to be considered very young. By that time he generally begins to
feel a degree of self-confidence and self-reliance, and fancies
he is almost on the threshold of manhood. I know boys of fourteen
who look in the glass daily for signs of a coming mustache, and
fancy they can see plainly what is not yet visible. Harry had
not got as far as that, but he no longer looked upon himself as a
young boy. He was stout and strong, and of very good height for
his age, and began to feel manly. So he drew himself up, upon
this remark of his mother's, and said proudly: "I am going on
fifteen"--that sounds older than fourteen--"and I don't call that
very young."

"It seems but a little while since you were a baby," said his
mother, meditatively.

"I hope you don't think me anything like a baby now, mother," said
Harry, straightening up, and looking as large as possible.

"No, you're quite a large boy, now. How quick the years have passed!"

"And I am strong for my age, too, mother. I am sure I am old enough
to take care of myself."

"But you are young to go out into the world."

"I don't believe Franklin was much older than I, and he got along.
There are plenty of boys who leave home before they are as old as
I am."

"Suppose you are sick, Harry?"