The lost finger [short story]

Title

Language

English

Year

1937

Subject

Firecrackers.

New Year.

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Abstract

The four boys celebrating their New Year’s Eve using bamboo musical instruments and tin cans got bored eventually, and decided to use firecrackers. Tomas commented that their firecrackers are for little boys only, he went home and brought his brother’s baby bomb. Unfortunately, when Tomas lighted it and was about to throw the bomb sadly it went off. Tomas found that his forefinger had gone off with his bomb.

Fulltext

344 When They Were Young MANUEL ARA ULLO Born January I. 185 3 The four high schools in the City of Manila are all named in honor .of the first four Filipino Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. Years ago there was only one high school in Manila and it was called the Manila High School. This old Manila High School is now known as Araullo High School in honor of the late Chief Justice Manuel Araullo. Manuel Araullo was born in Balayan, Batangas. on January 1, 1853. He was such a loving and obedient boy that he became the delight and comfort of his parents. At school. too, he endeared himself to his Jesuit teachers because of: his gentleness. his eagerness to learn, and his unfailing obedience. At San Juan de Letran, where he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Manuel was known as a bright student. winning several prizes. At the University-of Sto. Tomas, be studied theology and law. Besides his industry and uprightness. he was noted for his punctuality and courtesy. Quiet and humble in his bearing, he was amiable and courteous to all. During his graduation year, a literary contest was held as part of the celebration of University Day. Young Manuel won a prize with his composition carrying a Latin title which meant "Labor Conquers All Things." This maxim he THE YOUNG CITIZEN January, J .9.17 HEALTH and SAFETY THE LOST FINGER and tossed firecrackers into the passA group of boys were celebrat- ing vehicles. ing New Year's Eve with all the . "These firecrackers are for little noise they could produce with barn- . boys only," complained Tomas. "I boo musical instruments and tin have a baby bomb at home which cans. my brother made. You wait here "I am tired of this... Tomas and I'll get it." shouted as he dumped his can into In a minute Tomas was back. a ditch. He had an innocent-looking ball in "What shall we do?" the rest his hand. asked at the same time. "Let us buy some firecrackers and throw them at the speeding automobiles," Tomas suggested. "Agreed! Come along. there is a Chinese store," and they all ran to the store. The boys succeeded in causing children and old people to jump in fright. They hooted at passengers "Let me have your cigarette, Juan." Tomas applied the lighted end to the fuse of his baby bomb. He stretched his hand to throw the ball of powder, but it went off ·before he could throw it. When the smoke cleared, Tomas found that his forefinger had "gone off" with his bor.:'.>. Chief Justice. In performing his were called to carry him i1.1 a chair. duties, he showed not only ability, When illness rio longer allowed him but honesty and courage as well. to go to his office. he told his stenoHe was so faithful to duty that grapher to go to his home to take adopted as a dominant principle of . even illness did not prevent him his life. from working. When old and sick. dictation at his bedside. Manuel Ataullo's life was marked with unceasing toil. Rest came to him only when he died on July 26. 1924. For many years he served the he kept on going to the Supreme country as a. judge, as a Justice of Court and when he was not able the Supreme Court, and finally as to climb the stairs, two 1 messengers

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