CHAPTER XIV.

SCHOOL TRIALS.

Whistler’s first day at school—Unhappy 224 recollections—A severe disappointment—Interview with his father—Why Whistler did not get into the high school—He is acquitted of blame—His reluctance to return to his old school—His character as a scholar—A failure the first day—Mortification—A commission from the teacher—Its acceptance—Clinton’s puzzle—The drawings commenced—A difficult task—Whistler’s ambition aroused—Clinton’s visit to the school—An insulting nickname proposed for a new scholar—Whistler’s interference in his behalf—He is himself attacked—His self-control—What David had to take—A kind word from Whistler—A challenge—How Whistler treated it—The young bully’s cowardice exposed—The school exercises—The principal’s story—The sick boy—His first appearance at school—A mean assailant—A gallant defender—The story brought home to the school—The verdict of the scholars on the conduct of the boys—Who the real dunce is—Difference between learning easily and studying hard—Who the most promising scholar is—Juvenile dulness of famous men—School dismissed,