One day, when the boy had arrived at the age of seven years, a strolling and struggling newspaper genius was invited to spend the afternoon and evening at the farm-house. At the supper table this gentleman interested himself particularly in the boy, and the mother, pleased with this attention, began to enlarge upon her darling’s talents and cleverness, till, warming with maternal pride, she became quite eloquent.
“What do you suppose he did the other day?” she asked.
Will’s face suddenly became red. His mother did not notice this, but the newspaper genius did; and while he answered politely, he muttered to himself, “Hanged somebody’s cat, I should infer from his looks.”
“Why, he—” began the mother, when she was suddenly interrupted by Will’s saying, “Please don’t tell, mother!”
This remark, of course, drew the attention of all three to the boy, and they saw that he appeared ill at ease, and that his face was painfully flushed.
Mrs. Lawrence looked surprised. “Why, Will,” she said, “I’m sure its greatly to your credit.” Then turning to the guest: “Mr. Sargent, the other day he gave his papa the boundaries of every country and continent on the globe; and he did it all from memory, not looking once at a map!” Mr. Sargent was a polite man; he now expressed the liveliest astonishment.
“Oh!” burst from Will’s lips, followed by a sigh of relief, “Is that what you wanted to tell?”
“What did you suppose your mamma intended to tell me?” basely inquired the newspaper man, quickly recovering from his astonishment.
Will hesitated, but finally answered, “I thought it was about the fire-crackers.”
The guest’s curiosity was awakened. “What about the fire-crackers?” he inquired, so courteously that no one could take offence.