The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-02-23
YuutJ's Dppartlnent.
Truth Rewarded.

CHARLES THOMPSON was the son of far
NOR in the western part of New Jersey, who
by his hard labor and industry rcapcd just
enough to feed and clothc his family and to
keep charles in the village school. He was
sprightly youth of ten years, graceful and
easy in his manners, and, had none Of that
uncouth way which 40 easily bctokens
country boy. Not being willing to spend
his time at school idling and talking like
most boys of his age, he improved so rapid
ly, as to gain the envy in particular Of one
boy, whose name shall mention presently
One nftcrioon, before dismissing the
school MIR. Williams, the teacher, informed
the boys in tho highest class, that each
would be required to write piece, and the
best would receive prize. Charles deter
mined to gain it If possible, knowing how
much il would please his father to hear Of
his sons Improvement and many night,
(aftcr working on the farm all the time out
of school0 after the family had retired to
rest, did he pursue his task.
George Green, the son of the village law
yer, who was n bitter enemy Of Charles
from envy Of his superiority, and he was al.
so determined to gain the premium by means
foul or fair.
The great day Mt last arrived and Charles,
with his piece neatly written, proceeded to
the school room. George WAS there alone.
but Charles, finding he had few minutes to
spare, left his manuscript on Mr.. Williams
desk, and went out to play.
When the hour came, the company and
judges took their seats, add the boys were
called in. Mr.. Williams commenced by
reading piece on natural history, by George
which, when finished, he laid aside, and so
went on, until all were read, but finding none
by Charles, he asked
! thought you wrote piece, Charles :"
did, sir" was the answer.
Well, what did you do with il -
laid II on your table and went out"
Has any boy seen it }" asked Mr.. Will
iams.
a general silence prevailed, aud again the
teacher repeated his question. At last n
very small boy got up and sud he had seen
somebody take something of Mr.. Williams
desk and put it in another but who II was
he did not know, rs he had seen him through
the window.
The boys were NIL questioned ms TO who
took il, and all answered, no" including
George. The desks were examined, and on
some one SAYING II have found il in George
Green's DESK he changed color, but did not
lose his self possession--whieh was very
strong:
@Did you put it there George"
"No, sir"
Who was In the room when you came
in Charlesi"
Charles, knowing the disgrace that must
fall on his schoolma,e, began TO answer
he did not know, as his--but before finis,-
ing added
"Icannot tell an untruth, sir,it was George
The teacher said no more, but read the
document in question, which was on Friend
rsbip. After some delibcration, was by the
judges, decided the best Of all that were off |
cred. Mr.. Williams then lcit the room, but |
soon returned, bearing small packet in his
hand. lie then called Charles and George |
up, gave tho packet to tho former, and
threw around the neck Of the latter piece
Of pasteboard, on which were tho simple
words. Ensy and Falschood in large ro-
man letters.
Charles, on reaching home. opened the
package, md foend 10 eentaincd Bible, on
the ily-page of which was writiep.A- 4
Presented 20 Charles Thompson by bis
Instructor, for his frnness in telling the
truth. !