Then he was always fair at his plays, and ready to oblige his companions. By-and-by it used to be said,—
"Don't cheat, now! Be fair, like Johnny Talbot."
This pleased Johnny's friends more than all the rest. To be sure they liked to have him a good scholar,—to have him popular among his school-mates; but it was best of all to know that he tried to do what God would approve.
At home he was just the same boy that he was when I first began to tell you about him, and was as ready to give up his pleasure to his mother and Ella as he had been to give up his scant breakfast of Indian porridge, when he knew there was not enough for all.
As you may imagine, Johnny was a very busy child. He rose almost as soon as he could see, and reached the farm where his mother and Mrs. Miles bought their milk, before the farmer was ready for him. Then he was back with his two pails, and off for the factory for a couple of hours.
He was very happy here, for all the men and women smiled upon him, so he whistled away at his work, though the noise of the machinery prevented any one but himself hearing his music.
When the town-clock struck eight he was off for home, where he had only just time to eat his breakfast, wash and dress for school, before it was the hour to start.
After school, he changed his clothes again, and had three more hours for work before dark.
So the summer passed happily away. Sometimes, indeed, when the boys were starting off for nuts; or when he heard them on the common, flying their kites, he used to wish, just for one moment, that he were rich, so that he could have time to go with them; but he did not cherish such thoughts. He knew that God had been very kind to him, and that his heavenly Father had ordered all things for his best good. His mother had explained to him that it was for Joseph's future advancement that God allowed him to be put into prison, and that this great and good Being is always watchful over those who love and trust him.
At home, though Johnny had little leisure, yet he contrived to please Ella so much that she longed for his presence, and would run forth to meet him, her apron full of grass and flowers, which she had gathered for dear Johnny.