it in liis breast pocket. He then arose and hastily thrust the brandy bottle and tumbler out of sight. " God help mc ! " he softly uttered, and began to prepare for bed. On the following morning, Giovanni asked McFarlane to teach them a little chemistry, " You know, Ronald," he added, " that yesterday you gave us a lesson in botany ; and, the day before, (me in zoology, which inter- ested the boys greatly. Do give us some chemistry to-day !" " Very well. What part is it you wish ?" "1 want to see how you distil things." Please put a Hpot)nfid of salt into water and let it dissolve, and th{>n drive off the water by lieating it in a glass retort." "All right. I will anange the apparatus and you shall perform Llie experiment for yourself." THE PUPIL TEACHER. 185 Ronald was as good as his word. He gave the whole school a short lesson in chemistry and then saw that Giovanni distilled a glass of salt water, without breaking the retort or doing other damage. In the afternoon a new scholar made his appearance. Ronald admitted him conditionally, mitil the return of the Principal. He was older than Hiram— probahly about twenty-two— but thin and delicate looking. On being (iuestioneturn of the Principal, because titsnhe would be free from his promise of abstinence. " Of course you're glad, McRoss ;" remarked Tom, " I wonder how you manage to sleep at all now, without the ma.ster poking into your room eveiy night. Some of the boys wonder why he never misses— but, hv. doubtless goes in to hear you say your prayers !" Several of tlu; huls laughed. Hiram did not reply, though his face redd.-ned. Ever since tluit dr..uU'ul ni.dit when he had been carried by (Jiant Despai.' into 'h'g 18() llOSKVILLE SEMINARY. kiil raw I doubting castle, Mr. Grant helped him as he had never done before. Instead of just coming into his favourite's room and kissing him a fatherly good-night as had been his previous custom, the Principal would invariably sit by the bedside for half an hour or so, relievhig the lad's n)ind from any dithculty and giving words of comfort, counsel and encouragement. If reproof were necessary, it was always very gently administered. Those precious evening moments, with iMr. Grant, were sacred things to Hiram; and he felt that the boys had no right to ((uestion him about them. " I would like to hear the prayers of McRoss ;" said Giovanni gravely, " for about half of them wouUl doubt- less be for blessings on the head of the Principal !" " And three-fourths of ^oit/'.s," retorted Hiram, " would be for the success of the Temperance cause '. " The boys laughed. "Good for you, Mclloss!" said George Thorne. " Now you can't deny it, Giovanni !," "Deny it!" and the big brown eyes of the young Temperance advocate opened widely, " why ever .should 1 wish to deny it ? " The boys laughed again. Tom imiiatiently ob^ierved, " Ho may pray for the good cause if he likes— that won't hurt:" " Why won't you sign the Pledge, Willie Manning '{ " asked Giovanni. " Well, you new comer, who was very simple-minded, (The boys thought him " soft," but chanueh after tea." "Do," respon.led Tom Harding, with mock gravity. " I only hope we .shall not all feel dreadfully jealous of your good fortune." When the lads were once more in the school-room, they called on Manning to fulfil his promise. " Certainly," said that young gentleman ; " but I nmst give you a description of her first. She is a little chunk of a thing, with a round face, rosy cheeks and a lot of dark- ish hair, whicli she wears couiIxmI straight back from her fon>head, and tied in a big bunch I whind— something as the (ndnamcn WH.q.v theirs." 188 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. 1 The boys could not restrain their mirth, which vexed Will, and he said, " If you can't stop that nonsense I'll not say another word about the little dear .' A second burst of merriment cut him short. " I never did see such asses in all my lifel" exclaimed the disgusted Mr. Manning. " But as I promised to show you the photograph, I will do so." So saying, he produced the likeness of a young lady, observing warmly, " This is Rosa Wright." None of them could say anything un- pleasant of that pretty, merry, little face, an. to-night, would you kindly send a few lines to my father sayhig that I have l)ehaved tolerably well since coming here." The Principal laughed. "I can conscientiously give I iiji ;*■> 8. ■ i i . I » I ! " ' ■ ""^wprBf 190 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. you a better vcconunendation than tkat, McFarlane ; lu- 'said; and going- to his desk, he wrote a note to Ronalds father, speaking highly of his son. Mr. Grant particu- larly nientioned the fact of McFarlane's supplying hw place and doing it so well. " I am very nuich obliged to you, sir ; but you ought not to have spoken so favoural>ly of ine ; " said Ronald, gratefully, as he took the paper and went out. The following morning was clear and bright. Ronald s headaches were apparently becoming chronic. He