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HOW IT HAPPENED
CHAPTER I
THE WOODED ISLAND
In a quaint little cottage not far from the sea-coast, David Duval first
saw the light of day. His father, a very industrious man, supported his
family by making willow baskets, and his children, as they grew able,
helped him considerably. David, the oldest child, was the father's
favorite, for he showed great skill in his work, was quick and obliging
and rendered his father considerable assistance. Although David gave
promise of being a great man some day, yet he had a very grave fault,
and this was his headstrong will. He always wanted to have his own way
in everything, would never yield to another's rights, and his parents
found great difficulty in teaching him to obey orders. His sisters, too,
suffered much from his bad temper and from his overbearing manner.
His rich uncle, Philip, gave him many invitations to dine with him.
David enjoyed nothing better than to have the feasts which his uncle
provided, but they made him dissatisfied with the simple fare of his own
modest little home. He grumbled all the while he was eating in his own
house, and did not think it worth while to thank God or his parents for
his food.
When he was reminded of his faults, he would promise to do better, but
in a little while he would fall back to his old ways. This saddened his
parents and they thought that the fond hopes which they held for his
future would all be blasted.
His uncle would often say to him: "David, David, take care! God will yet
send you to a special school, the 'School of Experience,' where He will
discipline you, in order to make something good of you.
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