ghtened me terribly," he said. "I'm sorry." Then he rose from
his seat, took his cap from the table, and went into the night. The
fellows crowded up to the fire to warm their cold feet and talk it over.
Mr. Allen was firm in his belief that Sleepy had good stuff in him, and
he believed they were going to get it out at last.

"He knows he hasn't played fair, fellows, and he's out there now,
squaring up with himself. To-night our friend, Sleepy, wins or loses a
great fight in his life. If he loses, let's not be too hard on him. If he
wins, let's help him. Remember, it's the 'Other Fellow First' in this
bunch." They sat quietly looking into the fire for some minutes, then Ham
broke the silence.

"Fellows, I believe I understand for the first time in my life an
expression that always used to bother me. When my father invited me into
the woodshed when I was a kid, he always prefaced each performance
with this remark, 'Son, it hurts me a great deal more than it's going to
hurt you.' After the performance I used to ponder that statement over and
over and wonder how it could possibly be true. In fact, I didn't believe
it then, but now I do. Sleepy needed a good punishment; but, O my, I feel
mean, now that it's over!"

"We are often called on to do unpleasant things for the welfare of
others," remarked Mr. Dean; "but if Sleepy finds himself to-night, and I
believe he will, we will all be glad we did it, himself included." After
a little time Sleepy came in. His step was steady and his manner easy.
Ham shot a curious glance at him from the corner of his eye. He saw that
Sleepy was smiling, and he felt a strange thrill, for he knew Sleepy had
won. Sleepy came to the fire, and in a clear voice addressed the crowd:

"Fellows, I have something I would like to say before we go to bed." It
was very difficult for him to go on. "I am ashamed of myself to-night. I
know I have never played fair with you fellows here, for I'm lazy--I
always have been. You know I am the only child, and I have been spoiled,
for I've been taught to always let some one else do the work. I'm
sorry." He stopped, and in the pause he became confused.

"But--but--I'm going to do better, if you'll give me another chance. I've
just had a little argument with Sleepy Smith outside, and I whipped him
in a fair fight. There is no more Sleepy; after this it's George Smith,
if you please. Sleepy and this crowd have had a falling out. Will you
give me another chance?" he