looked really ill, on coming down to breakfast. "McFarlane. you have over-exerted yourself, im afraid • " said the head-master, noticing that Ronald s hand trembled violently as he raised the cup of cortee to his '^''My head aches, Mr. Grant; it was not with teaching, however." ,. wi tj • '< I fear you are mistaken, McFarlane," replied the Prin- cipal, '• it must have been a great strain upon you, for you took all the most difficult classes." "Can't you eat anything nt all ^" impiired Mr. Slow. "Why yoi'ir headaches get worse all the time. The lunatic asylum is in store for you yet ! " ^ . . , ''My assistant, I will not allow it," said the Principal, sternly, " understand //ttt^ .'" After breakfast, Ronald was lying on his bed, when he was startled by a gentle footstep and a hand tenderly laid on his shoulder. i< McFarlane, you are killing yourself!" said George MR. grant's return TO ROREVILT-E- 191 Tliornc. He was the only scholar whc. knew the cause of Ronald's headaches. As for the teachers, they had not the 1 emotest suspicion of anything wrong. i .an't help it !" hittcrly exclaimed McFarlane. Are you going to tell the Principal ?" " I don't want to ; hut oh, Ronald, .'•% won't you stop drinking?" , " That's easily answered, Thorne. Because I can 1 1 " McFarlane, why don't you ask God to help you? "What do yon know about His help ? " inquired Ronald^ much surprised. " Nothing personally, but I'm afraid we both need it above everything else." " Thorne, do leave me alor... I'm just distracted now, and mind you don't tell Mr. luant." " But— suppose he asks me ?" " Why, speak the truth, of course i Only don't tell un- less he doea inquire." "I'm not likely to do that. O, Ronald, I wish you were saved ! " and George hastily left the room, saymg bitterly to himself, " That fine fellow is just going to ruin-ever- lasting ruin-and, what is more, with his eyes wide open. Mr^ Manning was taking notes in his own mind as to the characters of the different lads. On Monday mornmg before school, he gravely asked of Hiram, " whether all Christians loved Jesus best." " Of course they do !" " Is Giovanni a Christian ? " ,„, r.,^„„„vnn -lonbt it ?" asked Hiram in "Why, ?/es — huwcan)ou .si-usl il surprise. 192 ROSEVTLLE SEMINARY. ii " 1 don't l)elieve that he loves any one so well as that phantom thmg !" " What do you mean ? " •' "Why that pJiantom of a thing that h c calls ' the Cause: " Hiram lauahed. " Indeed Will, Giovanni would be the opposite of pleased if you told him that the Temperance Cause is a phantom thing ! " " Well, doesn't he love it better than all else beside ? " "Not better than Christ;" gravely retiu-ned McRoss. " You're mistaken, Hiram. The lad is there at his desk, reading, instead of out-doors where he ought to be. Come here Giovanni," he called, and the lad approached, book in hand. "Is there anything you love better than the Temper- ance Cause ? " inquired Manning. " No ! " replied Gifwanni, v.'ith a look of sur})rise at such a question. " Now, McRoss, am I not right ?" "Oh, no;" answered Hiram. Then, addressing Gio- vanni, he demanded, " Is there no owe— persou— that you love more than the Temperance Cause," " Oh, if you put it in that way ; " said Giovanni, " of course I love our Captain better than our cause I But, it is only fair to say that they are so connected in my mind that t rarely think of one without the other." " I was just telling Hiram that it is a phantom thing." " The Temperance Cause a phantom thing ! " indignant- Iv exclaimed Giovanni -" Why, there could not be a greater reality ! It is God'.'< cause. Never you dare to .say that again, Will Manning ! " and the lad walked oti*. W I; MR. fillANT's RETURN TO ROSEVILLE. 193 "1 was wrong;" saind for Dr. Mays, who did not attempt to conceal his alarm, when he observed the sym))toms. After some time, the physician came down- stairs ; and going to the school-room, sununoned Ronald, A number of lads also approached. " McFarlane," said the doctoi', seriously, " this is a bad case. T fear T can do nothing. Yon nuist talsi> all the responsibility of teaching, upon yourself : for I fear that Mr. Slow will never enter this room again. It is a very bad case of typhus f(«ver, malignant and infectioiis. I hope it will not spread in the Seminary. Happily, Clio- vanni is visiting me ; I shall not tell him his uncle is sick, for Mr. Slow does not wish it. The poor lad has no con- stitution and eoidd not stand a severe attack, which ho woidd b,. sur(« to have, for it woidd be im])()ssible <•• keep I'l "THAT Til.KSSEI) 1i"v' IflS ,,i™ tVon, l,is un,.l..H roon,, if 1- knew ..t J'- course of CI,e,niHt,y so that ho will not bolosmg h,. t.mo. I a,n cou,ing a^ain in about an houv with '""d;""^ So he ,U.l-an,l. after seeing M,. .»w, ealle.l K«nak aside vnivately. an,l charged l.in, to allow none of the :l'stoe„ttthe.ickr„on,., above all to Keep ^^f, trou, it Imnself or the disease would spread ,n the feun inary and the boys die otf like rotten sheep. "There is no danger of us going near h.m poo n an . „aid McFarlane, gravely. " Our lives are valuable o «s^ It is ..uit. unnecessary to charge the boys *» - o" W in to L Mr. Slow, for they arc very ^-'f;^''^ Thorne and a few others are in terror lest 'l-^J' «»^-^ the disease and die. They actually begged me to let h m ,0 homo ; but that I refused to ,lo in the aV-nce « o Principal. Doctor. 