The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-12-23
The summons was an


unhesitatingly raised. The summons was an
swered by tootman.
As the master of the house at home?" he
with some dilhdence inquired.
{" He is"
"Then l wish to see him if you please"
"That you cannot do, my man; but I'll
deliver any message for you"
4" No, that will not do. / must-indeed /
must see the gentleman himself" The ear
nestness and perseverance, of the boy at length
induced him to comply with the request, and
opening the door of the library, he apologlsed
for asking his master to see shabby little
fellow; adding that he could neither learn
his business nor get rid Of him.
Bring him in" said the gentleman ad-
dressed who, having witnessed the transac-
ton, and overheard the conversation, was
curious to know the object Of the boys visit
The poor child whose ideas had never scared
above his fathers second floor, stood for some
moments in Supplied amazement when usher
ed into an elegant apartment; but remember
ing the painful circumstances which had
brought him into this scene Of enchantment,
he in some measure regained his self-posses-
sion.
81 am very sorry sir" he began in a fall
tering voice, "but have broken your win
dow My father is out of work just now, and
cannot pay you for it; but if you will be kind
enough to take the money little at a time,
as | can get it, will be sure to make it up !"
and as he spoke, he drew few half pence
from his pocket and laid them on the table ?"
THAT s an honest speech, my lad; but
how am to be sure that you will fulfil your
engagement? ?" Mr.. Cavendish returned. "Do
you know that could have sent you to the
station house till the money is made up?"
ooh don't send me there, sir, it would
break my dear mothers heart. l will pay
you all-indeed | will SIR" and the poor boy
burst into flood of tears.
GO am glad you have so much consdera-
ton for your mothers feelings and, for Aer
sake, | will trust to your honesty"
ooh thank you, sir-thank you p
" But when do you expect to be able to
make me another payment? This is very
small sum towards the price of large square
of plate glass" and as he spoke he glanced at
the four halfpencc which the boy had spread
out.
"This day week, sir, if you please"
" Very we'll, let it be so. At this hour I
shall be at home to see you" Poor Jack
made his very best bow and retired.
True TO his appointment, our high princi
pied boy appeared at the door Of Mr. Caven-
dish's mansion. As the footman had pre-
viously received orders to admit him, he was
Immediately shown into the library.
C. have a shilling for you to-day, sir" he
said exultingly, and his countenance was IA
diant with smiles.
"1ndeed That is large sum for boy
like you to obtain in so short time. | hope
you came by it honestly?"
A flush of crimson mounted to the cheek Of
poor Jack, but it was not flush Of shame
:" | earned every penny Of it, sir, excepting
one my mother gave me TO make it up he
energetically replied; and he proceeded to say
that he had been on the look out for jobs all
the week that he had held the horse for one
gentleman, and had run on an errand for an
other: in this way he accounted for eleven
pence,
"Your industry and perseverance do you
credit my lad," Mr.. Cavendsh exclaimed, his
benevolent countenance lighted up with a
smile, " And now l should like to know your
name and place of residence"
l will write it sir, if you please. Indeed
brought piece of paper, for the pdrpose Of
putting down the money. | hope shall be
able to make it all up in few weeks, for |
am trying to get a situation as an GRAND
boy"
:" Yon can write then? Do you go to
school ?"
Oh, yes sir: go to free SCHOOL," And
Jack stepped forward to take the pen which
Mr. Cavendish held towards him,
/" You write tolerable good hand my little
man, You may, think, do better than take
an errand boys place. Let me see if you
have any knowledge of arithmetic"
Jack stood boldly up and unhesitatingy re-
piled to the various questions which were put
to him.
That will do, my good boy Now, when
do you think you will be able to come and
bring me more money!"
al will come again this time next meek, if
Pm alive and well, sir"
"That was wisely added, my lad for our
lives arc not in our keeping. This | see you
have been taught"
" Another week passed. and again Jack
appeared but his countenance wore an aspect
of sadness.
81 am very sorry, sir" he said, 81 have
been unfortunate and have only a small sum
to give you" And as he spoke he laid three
penny-worh of half-pence before Mr. Caven
dish. '" assure you, sir, he earnestly auueu
81 have offered my services to every gentle
man on horseback that could see"
"I believe you, my boy. | am pleased
with your honest intentions. Perhaps yor
will meet with better success another time
Let me see, you have now paid one shilling
and fve-pence that is not amiss for the time );
and with an encouraging smile MIR. Caven
dish Suffered him to depart.
Though Mr. Cavendish had, from the first
concealed his intentions, his heart was plan
ming a work of benevolence, which was moth
ing less than to befriend the poor boy who's
, noble conduct had won his admiration. Fo
this end he few days subsequently paid thu
, parents visit when he knew that the sol
would be at school, He related the incden