The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-11-16
THE HONEST BEGGAR BOY.
From THE GERMAN.

Dantzic, and asked the book keeper for aims.
You will get nothing here,' grumbled the man,
without raising his head from his touk-'be off,
Weeping bitterly, the boy glided towards the
door, at the moment Herr Ritcher entered.
What is the matter here!' he asked, turning to
the book keeper.
"A worthless beggar boy, was the mans answer,
and he scarcely looked up from his work.
In the meanwhile, Herr Richer glanced to-
ward the boy, and remarked that, when close to
| the door, he picked up something from the
ground.
.Ha. my little lad, what is that you picked up?'
he cried.
The weeping boy turned and showed him nee-
Gle.
And what will you do with it, asked the other
MY jacket has holes in it, was the answer, i
will sew up the big ones.'
Herr Ritcher was pleased with the reply. ard
still more with the boys innocent, handsome
face.
sBut are you not ashamed he said in kind
though serious tone, you are young and hearty
It, beg? Car you not work.
.Ah, my dear sir, replisd the boy. L do not
know how; and am too little yet to thresh or fell
wood. My father died three weeks ago. and my
poor mother and brothers have eaten nothing these
TWO days. Then ran out in anguish and begged
for bread. But alas, single peasant only gave me
yesterday piece of bread; since then have not
eaten morsel of any kind of food.'
1t is quite customary for beggars by trade to
contrive tales like this; and this hardens many a
hea against the claims of genuine want But this
lime the merchant trusted the boys honest face
He thrust his hand into his pocket, drew forth
piece of money and said:-
There is half dollar; go to the bakers and
| with half the money buy bread for yourself your
mother and your brothers; but bring back the other
| half TO me-
The boy took the money and ran JOY fully away.
| Well said the surly book-keeper, he will
laugh in his sleeve and never come back again.
Who knows!' replied Herr Ritcher; aud as he
spoke he beheld the boy returning quickly, with a
large loaf of black bread in one hand, and some
money in the other.
There, good SIR be cried almost breathless,
there 10 the rest of the money
Then, being very hungry. he begged at once for
a knife to cut off piece of the bread. The book
keeper reached him in silence his pocket knife.
The lad cut off slice in great haste. and was
about to take bite of it. But suddenly he be-
thought himself, laid the bread aside, and folding
his arms rehearsed silent prayer then he fell to
his meal with hearty appetite.
This merchant moved by the boys unaf-
fscted piety. He inquired after his family at home,
and learned from his simple narrative that his fuh-
er had lived in village about four miles distant
| s. ba and
farm; but his house had been burned to the ground,
and much sickness in his family had compelled
him to sell his farm. He then hired himself out
to rich neghbor; but before three weeks were at
an end, he died broken down by grief and excess
i've toll. And now his mother, whom sorrow had
thrown upon bed of sickness, was with her four
children suffering the bitterest poverty. He. the
eldest had resolved to seek for assistance, and had
gone from village to village. then had struck into
the highway ,and at last having begged everywhere
in vain, had come to Dantzic.
The merchants heart was touched. He had
but one child, and The boy appeared to him as a
draft at sight, which providence had drawn upon
him as test of his gratitude.
Listen. my son., he began; have you really q
wish to learnt
sOh, yes; have indeed cried the boy; have
read the catechism already, and should know q
good deal more, but at home had always my little
brothers TO carry for my mother was sick in bed
Herr Ritcher Immediately formed his resou
tion.
We'll, then, he said, If you are good and homes
and Industrious, will take care of you. You shat
learn, have meat, drink, and clothing, and 10 iim'
| ca
your mother and brothers also
The boys eyes flashed with Joy. But in mo
meht he cast them to the ground again. and sadl.
said, My mother all the while has nothing to eat
AT this instant, as if sent by Providence, an in
habtant of the boys native village entered Her
Ritcher's house. This man confirmed the lad
story, and willingly consented to carry the mothe
tdings of her son Gotteib, and food. and sma
sum of money from the merchant. At the sam
time Herr Rieher directed his book keeper
write letter TO the pastor of the village, commeu
ding the widow to his care, with an additional SUI
enclosed to the poor family and promising furthe
assistance.
As SOON ms this was done, Herr Riicher furnish
ed the boy with decent clothes, and at noon le
him to his wife, hom he accurately informed {
little Gutteib's story. and Of the plans which
q had formed for him. The good woman readil
promised her best assistance in the latter, and sh
faithfully kept her word.
During the next four years Gottleib attepde
the schools Of the great commercial city, then h
faithful fuster-fathsr took him into his oountir
room to educate him for business.
Here, as we'll as there, at the writing desk
welt as on the school.bench, the ripening youl
Edisplsy ID himself NOR only BY his rstural cshact