MERRY DAYS AND SAD ONES.
| A merry Christmas—Who got the start?—Presents for Oscar—Letters—Loss of the brig “Susan”—Jerry missing—The Christmas festival—Declamations and dialogues—Tableaux and music—The Christmas tree—Its fruit—Santa Claus—His speech—Gathering the fruit—Refreshments—New Year’s morning—Sad news from Benny Hapley—Marcus his Sabbath school teacher—His interest in Benny—His sadness—A pleasant surprise—A present from Harrison—His gratitude—A visit to Benny—His prediction—Anticipations of heaven—Mr. Hapley’s agony—His promise to Benny—Benny’s coldness—Growing dark—A mysterious light—Parting kisses—One for Sam—The spirit takes its flight—Effects of the scene upon Marcus—His new purposes, | [263] |
CHAPTER XVII.
ADVERSITY.
| Mr. Hapley signs the pledge—Empties his liquors—A desperate struggle—Opinions of the neighbors—Mr. Todd’s prediction—How it was treated—What Mr. Todd was supposed to be after—Uncharitableness—Difficulty of acquiring self-government in mature life—Mazeppa and the wild horse—Mr. Hapley’s relapse—Loss of self-confidence and self-respect—A visit to the rum-shop—His prolonged absence—A terrible snow storm—Henry despatched for Marcus—Marcus goes in search of Mr. Hapley—The search abandoned—Morning—The frozen horse and rider—The snow grave—Poverty—Jessie’s trials—The administrator’s advice—Jessie’s plans—Her self-sacrificing spirit—Words of comfort—Henry’s brave words—He finds a new home—Jessie provided for—Mrs. Hapley returns to her father’s, | [280] |
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE DIALOGUE.
| Rivalry among the academy students—The motto on the blackboard—Praiseworthy motives—The student’s true motive—Ronald’s request—The plan for a dialogue—How Marcus proposed to help Ronald—The work completed—Dialogue of “Head and Foot”—Speech of John Head—A severe examination—How the boys were put through their paces—One pace not exhibited—An explosion—What is Congressional usage—The prizes—Their unequal distribution—How the boys proposed to equalize matters—John’s prize volume—Master Foot called up—The complimentary address—The presentation—Dinner-pot suggestions—Curious resemblances—Foot doubts his claim to the testimonial—A bet—Head smells a rat, but concludes not to back out—The cabbage fastened upon him—The wager won—Master Foot’s generosity—Master Head’s magnanimous response—The treat—View of the testimonial, | [294] |
CHAPTER XIX.
CLOSE OF THE TERM.