THE MODEST MEDALLIST.
In the previous chapter we turned aside and went a long way back--back
nearly as far as the formation of the class--to explain how Silver
Ribbon had come to be the most successful pupil, at least so far as to
win the preliminary silver medal. We come forward now to where we left
off, at the reference to two or three days' rest from study. That rest
passed away very quickly. Then came the final tug-of-war, the day of
special examination which was to reveal who was really the best scholar.
All the pupils were in the garden on a Friday morning at 9 o'clock
prompt. Their black fur was beautiful and glossy--nicely washed and
brushed for the occasion--and their silken ribbons were neatly tied and
clean. Silver Ribbon looked exceedingly well, and her silver medal was
burnished till it shone like a little moon. When all the pupils had
gathered together they gave her a ringing cheer. Black Ribbon looked
clean and tidy, but he seemed as if he had been studying rather than
resting, for his lovely dark eyes were somewhat weary.
Silver Ribbon took up her place against the apple-tree as usual, but
judge of her surprise and alarm when, by Hug-grippy's advice, the
pupils were separated from each other a considerable distance, and
seated on chairs brought out for the occasion. Having a sprightly
disposition, however, she shook off her fears, and, trusting to chance
and to what little she had learned, she prepared for the contest.
Robin was a reasonable schoolmaster, and did not give questions that
had not been already gone over, or that could not be understood. When
each pupil had finished a question, the teacher went over quietly,
examined the slate, and whispered the result.
Silver Ribbon succeeded with the first question, and she was happy;
with the second also, and her spirits rose high. She was, she thought,
going to be chief prize-winner and the head of her class after all.
But her hopes were soon crushed. She was wrong in the 3rd question and
the 4th, still she held on bravely. She was wrong in the 5th, 6th and
7th, and her spirits fell. She looked wistfully towards the best
pupils' slates, but even her sharp eyes could not discern the figures.
When she found herself incorrect in questions 8, 9 and 10, she felt
sick at heart, and when she tackled the remaining questions her heart
palpitated painfully, the perspiration came down in beads from her
little forehead, and her hands felt clammy and cold. She was wrong to
the very last, and she fell into complete despair.
When the results were announced to all the class, everyone was
surprised to hear that Black Ribbon was first and that Silver Ribbon
was last. Black Ribbon was cheered three times over, and was
astonished to find himself famous, while poor Silver Ribbon was dazed,
and her little head dropped upon her medal and breast. As her chin
touched the medal, she was reminded of its presence, a shining mockery
seen by all, and she hated it from the bottom of her heart.
Robin drew up the white toy-horse and presented it to Black Ribbon, and
the class cheered again and again. He then presented the other gifts
to the pupils in the order of merit till he came to poor Silver Ribbon.
He was so sorry when placing his hand gently underneath her little chin
and raising her head he saw that her eyes were dull, wet and very sad.
He knew at last that she had been a copyist and a deceiver, but he gave
her no rebuke while removing the medal from her breast. He felt keenly
that she was suffering punishment enough from disappointment, shame and
humiliation. Not knowing how she had been tempted to cheat him, he
placed by her side the only remaining gift, which was a pretty little
toy snake. All eyes were upon her, saying nothing, yet pitying and
despising her. She looked sideways at the toy a moment and
shuddered--shuddered at what would have delighted any of the
others--and being unable to bear the shame any longer she leaped from
her chair and ran away.
"Didn't I tell you that you had a cheat in the class?" said Chattie
sorrowfully.
"She has cheated herself more than anyone else," answered Robin
regretfully.
"One can't live long on empty nuts," said Hug-grippy gloomily.
Robin now commended the class for their diligence and progress, and
amidst great cheering announced a long vacation. He then tied the
silver medal with golden silk on the neck of Black Ribbon, who tried to
repress a happy smile, while all the others cheered wildly. Taking the
little victor up in his arms, he caressed him and said--
"My clever pet, my mother has asked me to say that hard work and
honesty have their true and lasting reward. Your name henceforth is
Golden Ribbon."
The signal was given to Chattie, and she dismissed the class with an
exultant Indian whoop that even startled big Bruin and made him laugh.
Said he, "I thought for a moment that my enemies had suddenly come upon
me."
Three of the best pupils--Red, White and Blue, referred to,
before--then ran forward and seizing Golden Ribbon, lifted him upon the
back of his white toy horse. Getting confused, the little black rider
sat upon the horse's neck and held it by the ears. Robin went in front
and pulled, while all the pupils marched behind in pairs, singing
merrily as they tripped along. Bruin brought up the rear with all the
presents on his big, broad back. Golden Ribbon was drawn to the castle
and duly presented to Robin's mother, who praised and kissed him, while
she presented him with a gilt-edged picture book full of wonderful
stories.
When Golden Ribbon was drawn home to his own door they all parted from
him with much hand-shaking but with silence, because his mother was
sick. Entering the door and going over to her bedside he said--
"Mother, dear, I am first, and here is a great, beautiful picture book,
and there is a big, toy horse at the door."
"My darling boy," said his mamma, raising her head and opening her eyes
wide when she saw the medal and golden band around his neck, "I can
scarcely believe it, but you deserve it, for you have been a hard,
honest worker, as well as most loving and attentive to me," and she
kissed him tenderly. Then laying her head upon the pillow she wept
with joy.
That night Silver Ribbon sobbed herself to sleep upon her mamma's neck.
Her mother did not punish her, for she knew that she had pain enough.
She tried indeed to comfort her by saying that every one would forgive
her if she would begin and do better for the future, for she was very
grieved for her deceitful little child.