I was myself extravagantly thirsty. I requested all those who had
"slit herrin'" for breakfast to raise their hands.
Every hand was raised.
I gravely inquired if slit herrin' formed an ordinary or accustomed
repast in Wallencamp, and was unanimously assured in the affirmative.
After dwelling briefly on the gratitude that should fill our hearts in
view of the unnumbered blessings of Providence, I inaugurated a system by
which a pail of fresh water was to be drawn from one of the neighboring
wells, and impartially distributed among the occupants of the
school-room, once during each successive hour of the day. The water was
to be passed about in the tin dipper, in an orderly manner, by some
member of the flock, properly appointed to that office, either on account
of general excellence or some particular mark of good behavior; though I
afterwards found it advisable not to insist on any qualifications of this
sort, but to elect the water-bearers merely according to their respective
rank in age. This really proved to be one of the most lively and
interesting exercises of the school, was always cheerfully undertaken,
executed in the most complete and faithful manner, and never on any
account forgotten or omitted.
Pages:
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60