1 shall not charge then,, nor say m..e about it than I can help; for you see .t would neve, do to have a panic in the school." Those who .. Of course not. Use your own judgn.ent. "^ ""^^ "^° are so terrified are all the n.ore liable b, take the fevu. Are yo„ afraid yourself?" he a.sked abruptly. R;,uald never spoke anything but the truth. H.s A eyes looked full into tl.>scofth..phys,c,an.ashe W^^^^ replied, " I «m a little afraid of the typhus fever, doct-,, , you se,. / am vol rmhj io tlW !" „,.i„,,,\v • .. My young friend, you should ../<■' veady ! seuously answered the physician, and he ,lepa,tal. 1„ the u,ca,'tin,e (he boys were gathered m knots about V^'h 106 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. ■i la « I tlio sc'liool-room. The cxcitcincnt amounted almost to a panic a.s Ronald had said. " Archie Campbell, you keep very calm," observed Tom, in a trembling voice. " Aren't you at all afraid ? " " Not of dyino-," said Archie, earnestly, " but we would none of us like to have a fatal illness, away from all our friends. 'I'hey will not send for our parents if we do take sick, for the disease is so contagious. Of ctmrse T am willing to die, if God see fit; but Tom, I would like to see my mothisr once more!" and the tears came into Archie's blue eyes. "So would I," said Harding huskily, and turned away his head. Ronald came ui at this juncture, and rang the bell for school. The boys were only kei)t in for an hour, how- ever, because it was late when they were called togethe)-. Poor Mr. Slow lay in [)ed, dreadfully frightened, for the doctor h d been very plain with him. Suddenly he heard voices outside his door. Hiram AlcRoss was begging John to let him in, and make no fuss aljout it; he said that Ronald had not /oti can have in- stant salvation, by this instant conimitting yoar soid to Christ." " Are you save of that ? " " Certain" " Well," said the poor, weary assistant, " I will," mm\ ho closed his eyes. Opening them again, he aske.l : " Hiram, pray for me, that'f"' a good l»oy." Young McHoss knelt down; though he could not cm- .luct family worship, he could pray for a dying sinn(>r. '^, i i "' ,ii I 198 IIOSKVILLE SEMINAllY. When he arose, Mv. Slow grasped his hand, exclannin-: " I'm happier than ever 1 was in my life ! Oh, what a tool I have heen to keep the Blessed Saviour from my heart for so Ion-. How patiently He waited-year after year -and I vvoidd not admit Him ; but He has come m now, and the face of the assistant shone. The tears ran down Hiram's cheeks ; he could not say a word. " Don't cry/' said Mr. Slow, " I have treated you very badly, but I am so glad you forgave me, and risked your life that I might be saved." Hiram brushe.l away his tears. " Voa. have far more to forgive mc, sir," he said, in a broken voice, " for I have been a most troublesome scholar, both toyourselt and the Principal." . "Read a chapter for me, Hiram, please; somethmg about Christ." The lad did so, Mr. Slow listening with an expression of ..reat content. A hymn or two followed ; not sang, bur repeated in a low, gentle voice, and Hiram arose to go. Mr Slow clasped his han.l again, tightly, saying: " Good bye, Gont WMS quite deUri.>us, and then, was no hope ot Ins recovery. The excitement of the boys became feartul. 200 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. n 1 1 i "Oh, Dr. Mays," said Ronald, " is it too late to send for the Principal ? " " I telegrai)hed for him at the first, because I felt sure of a fatal result. He ought to be home to-day." " Indeed, I'm very glad ; it is impossible for me to (piiet the alarm of those boys. Won't you come again this afternoon, sir '. " " If you wish it, McFarlane ; but it seems useless." When school was over, Hiram at once sought the bed- side of his sick teacher. He was still delirious, but re- cognised the lad, and asked for some hymns, whicli apparently soothed him for he closed his eyes. There were smothered voices in the hall ; suddenly the door opened, and Mr. Grant and the physician entered. They were startled by the sight of Hiram, sitting on the bed-side, close to the assistant, who had one of the lad's hands in his own. For a moment the medical man was speechless; then he said, angrily: " I advise the Principal to get a cow- hiou can." , - ,1 .. Thank you, »ir," and McFavlane Jepavtcd. The weeping child was suvpvised hy his » -ance »mU a lan,p. a small phial, and son>ething m a .