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Language Lesson.—­Let pupils express in other words the meaning of what is given below in dark type.

    “I expected that he would come to bay.”

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LESSON L.

per’il, great danger that is near one.

pru’dent, careful in regard to what may happen.

con’fi dence, courage; freedom from doubt.

oc ca’sion, a chance event; an incident.

tor’rents, violent streams, as of water.

ford, a place to cross a river.

per suad’ed, influenced by advice.

op’po site, on the other side; in front of.

fran’tic, without power to act properly.

her’o ism, great courage, which makes one willing to face
    danger of any kind.

res’o lute, decided; firm.

af fec’tion ate, kind and loving.

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PRESENCE OF MIND.

Many years ago, there lived on the banks of the Naugatuck River, in
Connecticut, a family by the name of Bishop.

The father was not wealthy, but a good man, and respected by all who knew him.  He had fought in the battles of his country during the Revolutionary War, and was familiar with scenes of danger and peril.

He had learned that it is always more prudent to preserve an air of confidence in danger, than to show signs of fear, and especially so, since his conduct might have a great influence upon the minds of those about him.

On one occasion he sent his son James, a boy twelve years old, across the river to the house of a relative, on an errand.  As there was no bridge or ferry, all who crossed the river were obliged to ford it.

James was familiar with every part of the fording-place, and when the water was low, which was the case at this time, there was no danger in crossing.

Mounted on one of his father’s best horses, James set out.  He crossed the river, and soon reached the house of his relatives.

He was ready to start on his return, when suddenly the heavens became black with clouds, the wind blew with great violence, and the rain fell in torrents.

It was late in the afternoon, and as his relatives feared to have him attempt to reach home in such a storm, they persuaded him to remain over night and wait until daylight before starting for home.

His father suspected the cause of James’ delay, and was not over anxious on his account.  He knew that the boy was prudent, and did not fear that any accident would happen to him during the night.

But he knew that he had taught James to obey his commands in every particular, and as the boy possessed, a daring and fearless spirit, that he would attempt to ford the river as soon as it was light enough in the morning.