1) Tall, lanky George walked barefoot along a dusty path in Alderdale, Washington. The arid country dazzled in the sunshine of a
beautiful day. George's thoughts turned to the order Papa had just given him.
2) "George, I want you to help dig irrigation ditches today. "
3) "What an unpleasant task!" thought George. Surely the idea, "Let George do it," originated in his family. The taunts of the boys now rang in his ears. They often chanted, "It was 18 and 65, George Segundus was then alive, a lazy old drone from the land of . . . " George's thoughts continued to plague him. "Oh, why did my family call me George, and why do I have to work on a day like this? There are so many better things to do!" he thought.
4) Just then George spotted William, his older and only brother, at the bottom of the river bank. William was with a neighbor boy preparing the boat for a ride. "George, come with us for a ride," the boys called.
5) The sun sparkled tantalizingly on the waters of the Columbia River. The river always held a special lure for these adventuresome boys. The exuberance of youth filled George--his father's request was forgotten. George cupped his hands and yelled, "Here I come! Wait!" Running, he kicked at the sagebrush that would defy his advance.
6) George reached the boys, and with one quick jump he leaped into the boat. The boys paddled away. The breeze behind them licked the waters, bobbed the boat, and helped push them on their way. Little eddies swirled in the blue mass around them. The boys knew these waters well enough to avoid most of the contrary currents. The boys had become rather intimately acquainted with these stubborn pools from past experiences.
7) George looked toward the shore and saw the large sand dunes. What great fun they had rolling down these huge mounds of sand. In the summer warm winds would shift the sand and sometimes reveal treasures such as Indian arrowheads. Old timers said that long ago this area was an Indian burial ground.
8) Now the boys were passing an island in the middle of the river. Because of the many beautiful agates they found there, the Warner family had dubbed it Agate Island. Sometimes the family would take a boat and paddle out and have picnics on the island. Their young imaginations could run wild. At one end of that island was an Indian burial ground. Papa carefully warned the children not to go near it. He reminded them that they must respect their Indian friends.
9) As the day sped on; the boys took turns rowing the boat. It was a special thrill to feel strength flowing through their muscles as they won the battle against the tough currents of the mighty Columbia.
10) The sun warmed their bodies. George relaxed and looked at his brother. William was so strong and quiet. George laughed to himself as he thought of times not too long ago when he wondered if he, "the baby" of the family, would ever be strong enough to "get on top" in one of those brotherly skirmishes. That day had come. Now, once in awhile, he could compete and occasionally come out ahead.
11) The hours sped by quickly and the boys were now returning home. George looked up. The schoolhouse stood out more than the other buildings of Alderdale. George chuckled to himself as he recalled an incident of only last week.
12) A group of young children had been sitting on the recitation bench. George had glanced up just in time to see something that roused his sense of humor. A stray cat had come in and had taken a seat between two of the children. All that could be seen of the cat were his ears over the top of the back of the bench and a swinging tail brushing back and forth between the back and seat of the wooden bench. Although usually a diligent, serious student, George had had all he could do to control his laughter.
13) The skies were still blue, but a heavy cloud began to engulf George as he saw Papa coming slowly down the path. A strange feeling developed in his stomach. Now George realized what he had done. How would he face Papa? George's sensitive conscience was already hurting. In all the glory of this day, he had left a job undone and disobeyed his father. What would Papa do?
14) Papa was an impressive, dignified looking person with a balanced sense of humor. But Papa could be stern, and Papa expected obedience.
15) As they pulled up to the river bank, austere lines darkened Papa's face. Papa's voice was husky as he looked George in the eye. "George, do you want to be like this always?"
16) George hung his head, "No, Papa." Not another word was spoken as the two slowly made their way home. George vowed in his heart never to be so irresponsible again. He was thoroughly ashamed of what he had done. Through the years, his father's words were to ring in his ears many
What mistake did George make?
He laughed when the cat sat on the bench.
He was ashamed of what he had done.
He disobeyed and disappointed Papa.