^''-- ^f^ soakiL a bit of cotton-wool in the strong 1ki«k1 he ca,e- i Stuffed it into the aching tooth, and. when poo,- von was a little quieted, he took the glass and sau , , "nlthis, ,ny del,-, and you will soon he fast asleep^ I on did so unquestioningly ; and Ronald -'Ut -k his ,oo,„, where he prepared a big tu.ubler-full fo. hn self of the same kind of drh>k that he had given the child. The following morning at breakfa.st, Ivon warmly praisee .1 McFarlane tor his kindness. CONFISCATED LIQUOK. 206 " What did you put in the tooth ? " inciuired Mr. Slow, " oil of smoke ? " " No, sir, it was nitric acid," replied Ronald. " You said aquafortis last night," remarked Hiram. Mr Grant smiled. " I must teach you a little chemistry some of these days, young McRoss. Nitric acid and Pqua- fortis are one and the same thing." Hiram laughed and looked slightly confused. "Ivon" suddenly exclaimed Ronald, "you must take the pledge again. That was brandy that I gave you last night to^set you to sleep. Don't look so horrified, child- it's not your fault." i. i ^ a- Ivon began to cry. " I never tasted a drop of the stutt in my life before. Oh, it's too bad, Ronald." " So it is. I'm very sorry I was so thoughtless, it was one of Mr. Gordon'?, remedies." " McFarlane," asked the Principal, " do you keep a little bottle of brandy by you in case of tooth-ache ? " " No sir." replied Ronald, who would not even try eva- sion to'clear himself. " I keep the brandy in large bottles, and not for tooth-ache, but to drink." For a moment Mr. Grant and his assistant were speech- less at the bold confession, then the former seriously in- (iuire.1, " How much liquor have you, McFarlane ? " About three bottles of rum and two and a halt ot brandy." " When do you drink it ? " " Every niglit, sir-except when you wereaway-I did not taste it then." <' How did you get tlie liquor- when I was absent ( ■•CIW*"*' ; 206 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. " Oh, no, Mr. Grant, I did not get any tJmi. It was very wrong, but I bri1)ed one of the servants. Please do not ask who it was, for it would be dishonourable in me to inform, as it was entirely my own fault." " I nmst insist on your telling nie if it were John, whom I have always considered faithful." _ " No, sir, it was not John-neither was it that poor girl who died." • t » .0^,1 - 1 will mi H'H'Hti"" you tnrth.c on that pomt, .aid the master, sternly. "I might have km^vu it was a woman." , , The lads laughed, but were checked by a grave look fv.m the Principal, who contim.ed-" It seems needless to ask-of course, McFarlane, you have not been intoxicated since coming here V i « a/ T The young man's face burned as he answerer., Yc^, have, Mr. Gv^nt-that was the cause of all those nead- "^•'i' 'aid," exclaimed George Thorue, " I don't believe vou w >. \^ f dl a be, even to save your life." " • T chc,, A ^.pe not," earnestly returned McFarlane. ^^ "Di.l no: }0U knov, you were breaking the rules? asked the master. " Yes, sir, T broke them wilfully, and cannot expect you to have any mercy on me." .' Are you fond of liquor ? " asked the Principal, not at all unkindly. " Yes, sir, very, hate it too." I locc. that (U.'testable rum -bottle and CONFISCATED LIQBOB. 207 Mr Slow could keep silence no longer. " He ,s too fine a mol for you to ca't off, my superior. Keep hu„ ber ;yt,i:eans'v.ut ,naKe him give up hi. liquor to you and ''^"Zfwm he the he«t thing, Mr. Slow, ceH^n^^^^^^^ will," said the maHter. " I rely on your honou., McFa an , to hring n,e every drop you have ; and, remomb , j.„u must promise to l,rihc that woman (whoevo she is) no more. ^ answered Ronald, gratefully, ■■ 1 promise, Mr. Oiant, answcie c ..and I will hand what 1 have over to you, ,mn>ed,ate.y Xr breakfast. You are very good not to expe me m t'ace -Klamist can.e over MeFarlane's black eyes, t ; he oould scarcely see the Principal and brs com- panions. Mr. Slow noticed it. and at once took the atten- C of the lads from Konald by proposing a p.cmc wluch delighted them much. The three bottles of rum, two and a ha^f of W and a flask of alcohol, were given up to '^^ ^nn , al who asked, " Don't you want this alcohol. Ronald, chemical purposes ? " ., r. * " .. That is what I bought it for. Mr. Grant. .. You could not drink this t " .. I to,e drunk it, sir. diluto.l with water an- veetened ^'':r;olT:;r^lat:rlo was standing by his Xtuseteper entered the room at this moment^rKl seeing what was going on. hurriedly came forward. Lay 111 III ■If ' ^ i ..j| 111 |i-f v-f f i * i li; llOSEVILLE SEMINARY, ing her hand on Ronald's Hhouldor, she exclaimed, "Oh, I'm very glad. Often have I blamed myself for attbrd- ing you the means of temptation, and will do so no more." "Was it you / " inquired the astonished Principal, in a tone of disgust, for he had not suspected his housekeei)er — " all women are alike ! " " Yes, r got it for him— the bonnie laddie ! " said the worthy Mrs. Brown. " It was all my fault. Vou are not to blame," returned Ronald. "I differ from you," sair way. He would not sign the pledge, for he declared that if tcm])tntion came in his way it would bt- impossible to resist it. In vain Oiovanni pleaded with him concerning Almighty