"`You should consider, Jacob,' he went on, taking no notice of my flushed face and angry frown, `what a poor little squirrel of a thing Spinks is, and what a great powerful fellow you are. It's not fair, you know, and he's a kindly, harmless sort of a fellow too. Besides, if his poor mother knew how you treat him it would almost break her heart, for she's very delicate, and he is her only child. You know I visited her last year, on my way from London, in passing the village where she lives. You've been there, haven't you?' "`No,' I replied sulkily. "`Oh, man, Jacob! you _would_ enjoy a visit to Spinks's home,' returned Tom, still taking no notice of my state of mind, `it's such a splendid place for trout-fishing, with a burn full of the deep oily pools you are so fond of, and lots of sea-trout; and Mrs Spinks is so kind and jolly--though so delicate; just like little Spinks himself, but of course a good deal larger.' "From this point Turner went on to describe his visit in such a cheery way, that I was forced into a better state of mind, though I did not forgive him for lecturing me. "It chanced that I received a lecture also, the same evening, from our master. "`Jacob, my boy,' he said, laying his large hand gently on my head, `you ought to give more attention to your studies, and try to be a better boy. You've got the elements of a smart man in you, but a man must be _made_, Jacob. If a lad grows up without any self-training he is generally fit for nothing, and only a trouble to society. You're fond of your mother, I think--are you not?' "`Yes, sir,' said I, in some surprise at the question. "`Then you would be sorry to give her pain, I know, and your present course of conduct is sure to do that if you don't mend. You would be sorry to see your mother take handfuls of her small income and fling it into the sea, would you not?' "`Of course I would, sir,' said I, still more surprised. "`Well, you have caused her to do that, for your school fees might as well have been flung away for all the good you have done hitherto. But come, I'll say no more just now. I feel sure you will try to do better. You have only got to try, asking God to help you, and you're certain to succeed. I expect to be proud of you yet, Jacob. There, be off and play.' "I was somewhat touched by this brief reproof, but not humbled. The lecturing tone assumed by Turner still rankled, and a feeling that I deserved severer treatment than I received, made me worse. I resolved to harden my heart; and from that date became more mischievous and domineering as well as idle--if possible. I saw that the master was grieved, but did not care. "One day in autumn, some of us were sitting on a rail swinging our legs and chatting. Turner was not there, but little Spinks was. "`I tell you what,' said I, referring to a remark made by one of the boys, `I think it is not only contemptible to try to learn one's lessons, but ridiculous.'