The Iron Rule

sound did not affect, pleasantly, the mind of his father. He had not forgotten the scene of the previous evening, and was far from having forgiven the disobedience he had punish

he work of breaking the will of his child. But to see him m

ression on the boy?

is face, as these thoughts were passing through the mind of

disobedi

ding aspect of countenance, that met this affectionate s

left the house, his voice was still. During the morning, he amused himself with his playthings and h

had somebody

dow and looking out for a long time

I go and see

course not," rep

I like her, an

ou go to her house. Didn't he punis

is mother strove, but in vain, to soothe him. For hours his thoughts had been on his little friend, and now he cared for nothing but t

m, raised the window and looked into the street. Just as she did so, she saw him running back toward his home from the house of Mr. Winters, on the s

Mrs. Howland as soon as he came up

with Jane," was repli

d this question the moment it passed her lips, and still more w

btful as to the steps to be taken. She said nothing more, for she could not see clearly what it was best for her to say; and she did nothing, for

for him, the pleasure he derived from her society caused him to forget the passing of time, and his stolen delight was,

ld be punished with great severity, and he was not mistaken. He was so punished. But did th

nto Mr. Winters," said

won't, mother," wa

I can't let you go

sobey you," rep

I'll trust you. No

to be seen. A domestic was sent to the house of Mr. Winters, where Andrew was found, as happy as a child could be, playing with

you? He'll whip me so, and

n't we forbidden you? And didn't you promise me that if

p it, mother,"

s, you

her. I saw Emily, and t

at thrilled the feelings of his mother. She felt that he spoke o

constrained to reply. "Mother can't

lifting, earnestly, his large, bright, innocent ey

bled, Mrs. Howland knew not

t tell father? Say you won't?" And tear

the mother, trying to assume an of

tell father,

. Her thoughts were still more confused, and her mind in st

me," she at length said, "but don't

y, in a room filled with tempting food, and commanded him not to touch or taste it. Had an allegation of evil conduct been brought against Emily Winters; had any right reason for the interdiction been given, then Mr. Howland might have had some power over the strong will and strong

er, home would have been almost intolerable. Steadily, against all opposition, chidings, and punishment, Andrew would seek the company of his little friend Emily on every convenient occasion. To avoid the consequences he would practice deception, and utter direct falsehood without compunction or hesitation. At last, after a struggle of two years, even the father became wearied and discouraged at the perseverance of his child; and there came a suggestion to his mind, that probably, to continue as he had been going on for so long a time, would do more harm than go

f, harsh judgment, or direct punishment. Often his conduct needed reproof and even punishment; but he was the victim of such frequent wrong judgment and unjust reproof and punishment, that by the time h

lision with his companions, and he gained a reputation which was by no means good. Every now and then some one would complain to Mr.

ept out of his way. Still the larger boy pursued him, using all the while the most violent threats. At length finding that he was likely to be caught and get roughly handled, Andrew took up a stone, and drawing back his hand, warned the boy not to approach. He continued to approach, however, vowing, as he did so, that he would beat the life half out of him. True to his word, and in self-defence, Andrew threw the stone, which struck the boy full on the forehead

leman entered the store of Andrew's father

to make complaint agai

nst A

e's nearly k

d, in a distressed voice. "What

ne and struck my boy with it on the forehead, knocking him down sens

r. Howland, wringing his hands, and moving up and down the

my children. Every week I have had some complaint against your son; but I didn't wish to have a diffic

about him," remarked Mr. Howland

man, a little modified by the manner in which his compla

eplied Mr. Howland with promptness. "Nothing

, against a repetition of such dangerous

be sure," was answered, and, as he spoke, the lips

ately, and then started for home. He had been there only a little while, when the boy cam

s the stern salutation

her,

t let me hear a wor

own room in the third story, whither hi

t!" said Mr. Howland who had a

d the child, "I wasn't

uses! I know you! I've talked to you often e

, fa

cket, this instan

Let me speak!

ale face growing paler every moment, and then submitting himself to the cruel rod that checkered his back with smarting welts. Under a sense of wrong, his proud spirit refused to his body a single cry of pain. Manfully he

sown you!" and turning