Before the Battle
Ben's term at school had already extended to eight months. Our
hero was thorough in whatever he did, and, having an excellent
natural capacity, easily took high rank as a scholar.
"Do you expect to win the prize, Ben?" asked his friend, James
Watson.
"I hope to win it," said Ben.
"So does Sam Archer."
"I suppose it lies between us two, unless you step in and carry it off,"
added Ben, smiling, for he knew that James, who was low in rank,
was not at all sensitive on the subject.
"Make yourself easy, Ben; I won't interfere with you. You are my
friend, you know, and for your sake I will answer a few questions
wrong."
"You always were considerate, James. You have relieved my mind
of a load of anxiety."
"Don't mention it, Ben. I shan't feel the sacrifice."
"You are a good fellow, at any rate, James, and that is more than I
can say for Sam Archer."
"He thinks an awful lot of himself."
"He can't forget that his father is superintendent of the mill."
"By the way, Ben, what are you intending to do in vacation."
"I shall try to get employment in the mill again. I have been idle
nearly a year now."
"Your aunt has been getting along very well."
"Yes; thanks to the seven dollars a week received for Emma's board.
But I don't like to feel that she is supporting the family. I think it is
high time for me to be at work."
"Ben, I've been thinking of something."
"Out with it, James."
"Sam Archer will be very much disappointed if you take the prize
over him."
"He doesn't love me overmuch now."
"I am afraid he will prejudice his father against you, so as to induce
him to refuse you employment in the mill."
"Do you think he would be as mean as that?"
"Do I think so? I know it. Sam Archer is mean enough for anything."
"He has just as good a chance as I have."
"He told one of the boys you were Mr. Taylor's pet. He will say the
prize was give to you on account of favoritism."
"Will anybody believe it?"
"No one except Sam's special friends. I think Mr. Taylor does like
you. That reminds me, where do you think Mr. Taylor is to-night?"
"I don't know, I am sure."
"He is dining at Mr. Archer's."
"That's something new, isn't it?"
"Mr. Archer is trying to curry favor with the principal for Sam."
"Then he doesn't know him very well. Mr. Taylor will decide
justly, at any rate."
"Do you want very much to go back to the mill, Ben?"
"Yes."
"Then the best thing you can do is to let Sam beat you. That will
make him good-natured and you will probably get a place."
"I shan't resign the prize. I shall do my best to obtain it. If that
loses me employment in the mill, I will go in search of employment
elsewhere."
"I like your pluck, Ben."
"I am willing to wait and I expect to win in the end."
"Well, good luck to you, Ben. My supper is ready, and I must go
home."
The more Ben thought it over, the more he felt that James was
probably correct in his prediction as to the effect of his success.
"I am determined to beat Sam," he said to himself. The next
morning he entered the schoolroom cool and confident, while
Sam, though rather nervous, seemed almost equally confident.
"Mr. Taylor won't go back on me," he reflected, "after dining at our
house; especially after father has promised to get him a higher
salary."
The examination lasted all the session. It was partly oral and partly
written.
"Boys," said the principal, "I shall devote the evening to the
examination of your papers. To-morrow morning my decision will
be made known."
"I wish it were over," thought Sam. "I think he'll give me the prize,
but I should like to be sure of it."