strength ; ilonald McKarlane obstinately refused to " bind his soul by a vow." Dr. Mays had organi/<.'d a Rai' mast.M-. Then creeping a little closer L laid his head on Mr. (hunt's lap. That gentlen.an's book dropped uid.eeded by his side, and lie petted Hnam to his heart's content. In the meantime an c«nterprising photographer, who had lately arrive.l in the village, began to take i>ictm-es <,i- the various groups. In on<" he iuvl the Band ot Hope boys MU.l girls fro.n Rosevillc, Giovanni among them. They all wor.' their badges, and looked well. As they were taking their places Giovanni found Hat tie Mays by his si.le, and inunediately took her hand in his, which caused the artist to smile. Another group consisted of the assistant-teacher and the students from Roscvdle seminary. Miran. McRoss was lu.t among them ; hi' was half asleep on Mr. Grant's kn(-e. " Who is that linc-lnoking gentleman ovr then- under the tree >" asked the artist. u 210 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. ii 1 i !i " That is the Principal of our Seminary," answered Mr. Slow. " Oh I'll <'o aiul ask him if he has any objection to beiny,' taken." He (lid immediately. The master gravely assented. McRoss roused himself, but die convevsatum was not of love, .JeUwtwa.a,.o.t.eTempe.^^^^ e iance have ..ofu.cd the boy, hut the P ^/^^^ „fUK.gi.lwe,ot,.om«el,(ovum,sohe^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ „-uiie They willingly eonsentcd to st,ui.l loi m,. and were taken as before, only .uueh large,. ';:,^ B: Mays saw the negative, he dee.a.ed ,t was «..' Ite, and ovdc.e,! a do,.en ,,hotog,a,,hs to bo p,.nt.d ^'Telnnvhile, Ronald McKa.-i : was --dug a,-on„d in «.a,.eh of fevns and othe,- botan.ca "l-";;- ^ ^ ^J;. h,. carried home an enormous buneh. He no Ion :;,;";;.et of tl,.. darimg wish of his heart, winch wa, U, lit' a nhihxopfn'i' ! , ^ \: day las a very happy .re f,a. a ..n^ "What are you tlnnkm-' .)t, Unain . one Hn(! aftetnoon. " Of those clouds, McFarlaiu'." "Sowasl. Toil mo your thoughts." " Tell U\i} '/"" ''■'^•" , \ '^V. ..Very well; I was n,erely thinking of the classes wh,ch those clouds l.elonj;euust a-sk you to take oft your coat." r .1 Hha,n .lid so, and hegan t., uuhntton h,s vest. L,ke many of the othe. sehola.s, he wo.e a linen su.f s<, Mr (Ivant sahl, "yo" n-'l ""t '-^e oft-your vest, my boy 1 can luu-t you enough without, for you .are tlnnly dressed. He then connuenced the punishm..nt, which wa.s a very severe one-far too much so, though the Pr.ne.pal d,.l not suspect it at the time. Hiram dhl not cry or com- plain, though the severity of the chastisement made huu feel sick and weak. The lads who were studying liear.l the s,mnd o the strokes and soon Mr, Slow looked anxious-llonald Mc- Farlanealso. . Ifs a shame," sai.MViU Manning, as he knitted his l.r.,ws. Thorm. waited to hear no moiv hut put his hands over his ears. At l,«t, Tom pushed linn, Lin., "They're coming back." Mr. Slow never raised h e; s, but the others did. Hiraiu came first, loo in very'pale. He sat down and opened the Algebra, wlmd^ Aridehad picked up and plaeed ready lor hmi. Ihe Prnieipiii .stood cluae besid^i him. ill il !5fi 214 ROSEVILT.E SEMINARY sliinr," he gravely observed, " See how pale he is." Strangely enough, the nmster had not noticed it. lie did now and felt alarmed. , . . , " Do you l^'el sick, my darling?" asked the rrmcipal anxiously. ■ i i.i "Yes, sir," and Hiram leaned his head against the master. , " Ivon, get him some e.dd water," said Mr. Slow ; an.! the child hastened to ol»ey. The Principal, who bitterly blamed lumself for ins severity, thi.^w some of the water over the head and face of his favourite. , i + i Hiram smiled. " I'm n<.t going to faint, Mr. (haut ; I never fainted in my life ; it was only a strange, sick feeling." CONFISCATED LIQIJOK. 215 i„,lig„:.t but w.,e atV.ia to .,.hU out. To t h.Mr astun- i,,„:„„t, Win Manning g.av.ly „b„ovvc.l, • Tl. pun.s, - ment was far too severe for a nion.entary Bt of pass.on So it was." ,sai.l the assistant " Wl,y ■ ..1 yo" "Ot tell l,im so, at the tin.0, McRoss '. He wouM not l.ave wliipped you any more, tlien," •■ Mr. (irant knew Lest, sir," replie'il Hnani. The Prineipal answered, in a low voiee an,l .,u.te hus- kily, "In, afraid, young MeRoss, that, in tlns^case, Mr. Ora;t &^n, know host." So saying, he took H nan > up- stairs. Instead of letting hin> go to his own Uttle ™o,„ however, the master led hin, into ;„s, put hm, to i,d bathed his shoulders with warn, water ,u,d appl.ed sooth- i„„ ointn,ent to ,-eUeve the pain. The Pn„en,al was g,°eatly shoeked to tin,l how badly he had eut h,8 n,ueh- loved voun<:; McRosh. Hira.,, was too „,«el, dehghte.l at the thonght ol sleep- in. with Mr. Grant, to he anything else than wakeson.e asllo from th,. pain of the Hogging. He wvjggled and twiste.1 about until past one o'clock, ■•■inally. h.