Blue hen's chicken. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1848-1854, 1851-06-20
VOLUME VINO. rs


tic entered with the information, that, instead
Of Chfistoper, it was stranger at the door
Who is he, and what does he want' de-
mnnded Mr. kelnpion.
Its man that wants to speak with you a
minute, il you please, sir
Tell him TO. come in
He would rather see you in the entry, sir
LIS on business
Mr.. Kempton's brow darkened. He hiled
a ihoughtol business aller busines hours were
over; and especially on Saturday night was he
always disinelienel for the transactions oil
trade. lie arose, however, without word
and wen out, TO send the unwecome visilel
away.
A middle.aged, roughy-clad, abebodied
man, who had the appearance Of an industrious
laborer, took of his hat, and bowed respect
fully 10 Mr.. kcmpion.
Doyce exclaimed Mr.. Kempton, much
surprised.
Il beg your pardon, sir began the lahorer,
ior inirnding hut it's matter OF necessity
Well, sir. interrupted Mr. kempton, 'whai
do you wanil'
Some money, if you please replied Mr..
Boyce.
The merchant looked dspleased.
What do you come 10 me for!' he demand
ed, severely. Our foreman pays tie men,
Why didn't you so 10 hint
Il was sent of with some goods, sir repii-
ed the laborer, in an humble tone, and before
could get back, the store was closed, and the
foreman gone. have been working for you
only week. added tie man, and it's such a
small matter that hated to come to you, but,
sir, in a trembling voice, have large fam
iy, and If don't have my wages at the end
lol every week. we have but little 10 comfort
ourselves with OF a Sunday
That's not my affair.", exclaimed Mr.. Kemp
ton with impaliece. : ] intend that all my men
should have their pay every Saturday night; il
they don't get it, am not 10 blame. can't
have people running to my house with these
,maticrs. You must wait until Monday. Mr.
BoYce- and warn you to be more careful in
future
The man bowed stiiIly, and went away with
out a word. AS soon as tho door closed on Mr..
across his,bFos'.
4 might have given the fellow six or eigh
dollars, as well as not thought he, perhaps
he really needs it, He looked earnest and hon
est. But it is well didn't. after all. 1t won
do 10 encourage such proceed ngs. He will be
more careful next lime.'
The cloud passed from the merchants brow
and tic poor laborer was forgotten, as Mr.
kempion entered his sitlng-roons. again, smi
ling kindly upon his family.
Christopher had not arrived. Some time at
terwards, when Aunt Edith had retired will
the children, Mrs. kempton expressed her con
cern for his absence.
: lie certainly ought to be back by this time,
observed the merchant.
At last, quick, light, merry footsteps wer
( heard in the street, and then, the door bell rum
again, and Mr.. kempion knew his son had ar
rived.
A resy-cheeked boy of fifteen, flushed will
4, excitement, entered the room with his coat bu.
r. loned closely under his chin, and his throa
/. muified by tippet lie looked handsome, al
II lie stood there, erect before his admring pa
"a rents, his dark eyes beaming with generous
l. pride and kindly enthusiasm.
III 20, I've had such an adventure = he ex
i. claimed. 'I'll tell you about it as soon as
If catch my BREATH
of Go to the fire, child,' said Mrs. kempton
T. you must be cold.'
p 'Cold! llavn't thought of that, repie
= Christopher, nnbuttoning his coat, and takinI
IS a small volume out of his bosom.
Well, what about you, adyentureF 2 aske
al Mr.. Kempton.
" You remember the money you gave me f
Of the sleigh-ride next Tuesday =
IS Yes, chid.'
,k 1--we spent it, cried Chrtopher, laughing
rnl Very well, told you you could do VIII
at you liked with H. replied Mr.. Kempton, inis
lr. ested. $50 you thought you should like som
as thing else better Than sleigh-ridei'
he Il didn't care much for the ide,' said Il
sr-l hoy, ,houghiully- Il shall be just as well {
en- il don't 90, suppose, Butl'll tell you ho
used the money!
Of sit down, my son, and VIC will hear yo
Iul adventure remarked the merchant.
wo Accordingly Christopher sat down and re
es- led his story.
ng Il saw poor fellow in the street, he begf
,ri- and heard him complaining to another m
he about his hard luck. Il have not a morsel
md meat for my whole family, Tomorrow saio
ul and was sure he spoke in earnest. It's
Ing bad said the other one, Hor an indusiiiol
one hard working man like you' thought it "
loo bad, too, il the poor fellow had spoken
rho truth. Then | remembered that had five d
ca lars, which wouldn't do much good, il | WI
alb riding, but which might make whole fam
red happy
the The merchant and his wife exchanged giant
his full of pride and affection. Proud, indeed, W
on, they, at that moment, of that beloved son!
re- so Won gave the poor man your mon ney,'
served Mr.. Kempton, in a haf.reproving, hi
inglindugeni tone. ut was very kind and noble
YOU, Christopher, hut you should be care
re- how you give for the world is full Of imr
lors.'
yes i know il, father. But didn't think il ri
son. that this poor man should be left to suffer
n Of cause another man was an imposler; so thou
on II would find out the truth Of the case, and I
ling give him my money, if he was not animpost
You were right, my SON. said Mr., Kemp
'een approvingly,
the As he spoke, cloue 1arkhe9 'ne meIcha
here ebrow. Perhaps he remembred the poor :
whom he had sent away with reproof, hall
Won sBut what do you think didl' cried
ded ,I'll tell YOU. followed him-I watched
till he had got home.'
pli. ,There's prudence for yoa!' exclaimed
les- kempton to his wile' aslue'