began to write diligently.

"Of course Charles passed all his examinations with honors; and of course
Joe and Henry failed.

"After that, the boys tormented Charles in every way they could. They
called him 'Mother's honest little darling'; and when they saw him coming
they yelled, 'Go home and hang on to your mother's apron string.'

"Mother knew, by Charles' sober face, that something had gone wrong.
'What is it, son?' she asked; and Charles told her what had happened.
She told him how glad she was that he would not do wrong; and how proud
his father would be of such a son.

"'I shall never be ashamed of you,' she said, 'as long as you are perfectly
honest. Sometimes you will find it rather hard; but just wait a few
years, and you will see that it pays.'

"Charles had been almost discouraged; but Mother's words made him feel
quite strong and brave again. The next time he saw the boys, his honest
blue eyes looked straight into their faces, unashamed and unafraid. They
dropped their eyes, and hurried away as quickly as they could. They did
not bother Charles again; for the principal had heard of their actions,
and had punished them severely.

"When school was out, the boys began to think about doing something to
earn a little money. Henry was passing the drug store one day when he
noticed a sign in the window--'Boy Wanted, Apply in Person.' He went
into the store at once, and asked for the job.