- -nt to sleep, aft,.r ce-pi".' - close to the Pri„e,pal as ,t was possible to get. That gentle.nan was at,a„l to st,r. Hi,-a„,-s eheek was p,-esse,l cU.se to tl„. master s b<,son, ; the n,asters anus we,e a,-oun,l hi,,,. Partly f,;»n, «l„v„s. Uon-partly f,on, the happy f.an,e of ,„ind, ,n wl„e^, he sank off into d,ea„,land-Hiran. slept sonndlj- When |,„ „woke the next „,on,i„g. it was to ti„d the 1 r,ne,pal. dres»e.l in his usual black l„-oa,l-cloth suit, stand„,g over him, impunng liow he had rest...,!. r lit I I'i 216 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. IN ii '. I .vstcl >ndl. sir," replica the lacl, " but am so sorry that I d.jly niquiu ^ wtiis face reddened, " No. I don't think s,. ' ho an- » mlv " 1 don't holieve that Mr. Or.uit c;M ::;:i::::- He uves too close to tire sa.i ,iu ..iev'ously (not by snadou temptation, ' - l«Un>.h fe lln tliat way. and quickly get up again, ,.a wdt dij l:" "ontinuos ohsfuiately to sin. perhaps tor weeks oi '""'Then,'' earnestly replied Hiran,. "he might expect to Iwve his whole life Ijlightcd." •Would God do ,Mr asked Thornc, ,n dismay. .. Douhtless He wonld-in mercy to tiie "'»» -"''^ The wicked »."y perchance sin without teeling His hand ,:/;,hnt hi^.wn children never: Their chi^^^^^^^^^ 1 is a sure thin.., an.l if necessary it will he seveie :::;:; to 1st th.!i;i.appin..ss for y,,ai.-..r all their "':";'* dllr';' ' said George Thome, » then if ever . he- come a Christian I will try t., walk straight. . yL will !..■ very sorry if you sm.' sanl H.ram, treii tly but not so mucb for the chaHtiscuH-nt. What then i « I ,skc(.l if we iiii." ic an- cotdd [• that. should , miglit ifuiiy). )eks or cpcct to I's soul. lis iiaiul jhastisc- lO severe all their CONFISCATED LIQUOR. 219 McRoss rcplie.!, ia a low voice, " You will be more sorry that you have grieved your Lord than for any cor- rection that He may please to give you." Tom Harding had listened to the whole conversation in silence ; he now gravely observed, " There is no danger that Hiram will lose the love of Mr. Grant, for friends in Jesus are friends for ever." So saying, he left the group, and joined the rest of his companions at play. In going to bed that night, Thorne inipiired, " Tom, wha'. ails you ? You never tease Hiram now, and act so ipieerly. Y'ou are twice as long in saying your prayers as you used to be; that Bible does not lie unopened from one Sabbath to ;inother', but the marker moves on every day. I don't see you read the Book, but it never gets dusty like mine. What is the matter with you ? " Tom answered gravely, " we were all afraid when the assistant was so ill. I waited until that Temperance boy came home, and " " Go on," said Thorne. Tom replied in a low voice, " George, if I ever get to Heaven, I shall be a star in the crown of Giovanni Somerville ! " I i ■ver 1 be- 1 Hiram, ■'t*.^- 220 ROSEVILLE SEMINARY. f: 4;,i CHAPTER XVlll, TILE TEMPEIUNCE ISASNEK. •WO weeks before the mid-summev vacatbn, there '' ": to he a Teu,pe,,>nee eelehration in ^^ ^ . ovanni was eagev to attend, and -Ked RonaU ■J" to go too. Thome also hegged P^™-™ ^ ^^^ eon,pa„y th°e,„, whieh the nraste. granted, and the ,J,„, nne— ^^^^^^^ h.trr::ar:vr:.--ea™,so...,na,.t.o.a ,nile from the ^^-"^f ^ • ^^^^^^^^ . what is the pro- " Beautifully clear, replied Konal l. . fnv the (lav ' " lie continuetl, as they inovtu on '^■^: K— ^^-- -^^^^ ^ ^^^' '^^'^ *'''" " ^ ,.n ^Hhich there will he Ten.pevance speeches, """-' '^^''■" , f,,i,na '/o. will have to walk in that ''^^"'"^T3vir u ottolnn.yalon,so,now. procession, so I a I .. >o ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ There is plenty ot tnue. lhe isvey will he tired out hefore it is over Giovanni smiled and slackened Ins V^^ The procession was worthlookuio. at- o 1 iion . 1/ dinner exceUent. Ai't.^v .t was ove , he —and the (Unnn ^ j^^^ speeches co„>n,eneed, .nterspevsed w th . ^„,„„ |i«ues. Konahl had nntovtunately got seated wit THE TEMPERANCE BANNER. 221 youno. rowdies from Koseville, w1k> had con.e to naicuU" 'the vvhole thing. The aUusions they inado to vv.ne etc., aroused the appetite of McFavlane, which was all the more fierce for Mb temporary abstinence, fhey judged^ from their new con.panion's dress, that he had pk^ity of nmney ; and proposed to adjourn to a tavern. Thome saw then, go out and felt anxious. Giovanni s attention was otherwise occupied. While the speeches were going on, Dr. Mays was su.n- moned away. He first publicly presented Giovanni with a beautiful Temperance Banner, to hang in his room, which greatly pleased our young friend. Then, taking his daughter with him, for it was her aunt that had been suddenly taken ill, the physician drove oft' in his double- seated carriage, promising to be back, if possible, before the meeting close.l. Ho^vever, he did not come ; and Giovanni and Thorne started for home. Passing a tavern, Ronald came out cpiite intoxicated-his three companions also. They were going to see McFarlane part of the way home thev said. They had none of them taken enough to be incapacitated by the li.iuor, just the reverse. George Thorne was very much afraid, but hopee should Ineak his Ple.lge or die. " I will die," said Giovanni. Ronald put the la.l down,an..