rned
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.'

"`I'd rather learn them than get whacked,' said one.

"`Well, I would rather get whacked than learn them,' sa