The Boy's Triumph.


THERE were prizes to be given in Willie's

school, and he was very anxious to merit one

of them. As Willie was young, he was behind

the other boys in all his studies but writing.

As he had no hope to excel in any but writing,

he made up his mind to try for the special

prize for that, with all his might. And he

did try so that his copy-book would have

done honor to a boy twice his age. When

the prizes were awarded, the chairman of the

committee held up two copy-books, and said:

"It would be difficult to say which of these

two books is better than the other, but for one

copy in Willie's which is not only superior to

Charlie's but to every other copy in the same

book. This copy, therefore, gains the prize."

Willie's heart beat high with hope, which

was unmixed with fear. Blushing to his

temples, he said, "Please, sir, may I see that

copy?"

"Certainly," replied the chairman, looking

somewhat surprised.

Willie glanced at the copy, and then handing

the book back, said, "Please, sir, that is

not my writing. It was written by an upper-class

boy, who took my book by mistake

one day instead of his own."

"Oh, oh!" said the chairman, "that may

alter the case." The two books went back

to the committee, who, after comparing them

carefully, awarded the prize to Charlie. The

boys laughed at Willie. One said he was

silly to say anything about the mistake.

"I wouldn't have told," said another.

"Nor I," added a third, laughing. "The

copy was in your book, and you had a right

to enjoy the benefit of it."

But in spite of all their quizzing, Willie felt

that he was right. "It would not have been

the truth," he replied, "if I had not told who

wrote the copy. I would rather hold fast the

truth than have a prize, for truth is better than

gold."

"Hurrah for Willie! Three cheers for

Willie! Well done for Willie!" shouted the

boys; and Willie went home to his work happier

than he could have done if by means of a

silent lie he had won the prize. 




Phrenological Journal.