At last he is ready to start; but just as he leaves the house a bell is rung. "What is that?" says Lewis; "it must be the bell of the steamer. I have no time to go round by the school; I must go straight to the pier," and off he ran. But, alas! by the time he reached the pier the boat was steaming off. He could see the children with their pails and spades waving their handkerchiefs in glee, and there was he left behind!
I was telling this story to a little boy once, and when it came to this part he said: "Oh, auntie! could not they get a little boat and take Lewis to the steamer? It is so hard for him to be left behind."
But you see, boys and girls, we must be left behind, if we are slow and lazy.
I am glad to tell you, however, that Lewis was cured of his fault by this disappointment. He really did try to get on more quickly afterwards, and he succeeded. At school he had his sums finished so soon that the teacher began to let him help the other boys who did not get on so well, and Lewis was quite proud and happy. Then he came to school so early that he was made "monitor," and had to put out the slates and books, ready for the others. So, after all, Lewis grew up to be smart and quick, and not like the man you will hear of in another story ([Story Lesson 84]), who grew worse as he grew older.
(Blackboard.)
Do not be Slow and Lazy, or you will be always "Too Late".
XXVI. ALL WORK HONOURABLE.
"Mother," said little Frank, "I saw a man walking along the street to-day with a bundle of brushes in his hand, and such a black face. I was careful not to touch him as I passed, he looked so dirty—quite a 'blackamoor'"!
"Ah!" said his mother, "that was a chimney-sweep; he cannot help being dirty, and my little boy ought to feel very kindly to him, for we should be badly off without such men."