The Black Forge Mills : $b or, Up the King's highway
John Stuart Mill · en
"As well as could be expected under the circumstances, for I tell
you both had a narrow escape. Edward Lawton can probably be brought
home the first of the week. Ray will have to keep his bed a little
longer. The boat, when it capsized, or some rock as he swam in with his
exhausted comrade, has given him a fearful blow on the head. We shall
pull him through, however."
Perhaps it was not intentional, but many a one at the First Church the
next day thought of Edward and Ray, as Mr. Carleton read the words:
"But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use
you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven."
They knew later also how peculiarly applicable those words were to
Ray's heroic act.
On the following Monday, Edward was brought home; he immediately sent a
note to Mr. Greenough asking him to call after school. When he came the
boy made a full confession of his wrong doing.
"I have told Ray all of this," he added, "and have his forgiveness; I
wish now to acknowledge my wrong doing to you, though I know it will
prevent my taking any honor at the coming graduation. I am willing to
do whatever you think is right, and will make any acknowledgment to the
school that seems to you to be proper."
Mr. Greenough laid his hand on the repentant boy's head: "You have
already suffered much, my boy," he said, kindly, "and are so ready
to acknowledge your wrong, that we will make it as easy for you as
we can. I will talk the matter over with the school board, and will
let you know later our decision. Will you and Ray be present at the
examinations?"
"Yes, sir. I think so. Dr. Gasque says if we keep quiet all this week,
he will let us come to school again next Monday, and that will be in
time for the examinations. I want the boys to see that I don't hate Ray
any longer, and"--lowering his voice, and speaking almost timidly"--I
am going to try and love the Saviour, too. I shudder every time I think
how near I came to the other world without the shadow of a hope. I am
so thankful that Ray saved me."
Mr. Greenough shook the lad's hand warmly. "I am rejoiced to hear you
say this," he said, and then he hastened away.
On the next Monday morning the two boys came into the school yard at
an early hour arm in arm. A quiet, peaceful, satisfied look was on
Ray's face, but Edward looked the proudest and happiest. They were
greeted with three rousing cheers by their schoolmates, as they passed
on into the schoolroom. They sat together during the examinations, and
Edward looked with a hearty smile of congratulation at Ray, when it was
announced that he was to be the valedictorian. It would not be known
who was to have the second prize until the close of the graduating
exercises.