■ 'I- 1-", U,e plvasur- .,f .lyin^' to.- the Cause." « T elioose the last," replied (Jiovanui. _ McFavlano an.nly seized hi,u and held huu undev water until half suffocated, then drew him out to gnc him one more chance. mi f i ...wl When tin: lad .'ot br.ati, t„ speak. l,e sUU vetaa, a, d kis,od the Te,uperanee Banner, which he had hoW ftvndy in his hand wlien lie went undei- water. ■Ha: ha!" luu.hed Ronald, ■ 1 have ,t : Do you I'll .lo it. shake hands, diovanni." The lad did s<.. .. 1 ^ivc you one n.ore chance, you had better save youi lii;. n sinirie n.outhful will .lo it," said Uonal.l. ^'^Nol ,. ,lro„ (hul hrnuj n.,, ffdpn-r rophe.l young Sotuerville. i^ ! .5, il -ll I I rSfc; Hi Hi 1^. 1 I 224. ROSEVTLT.K SEMINARY. "Tlion," sai.l McFarlaiie, "you deserve to die; it's quite fair, 1 appeal to the boys." " And ir answered Giovanni, with a shout of truimph, "ui.rml to Jehovah, the God of the Temperance Causer llonald instantly sei/ed him and held hi.u n-uin un were at the bridge, throw- uur th." lines to his daughter, the physician hastdy got oul and hurried down the bank, lb' was afraid that a cold wat.-r ducking on such a hot di.y w.mld give (iio- vanin a srrious iUn.vss, that UonaM intended anythmg fnrtlu-r nev.>r miv^A thr worthy grntlen.en's mind. Rage made the doct.>r strong ; h.' pushed McKarlane aside and drew Giovanni out, to his horror he found that tlu- boy had ceased to br..ath.. Tlu" poor physician turned dentlily pale, saying, " He's gone." I ^'A THE TEMPKRANCK UANNER. 225 Then in a iiiomoMt, tl.c doctor's ij.ycs ll:inu'.l with unovr, and lie tuni.Ml ticreely on Ronald, " You villain, you mur- derer: To the gallows you .shall go." The dreaie carry him, .sir; you are uot ahle," said Ron- ald, who was a human was a child of the devil, he readied tlie top of ii again a child of Ood. Hattie was very pah- ; her face looked hard and stony ; but when her fatlier took his place Ix-side her and Ron- ald lifted the drowned boy into tlio carriage, laying him on the doctor's kne.-s with his head in her lap, she began to weep bitterly. " Get in, McKarlane," said the physician, sternly, " T 111 «: I' ROSEVIT-T.V: SEMINARY. I'licollKTliiilscaubc avrested loiiie 1 see. justice, sir ciin-ia^e, si replied Ronald ttin*'' on the back the horsei ou tlask of hvan.ly tVon. his pocket, say t that wine, George '- Yrs, when you were earrymj llonal.l Huno- the tiask away vf it int McFarlane drew a ' did you pour ir anni up the slopt (iiov with all his force break" ni .() fraunu'nts. " Ood helping nu 1 will never < ilrinl ano ither drop," he said ' Very wt morse come; 11 ;" bitterly returned Thorne, too late t<. save Giovanni. I re- but your All his bright schemes of Temperance wo> k frustrate and himself cut )tl" in his boyhoot \, Then his old uncle who has no vela- tiv;' in the woi how yon make yo»i dea Uuls were scut down to the schuol-rooiu where Tliorn. told them the whole story. He then went into the housekeeper's .loniains and delivered Giovanni s message to Miss flattie. In ahont twenty minutes' time, Mr. Slow came down stidrs. " Is theiv any hope, sir >" asked Hiram, eaoeny. The assistant shook Ins head. "They are d.)in- all they can ; hut what use is it T' "' None •" repli«^tt, ousei '''''m,t,Ronal.l knows wla.nh..,lic..l:"u.-,'.aSl,ntev ..M„n»ons,.-M,-Fa,lano kn.'W «l.o.. I"' '"•<•"""■ '"■ ,,„sil,k. an.l loHt all outwav,! si,ns of lif.. l'."t, 1 V recover consciousness, after all." ^ i ., " So 1 think," »ai.l Will Manning. " tlH.vo kas not lH.on time enough, yet." i i ft +h.. mom Mr Slow looked somewhat comforted and left the loom. 1 .. f„vnfMl snvin*' that his nephew In ten minutes or so, lu- retuine.l, -av n„t was recovering. What a loan come to life again (so to speak) as poor Giovanni did ! " " U McFarlane stays, he ^iludl not have a chance to do any mischief," said the Principal. After some further consultation, it was finally agreed that the (luesti.m should be left to Giovanni, who at onco unnouncee.haps:wasthedoubtlulanswev,M.utyoua;..o weak, that it n.ust be for a very few unnutes. Wluc of the lads is it, that you are so anxious to conve..e with ?' , . 1 •" " Ronakl McFarlane-I must see hnn alone . " Alone 1 Oh, no!" MJh v-/" said Giovamd, earnestly. " \ ou need m. , W inn. for it was the vile liquor that nuulenm act ,0,1. would not luu-n. a beetle if he were Inmselt. :> Very well: said the Prineipal, •' you shall see hn ,l.,ne, but only for ten minutes. The doctor and 1 w,.l remain in the hall. Call us if we are wanted. " That is (luite unnecessary, sir." The la,l« wevo greatly ^u.pvised, that ,.t all ns sel,o.,l- fellows, .liova,mi wished to see Mc^a,la„e ,„»t ^ V„,„« ,nan eagerly ascende,! the „ta,>san,l -- -"" •i„ with the hoy he l.a.l so nearly u,u.-aerea h-^ „„ssed hetween the two, Thovne an-l h,s eo.nvades o e von,U-red, hut neve,- foond out. They saw, however that .1 l>l...l,ri.