The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-02-23
<YuutJ's Departmpnt.
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 If that
uncouth way which 40 easily bctokcns
country boy. Not being willing to spend
his time ut school idling and talking like
most boys Of his age, he improved SO rapid
ly, rs to gain the envy in particular of one
boy, whose nanc shall mention presently.
Ono afteTEoon, before dismissing the
school, Mr. Williams, the teacher, informed
the boys in the highest class, that each
would be required to write a piece, and the
best would receive prize. Charles deter
mined to gain 1t If possible, knowing how
much il would please his father to hear of
his sons Improvement and many night,
<after working on the farm all the time out
of school) after the family had retired to
rest, did he pursue his task.
George Green, the son of the village law
from envy Of his superiority, and he was al.
so determined to gain the premium by means
foul or fair
The great day at 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 a 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 7"
al did, sir" was the answer
We'll, what did you do with il ,"
laid it on your table and went out"
Has any boy seen it ! 4" asked Mr.. Will
Jams.
general silence prevailed, and again the
teacher repeated his question. At last a
very small boy got up and sud he had seen
somebody take something off Mr.. Williams
desk and put il in another but who il was
he did not know, as he had seen him through
the window.
The boys were all questioned as TO who
took il, and all answered, $ no, hscIudiHg
George The desks were examined, and on
some one saying,"i have found il In George
Green's DESK he changed color, but did not
lose his self possession--which was very
strong:
"Did you put II there George"
aNo, sir"
Who was in the room when you came
In CharIest"
q Charles, knowing the Disgrace that must
fall on his schoolmate, began 10 answer
he did not know, as his--but before finish
ing added--
sIcannot tell an untruth, sir, ,it was George
The teacher said no more, but read the
document in question, which was on Friend
ship. Afler some delibcration, was by the
judges decided the best Of all that were off |
cred. Mr. Williams then left the room, but |
soon returned, bearing small packet in his
hand lie then called Charles and George |
up, gave the packet to the former, and
threw around the neck Of the latter piece
of pasteboard, on which were tho simple
Words Epyy and Falschood ? in largo ro-
man letters, i
Charles, on reaching home. epeRed the
package, and found it,eobtainod Bible, on
the ily-page of which was written--
Presented 70 Charles Thompson by his
instructor, for his irnuess in telling the
truth /