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Forms (Comparison) Comparative (p. 258)

Superlative (p. 258)

Write sentences containing examples of the above classes and forms of adjectives.

Write sentences containing fewer and less correctly used.

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Prepare a program of exercises suitable for the celebration of Washington's birthday.

Write for the school paper an account of some interesting incident showing patriotism or great kindness.

Test your work by the form given on page 5.

LESSON 94 REVIEW OF PRONOUNS

1. Pronouns.

Select the pronouns used in the second stanza of the poem of Lesson 80 and tell the class, person, number, gender, and construction of each.

2. Ring and Run.

Fill the blanks in the following sentences with correct forms of the verb ring:

1. The bells have

2. The last bell has

3. The bell

4. I

for church.

as the boys entered the yard. the bell but no one came to the door.

5. I pushed the button and I think the bell

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Fill the blanks in the following sentences with correct forms of the verb run:

1. The boys

when they heard the band.

2. When the fire engine came down the street, the boys

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What is comparison of adjectives?

Name the degrees of comparison. Explain each.
Compare the following adjectives:

bitter

strong

pretty

beautiful

Give an adjective that cannot be compared.
Write sentences containing less and fewer.

Repeat from memory a stanza of poetry.

Write a sentence using a pronominal adjective.

Show by example that the use of a word in a sentence determines what part of speech the word is.

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"What animal is moving through the field on our right?" ""Tis a man," said Mason, looking intently at the suspicious object.

Wheeling his horse suddenly from the highway, Captain Lawton exclaimed "Harvey Birch! - Take him, dead or alive!"

Mason and a few of the leading dragoons, only, understood the sudden cry, but it was heard throughout the line. A dozen of the men, with the lieutenant at their head, followed the impetuous Lawton, and their speed threatened the pursued with a sudden termination of the race.

For a single instant Birch was helpless, his blood curdling in his veins at the imminence of his danger, and his legs refusing their natural and necessary office. But it was only for a moment. Casting his pack where he stood, and instinctively tightening the belt he wore, the peddler betook himself to flight. He knew that by bringing himself in a line with his pursuers and the wood his form would be lost to sight. This he soon effected, and he was straining every nerve to gain the wood itself, when several horsemen rode by him but a short distance on his left, and cut him off from his place of refuge. The peddler threw himself on the ground as they came near him, and was passed unseen. But delay now became too dangerous for him to remain in that position. He accordingly arose, and still keeping in the shadow of the wood, along the skirts of which he heard voices crying to each other to be watchful, he ran with incredible speed in a parallel line, but in an opposite direction, to the march of the dragoons.

The confusion of the chase had been heard by the whole of the men, though none distinctly understood the order of Lawton

but those who followed. The remainder were lost in doubt as to the duty that was required of them, when a man, a short distance in the rear, crossed the road at a single bound. At the same instant the stentorian voice of Lawton rang through the valley shouting:

"Harvey Birch! Take him, dead or alive!"

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Fifty pistols lighted the scene, and bullets whistled in every direction around the head of the peddler. A feeling of despair filled his heart, and in the bitterness of that moment he exclaimed: "Hunted like a beast of the forest!"

He felt life to be a burden, and was about to yield himself to his enemies. A fragment of a wall, that had withstood the ravages made by war in the adjoining fences of wood, fortunately crossed his path. He hardly had time to throw his exhausted limbs over this barrier before twenty of his enemies reached its opposite side. Their horses refused to take the leap in the dark, and amid the confusion of the rearing chargers, Birch was enabled to gain a sight of the base of the hill, on whose summit was a place of perfect security.

The heart of the peddler now beat high with hope, when the voice of Captain Lawton again rang in his ears, shouting to his men to make room. The order was obeyed, and the fearless trooper rode at the wall at the top of his horse's speed, plunged the rowels in his charger, and flew over the obstacle in safety. The triumphant hurrahs of the men, and the thundering tread of the horse, too plainly assured the peddler of his danger. He was nearly exhausted, and his fate no longer seemed doubtful. "Stop or die!" was uttered above his head.

Harvey stole a glance over his shoulder, and saw within a bound of him the man he most dreaded. By the light of the stars he beheld the uplifted arm and the threatening saber.' Fear, exhaustion, and despair seized his heart, and the intended victim fell at the feet of the dragoon. The horse of Lawton struck the prostrate peddler, and both steed and rider came violently to the earth.

As quick as thought Birch was on his feet again, with the sword of the dragoon in his hand. Vengeance seems too natural

to human passions; yet there are some who know how much sweeter it is to return good for evil.

All the wrongs of the peddler shone on his brain with a dazzling brightness. For a moment Birch brandished the powerful weapon in the air; in the next it fell harmless on the reviving but helpless trooper. The peddler vanished up the side of the friendly rock. - James Fenimore Cooper.

2. Study of Story.

The author represents Harvey Birch as a spy in the service of General Washington. In his attempts to gain news of the movements of the British he aroused the suspicions of the American troops. He was twice captured by Captain Lawton, but each time made his escape. The American soldiers with Captain Lawton, of course, did not know that Harvey Birch was working for their cause. Explain the command given by the captain. Why do you think Birch dressed as a peddler? Who saw Harvey Birch when he crossed the road? What was Birch's feeling when the troopers fired at him? To what did he owe his escape at this moment? What characteristics of a leader did Lawton show? What caused Lawton's horse to fall?

What thought was in Birch's heart when he seized Lawton's sword? Why did the sword fall harmless?

Tell in your own words the story, "A Narrow Escape." First make an outline.

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