attempted to shirk his work in the shop, and
his father now spoke of him with complacency, instead of complaint as
formerly.

"Yes," said he one day, "Dick's a good boy. He was always smart, but
rather fly-a-way. I couldn't place any dependence upon him once, but it
is not so now. I couldn't wish for a better boy. I don't know what has
come over him, but I hope it'll last."

Dick happened to overhear his father speaking thus to a neighbor, and
he only determined, with a commendable feeling of pride, that the change
that had given his father so much pleasure should last. It does a boy
good to know that his efforts are appreciated. In this case it had a
happy effect upon Dick, who, I am glad to say, kept his resolution.

It has been mentioned that John was the possessor of a boat. Finding one
great source of amusement cut off, and being left very much to himself,
he fell back upon this, and nearly every pleasant afternoon he might
be seen rowing on the river above the dam. He was obliged to confine
himself to this part of the river, since, in the part below the dam, the
water was too shallow.

There is one great drawback, however, upon the pleasure of owning a
rowboat. It is tiresome to row single-handed after a time. So John found
it, and, not being overfond of active exertion, he was beginning to
get weary of this kind of amusement when all at once a new plan was
suggested to him. This was, to rig up a mast and sail, and thus obviate
the necessity of rowing.

No sooner had this plan suggested itself than he hastened to put it into
execution. His boat was large enough to bear a small mast, so there was
no difficulty on that head. He engaged the village carpenter to effect
the desired change. He did not choose to consult his father on the
subject, fearing that he might make some objection either on score of
safety or expense, while he had made up his mind to have his own way.

When it was finished, and the boat with its slender mast and white sail
floated gently on the quiet bosom of the stream, John's satisfaction
was unbounded.

"You've got a pretty boat," said Mr. Plane, the carpenter. "I suppose
you know how to manage it?" he added inquiringly.

"Yes," answered John carelessly, "I've been in a sailboat before
to-day."

Mr. Plane's doubts were set at rest by John's confident manner, and he
suppressed the caution which he had intended to give him. It made little
difference, however, for John was headstrong,