"Alger Jr, Horatio - Frank's Campaign" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alger Horatio Jr)

exception of John Haynes.

"You seem mighty proud of your books, Frank Frost," said he with
a sneer. "We all know that you're old Rathburn's favorite. It
didn't make much difference what you wrote, as long as you were
sure of the prize."

"For shame, John Haynes!" exclaimed little Harvey Grover
impetuously. "You only say that because you wanted the prize
yourself, and you're disappointed."

"Disappointed!" retorted John scornfully. "I don't want any of
old Rathburn's sixpenny books. I can buy as many as I please. If
he'd given 'em to me, I should have asked him to keep 'em for
those who needed 'em more."

Frank was justly indignant at the unfriendly course which John
chose to pursue, but feeling that it proceeded from disappointed
rivalry, he wisely said nothing to increase his exasperation. He
put the two books carefully away in his desk, and settled himself
quietly to his day's lessons.

It was not until evening that John and his father met. Both had
been chafed--the first by his disappointment, the second by the
failure of his effort to prevent the town's voting bounties to
volunteers. In particular he was incensed with Mr. Frost, for his
imputation of interested motives, although it was only in return
for a similar imputation brought against himself.

"Well, father, I didn't get the prize," commenced John, in a
discontented voice.

"So much the worse for you," said his father coldly. "You might
have gained it if you had made an effort."

"No, I couldn't. Rathburn was sure to give it to his favorite."

"And who is his favorite?" questioned Squire Haynes, not yet
siding with his son.

"Frank Frost, to be sure."

"Frank Frost!" repeated the squire, rapidly wheeling round to his
son's view of the matter. His dislike of the father was so great
that it readily included the son. "What makes you think he is the
teacher's favorite?"

"Oh, Rathburn is always praising him for something or other. All
the boys know Frank Frost is his pet. You won't catch him
praising me, if I work ever so hard."