The Orphans. 17

old Mrs. Ridler, who sat up until eleven o'clock,
to awaken him whenever she found him asleep.

The course of instruction in the class at Mr.
Kartmann’s factory did not teach anything
beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. Fred
wished to learn geometry, as it was, as he knew,
necessary if he sought to succeed in the higher
branches of his trade. Unfortunately, he had
no book on this subject, and he could not afford
to purchase it and the requisite mathematical
instruments. At length, on one of the anniver-
saries of the birthday of Mr. Kartmann, when
all his workpeople and apprentices went to con-
gratulate him, he called Fred to him, and then
put a piece of gold into the lad’s hand.

‘Take this,’ said he; ‘it is the prize I give
to the most studious scholar in the evening
class. I am glad that you have gained it.’

A piece of gold! It was more than Fred
had ever expected or thought of in his fondest
dreams. The poor lad was so transported with
joy, that his only anxiety was how to express
his gratitude in a proper manner.

Two hours afterwards he was in the small
garden attached to the house of Mrs. Ridler,

and was seated on a bench engaged in turning
: B