"On one occasion George (we will call him) ventured a remonstrance
with his uncle--alluding to the money in his possession to be used for
George's education and support. Judge of his amazement and indignation
when the bad man denied having one dollar in trust for him, and ended
by calling him a pauper, and saying he would have to work for his
bread.
"The future, there, was very plain to George; a life of
ignorance--nothing higher than a mere farm drudge. His mind was
determined against that. Privation, suffering, death, even, were
preferable. The next day found him a fugitive from injustice and
dishonesty--a lonely traveler on the path of life. Seeking Fortune, to
find and be treated by that whimsical goddess with good or ill. To be
smiled or frowned upon, to be mounted upon the triumphing waves,
rising higher and higher, until he had reached the pinnacle of Fame,
or drifted about, sinking lower and lower in the dark waters, at last
reaching the pool of Dishonesty, Despair, Death!
"Ah! who could tell which fate would be his?
"Oh, how I can sympathize with all such! looking back on my own
pathway to manhood; remembering the dangers, temptations and
numberless snares that youths have to encounter.
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