-i,ill ever after that day. Houal.ls uau.e was on the I ledge oil, eve Wl,, it was l.lotted, they l.a.l uo ,dea, for all knew that voung n,an eonld writ., heautifully. That ,t »«» Mc Kavlane's writing there cadd he no douht, hut they more ,,,,„„ „nc,. told hhn that the hlnrred signature was any- tliinix but a cn'dit to him ' ^ •• • »• '■' ■> vour tu liv and by, Mr. (hunt called" Me Farlane, y. IH up THE TEMPERANCE 15ANNEU. 231 The door opened at once, and Ron^^ld came out, eiying like a child, with his face huried in his hands. Hastily passing them, he locked himself up in his own room. The Principal and his companion went in to see if the sick lad were excited, Mr. Slow just after them. "(Jh, uncle— Dr. Mays— Ronald is a Christian :" joy- fully exclaimed Giovaiuu. " It looks like it, truly," said the doctor in a most un- believing tone, "he had Letter shew his faith by hi, works, before he tries to impose upon us in that way." ^ " .McFailane would never impose upon any one," said Mr. Slow, " but are you sure he told you so, my ne])hew '. ' » Yes, sir, ami Ronald could not speak anythhig but the trutii. I knew there was no hope for hiui, save in the help of God ; and, accordingly, asked him, most earnestly to come to Jesus for salvation from every sin. He imme- diately replied that he had. Uli, I'ni so glad '. Ronald xMcFarlane is safe enough now, because he is trusting in Cnirist!" " Indeed, 1 am glad to heai" it," said the Principal. " And so am 1," eagerly joined in Mr. Slow. Dr. Mays look.-d grave and incredulous. Soon he in- cpiired, ■' what did you think of, my hvl, when that fellow j>ut you undei' water '. " "Of all of you, sir, and of the Cause." " Were you sorry that there was no further chance of working for it !' " " Vi's, sir, until 1 recollected tl'at God knew bent." I t ^Mm__si!mii!mj!!}M KSS!S 232 ROSK.VIIJ.t; SEMINARY. ' 'uid you pray (ov anything, my W -' .^k.l tl- „„,, J, M« v„U« t,.e»V,|i„« a ,.t^ . ;o ^ - ,^^ " For imolo, for yuu ami Miss Hatta, 111. . >.^ course, n.ost ospcciaUy for tho 'i'^M'-™- ^.aus ; ^ _ .. What i» tho last thing you ronro.nbci, Crovaun . ..Wh.n I was losing n.y senses, you n>ean, sn- Uh the llrthrng I reure,„..ev, was connuon.Ung ,ny sou. to "" 'Tht'doetor s heart wa, too full to seek further infor- V , He stwed with Giovanni for over an hour anJ luation. hie bta^eu witi found then went .lown to tho school-.™m. -' - ^ ™ ,^ RonalJ and his fellow-stndents. Neither of the teacl e „-nt. Tiie medieal man at once eoiu-nced Xe MeFarlane a lecture before all the boy. The del i- luent made no attempt to -lefend ^-"^^^-^'f^^^ physician came to a dead stop, partly for want of b ea^^^ LLt after telling MeFarlane that he was a vile wretch, and would have a black account to render. .. You have forgotten to mention one thing, su, upliea the young man, gravely. " What is ll.'d ! •• growled the doctor. ..Tliei,loodof .Tesus Christ can wash even nimde, us white." replied Ronald, ■• I have tried it and I too,.. ,ic<;r..e Tborlie was thunderstruek-Hiran. ,,oy u ly seized MeFarlane by the hands, and -^-^y ^'"'^^^^^^ ,,i,„. the doctor stalked out of the room incrcJulous '"""".','■ . ■■ •, i„.,o,ie"t "I"' said to himself, "what " rliatiu't l.^t|Ultein eaine^l, '". THE TEMPERANCE BANNER. 233 A day ov two ,asso.l. ^l^ ^ ,,,^^ ,,;aently nephew down stan. ; and tl.o 'r^'^\^^y.,,,,^,, ,00. existed between tlie recovered l.o) and restored the popularity of the latter. ThorWs science ^-^^^^^^^^ ^ Strait .ate!^' ,,ckedch„m.To,n.hal nU „„,„,„ ,,,,y, '■■»' -- :r™T U^jLFarlano-s a Cluistian- And now, the words, Bonal 1 __ „.,„„ii,,j. in 1"^ eare continually. ^ ^j j, ^^^^ut " McKoss," said he, one day, w>U J"" ' your conversion r' ,,.;,,, to do so, thinking that Poor Hiranr-he did not xy^l> ^.nnsen.ent his thoughtless companion only ™tu-a_ ^ Iked sadly, " Why do you -nt to Unv^ - ^ ^^_^^^^.^^, ,, „ MAy. you '1»" /"''''^"/^'•^^ ^ ^,nt to be a Chris- .. McRoss, why W.U you talk so. J w __ ,.,. "•..V,outtiu,e."^ ea e^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^ chum, Hardh,g, and that n uiduou j ,,ave actually ontc.d the k,ng..o,n 0^'^ ,„„_ want to have my sms iorgwen .1 any ^^^^_ y„„can;Ilikeyo«,anddontca,e tosp people about this n.atter.' ^,_^_j Hiran.'^.eart beat '1-* ^ 7; .j, ^.-^^ had used liim once as Hih messcn^ it possible He ineant to agam ^ ^ ^^.^^ ^^^^ //H/i is why you wish to know, x If /" \ 234, EOSEVILLE SEMINARY. he did so ; concluding hy givm« to the Saviour. „ " Will vou pray for me, Hn-ani- noit^ . ^^ „ aII 'n J Jt's hesitation, McKoss answered Yes, and the two lads went ^^^^^ ,,, ,,e holidays. When the boys were at homo a« . f school George « -^^^ -^f-; ^ ct:;e in t.a. gentleman- hcencke -mat* ^^ ^^ ^,^^_^^^ and the good results «>!'* «°7^ (, „,,,y are had finished, she mqunod, My de- . ^^^ ^^^^^^^_ you so fond of Hiram, above all the fellows 1 " Wpause. mother, I am a The boy earnestly answe...!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ Christian, now, and it was Hnam Mcr. me to Jesus." ^ THE END. ill > r