All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

14
ALL IX A GARDEN FAIR.
Claire liesitated between the two. While
she hesitated Will took the prize out of her
hand.
' We will divide it,' he said, ' as your father
orders. And Tommy shall have his quarter.'
' The ])rizcs of life, my sons,' observed M.
riiilipon, sententiousl}'—he really was a most
profound philosopher, and so lonir as he could
say what seemed a good thing was careless
whether or no it was new— ' the prizes of life
are bestowed, not at random, as foolish people
think, but by fixed rules ; they are not given
to the men who run fastest, but to those who
run most wisely. Combine, Will, prudence
with swiftness. Then doubt not the issue, but
run with courage. As for Olinthus
' Tommy was out of it from the beginning,'
said Will, interrupting in the truthful but brutal
manner common among boys.
' If it had been a three-mile, or even a one-
mile course,' said Tommy, ' you fellows would
have seen—as for your little hundred-yard races,
it is only a rusji. Give me a long course.'
'