The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-07-12
Faitifuiacss liz, Little Things.
By ELIZA a. CLARK

clerk, as he stood by the counter of al large book
store.
The well-paid clerk regarded the boy with a
supercious look, and answered, " Mr.. Harris is
in, but he is engaged"
The boy looked at the clerk hesitatingly, and
then said, "If he is not particularly engaged I
should like much to see him"
"lf you have any business to transact, can
not be troubled with children like YOU"
"What is this, Morley 2" said a pleasant look
ing elderly man, stepping up to the clerk; "what
does the boy waut!"
"lIe insisted on seeing you, though told him
You were engaged" returned the clerk, a little
abashed by the manner of bis employer.
"And what would you have with me- yladm
inquired Mr.. Harris, kindly.
The boy raised his eyes, and meeting the half
scornfu glance of the clerk, said tmidly, 81 wish
to look at the bill of some books which bought
here about three months since. There is mis-
take in it which wish to correct"
"Ah, my boy, sec" replied Mr.. Harris, "you
have overpaid us, Isuppose."
"No, sir,' answered the boy. "On the contra
! ry, purchased some books which are not charg-
ed on the bill, and | have called to pay YOU for
them"
Mr.. Harris folded his arms across his breast,
regarded the boy earnestly for moment, and
then asked, "When did YOU discover this mis-
take!"
'.Not until reached home," replied the lad
"When Ipaid for the books was in great hur-
I ry, fearing that the boat would leave before
could reach it, and did not examine the BILL" =
"Why did YOU not return and rectify the mis-
take" asked the gentleman in a tone slightly
altered.
Because, sir, live at some distance from the
city, and have not been able to return until
now."
My dear boy" said Mr.. Harris, "yon have
given me great pleasure. In long life of mer-
camille business, have never met with an in
stance Of this kind before. You have acted no.
bly,, and deserve a reconpense"
81 ask no recompense" returned the boy proud
ly; Il have done nothing but my duty, simple
act of justice, and that deserves no reward but
ITSELF"
MAY ask who taught you noble principles"
inquired Mr.. Harris
! MY mother" answered the boy, bursting in
to tears.
BLESSED is the child who has such a mother,
said Mr.. Harris with much emotion land bless
ed is the mother of such a child. BE faithful to
her teachings my dear boy, and YOU will be the
staff Of her declining years"
"Alas, sir" sobbed the boy, "shc is dead. 1t
was her sickness and death which prevented me
from coming here before"
"What is your name {" inquired Mr.. Harris
Edward Delong"
Have YOU 4 tathcr!"
NO, sir, father died when was an infant"
"Whcre do you reside"
I'm the town Of Linwood, about fifty miles
from this city"
"Well, my boy, what were the books which
were forgotten 2"
"Tactus, and Latin Dictionary"
"Let me see the bill. ua. signed by A. c.
Morley. | will see to that. Here, Mr.. Morley"
called Mr.. Harris, but that functonary was bust
y engaged in waiting on customer, at the OPP
positc side Of the store, bowing and smiling in
the most obScquious manner.
Edward" continued the kud hearted Mr..
Harris, Il am not going to reward you for what
you have DONE but Iwish to manifest my appro-
baton of your conduct in such a manner us to
make YOU remember the wise and excellent pre-
cepts of your departed mother Select from my
store any ten books you choose, which, in addi-
ton to the Ten YOU had before, shall 1e present
to you; and hcnccforlh, as now, my boy, rcmcm.
Der and not 'desp p<c the dav Of little things If
ever You need a friend, call on me, anu for your
mothers sake will assist YOU"
When the grateful boy left the store, through
his OWN tears he saw the mostened eyes of his
own bcnct;lrtor
Edward Dclong wished for knowledge and
though the scanty means of his mother could
hardly satisfy his desire, he had advanced far be
ycnd most boys of his age. BY working nights
and mornings for ncghbor, he had amassed,
what seemed 10 him, a large sum Of money, and
this WAS expended in books.
Scarcely WAS he in possession his treasures,
when his mother sickcncd and died. His home
was now with man who regarded money as
the chief end and aim of his life, and severe and
constant physical labor as the only means Of OBJ
tanning that end.
For two years, Edward struggled with his
hopeless condition. Toll, early and late, was his
doom, and to his oft expressed wish Of obtaining
an education, his employer answered, "LcarDin'
never made corn grow, or titled Il field, and what
WIS the Use on it. can only read and write,
ana there amt richer man in the place, not
excepting Squire Morrison, with all his Iart no.
tiCns."
as Mr. Harris 2" inquired Edward as he
again entered tic store of that gentleman.
will You wait moment, and he will be at
liberty
"Dld YOU wish to see him." asked Mr.. Harris
of the boy, whose thoughts were so intense that
he had not noticed the approach of his friend.
"Mr Harris" exclaimed Edward, and it was
! all he could say.
NV noble Edward !" said the old man. "And