TONY'S LOVE FOR HER MASTER.
I AM sure the little boys and girls who read this, will be glad to
know that good care, nourishing food, and Frankie's caresses, at last
restored Tony; though it was a long time before she could run and jump
as she had before. It was quite affecting to see her try to spring
after Frankie's ball when he bid her bring it to him. She would seem to
forget for a moment how feeble she was, and then, quite exhausted, she
would lie down puffing and panting for breath, but keeping her eyes on
her master as if to say, "I would obey you, if I could."
Then Frank would blame himself for telling her to do it; and he would
ask her pardon, and kiss her over and over again. Oh, they were very
good friends, indeed!
Frankie's school was about a quarter of a mile from the house. Before
Tony was stolen, she used to go with him until they were in sight of
the school-house, and then scamper back as fast as she could go; but
now Tony was not allowed beyond the gates.
The faithful creature seemed to know when it was time for Frank to
come home. The first day she could crawl down the yard, she stationed
herself where she could see far down the road, and at the first glimpse
of his figure, began to bark out her welcome.
One day, for whispering, he was kept after school was dismissed.
Tony watched and watched, and, after Eddy came home, showed great
impatience. She even stole through the gate, and walked cautiously
toward the school-house.
At last Frankie came in sight, not running and jumping as usual; but
walking slowly, with his handkerchief at his eyes.
Tony was sure, now, that something was the matter. She sprang up,
licked his hand, and tried, in every way that a dog could try, to show
her sympathy.
Frankie was a proud boy; that is, he would not like anybody to know
that he had been punished, and was crying for it; but he didn't mind
telling his troubles to Tony.
"It was real mean of the master," he began, "to ferule me for just
saying one word. Sam Lambert asked me to lend him my new ball; and
I said it was at home. Master punished me; but Sam got nothing but
praise."
Tony had the poor, swollen hand now, and was kissing it with all her
might.
"Well," Frankie went on, "after all, I had rather have a good whipping
every day, than to lie as Sam does. The master will find him out some
time; and if he don't, God sees him. I'd be afraid ever to go to sleep,
if I was such a liar."
They were now nearly home, and Frankie concluded to wet his
handkerchief at the pump and wipe his eyes before he presented himself
in the parlor.
Tony stood by, looking very wishful; and then they went in together.
During all the intermission, Tony did not leave her master a minute;
but watched him closely, every now and then standing on her hind feet
to lick his hand.
When the boy started to go to school, she held the skirt of his coat in
her mouth as if she were afraid he would be hurt again.
"Frankie Colvin, you may walk up to the desk," called out the master,
when all the boys had taken their seats.
Poor Frankie began to tremble, but instantly obeyed.
"Samuel Lambert, take your place by his side."
"Now," continued the teacher, "I wish you, Samuel, to tell me exactly
the words Frank Colvin whispered to you this morning."
"I can't remember exactly, sir." Sam's face was as red as fire.
"You may tell, Frank."
"He said, 'Will you let me take your new ball at recess?' and I told
him that I had left it at home."
"Yes, those were the words. I can believe you, Frank, for I have never
known you to tell a lie. You may take your seat."
"Now, Samuel, let me tell you, that I heard you boasting to the boys
that you got off from a whipping by a nice little white lie as you
called it. There are no white lies. Every lie is, in God's sight,
black; and he has told us how he will punish liars who do not repent
and forsake their sins. You broke the rule of the school by whispering
to your companion, and thus tempting him to answer; and you have done
what was far worse, and broken God's holy law. You denied that you had
whispered, and bore false witness against your neighbor. How mean for
you to sit by and see him punished for an offence which you had led him
to commit! I am distressed that I have such a scholar, and shall be
compelled to punish you as you deserve."
He then took a ruler from his desk, and punished Samuel on both
hands,—the boy yelling with all his might, while poor Frankie laid his
head on the desk before him and cried.
When Sam returned to his seat, he raised the cover of his desk to
screen his burning cheeks. He was very, very angry; and, if he had
dared, would have been glad to knock Frankie down for daring to tell
the truth against him.
It was very hard for the good boy to study his lesson, while his
seat-mate was muttering so angrily behind the cover; but, remembering
his victory over himself with his music lesson, he bent his whole mind
to the task, and soon learned all the map questions in his geography
lesson.
The class was called to recite directly after recess; and Frankie was
standing in front of the teacher, when he heard a familiar bark, and
suddenly Tony bounded into the room and rushed up to him.
Then there was a knock at the door, and presently Colonel Jameson and
Mrs. Colvin walked in and took seats on the platform.
You can easily imagine how glad Frankie was that he had learned his
lesson so perfectly. He stood very erect, his eyes sparkling, his
cheeks rosy-red, and was ready with every answer, the moment the
question was asked.
"Your class appears uncommonly well," remarked the visitor. "I am glad
to see that a little friend of mine is so studious."
"Bow! Wow! Wow!" barked Tony. "So am I, — so am I."
Mrs. Colvin smiled and was very happy. Nothing makes mothers so happy
as to have their children do well.