i 



CHAPTER XI 

 THE SCOFFER ABROAD 



foregoing chapter is unexpectedly in- 

 teresting. The reason lies here : the material 

 on which it is founded contains so many of 

 the familiar aspects of elementary human 

 nature. That magnetic attraction toward the great and 

 the good, on the part of the less-fortunate and the half- 

 hearted, may be said to belong to one of our First Prin- 

 ciples. This remark is hazarded not in any spirit of 

 contempt. On the contrary, if you give yourself time to 

 ponder over the matter, it will be perceived that you are 

 touching the very basis of civilization when you see men 

 regard, with a longing, lingering glance, maybe the 

 pinnacles of success in life. There are persons of a shallow 

 order of mind who will ascribe this attitude to the meaner 

 motives. But this is an unkindly sentiment. To sound 

 the praises of the victor, at Marathon or at Trafalgar, at 

 Lord's or on Putney reach, is to raise the standard of your 

 own potentialities. " When thou doest well unto thyself, 

 men will speak good of thee," because the tribute of 

 praise and honour is a secret and silent power for good 

 works in the breast of every beholder. The sight of high 

 principle in action is far and away the best educative 

 force. 



The reader needs hardly to be reminded that notoriety 

 has its penalties as well as its gratifications. The hero 

 of this short story, and his immediate friends and asso- 

 ciates, were as lights shining in a mixed world. The 



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