Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1853-11-12
FalthfnIncss IA Little ThlpEs.
by ELIZA A. CLARK.


The boy looked at ,hs clerk hesitstingly,
land then said:
If be is not particularly engaged, / should
like much 10 see him.
If you have any business to transact, can
attend 10 H. replied the clerk 'Mr. Harris
cannot be troubled with children like you
What, is this Morley o said pleasant look
ing elderly man, stepping up 70 the clerk,
what does the boy want?
'He insisted on seeing you, though told
him you were engaged returned the clerk. n
little abashcd by the manner Of his employer,
And what would you have with me. my
lad p inquired Mr. Harris, kindly.
The boy raised his eyes, and meeting the
half scornIul glance Of the clerk, answered
timidly--I wish to look at the bill Of some
books which | bought here abou; three
months since. There is mistake In il whici
| wish to correct
'Ah my boy, | see you have overpsid us.
suppose
No SIR answered the boy; 'on the contra
Try purchased some books whicn are not char.
ged ON the bill, and have called to pay you for
Them
Mr.. Harris folded his arms across his chest.
regarded the boy earnestly for a moment and
then asked
When did you discover this mistaks?'
Not Till reached home, replied The lad
When paid Tor the books | was in a
great hurry. fearing the boat would leave
before could reach it, and did not examine
the BILL
why did you not return and rectify the
mistaken asked the gentleman in tone
lightly altered.
| because ir,I live some distance from thi
city and have not been able to return untl
now.
MY dear boy p said Mr. H,rris, you have
given me great pleasure In a long life Of
mercantile business. never met with any in
stance of this kind before. You have acted
nobly and deserve recompense.
! Il ask no recompense,' returned the boy.
proudly 4 have done nothing but my duty.
simple act of Justice, and that deserves no
reward but ITSELF
May ask who taught you your noble
principles?' inquired MIR. Harris.
My m1iher,' red the boy, bursting
into ears.
Bless is the child who has such moth
err id Mr.. Harris with much motion;
and blessed is the mother of such n child.
BE ai hfll 10 her t. achings. my ar boy,
and you Il be the staff Of hsr decliniug
years
Alas! SIR sobbed the boy, she is daud.-
Il was her Sickness aud death which preyen'
ted me from comeng before
Whit is your name 2 inquired Mr.. Harris.
Edward Delong.
Have you f ther?'
NO sir; faith died when | was an ln!au',
where do you residr?'
In the town Of Linwood, about hity miles
from tlis city
We'll my boy, what were the books which
were forgotten
'Tacitu., and Latin Dictionary
Let me see the bill. Ha! signed by A c.
Morley. vii, see to that Here, Mr. Nor
ley,' called Mr.. Harris; hut that functionary
was busy engaged in waiting on customer
a; the opposite side of the store, bowling anu
smiling in the most obsequious manner.
Edward continued the kind hearted Mr..
Harris, i am not going to reward you for
what you have done. but | wish TO manifest
my appreciation Of your conduct in such
manner as to make you remember the wise
and excellent precepts Of your departed moth
err Select from my store any ten books you
cho Sc, which, in addition to the ten you had
before, shall be P esent to you; and hence
FORTH as now, my boy. remember and not de-
spise the day Of little things 1t ever you
need friend call on me. and for your moth
er's sake | will assist YOU
When the grateful boy left the store. thro'
his own tears he saw the moistened eye OF his
benefur or
Edward Delong wished for knowledge, and.
though the scan,y means OF his mother could
hardly satisfy lis desire, he had advanced
far beyond most boys of bis age. BY work.
ing nights and mornings for neighbor. lie
had amassed what seemed to him large
sum of money, and this was expended III
books.
Scarce wa1 he in possession Of bis treas
ures when his mother sckened and died.
! His home was now with man who regard
Cd money as the end and aim of his life, and
sesere and constant physical labor as the on
ly means of obtaining that end
For two years Edward struggled with his
| no, eess condition. Toll early aud late was
his doom, and to his oft expressed wish Of OBJ
tanning an education, his employer answered;
Learning never made corn grow, or titled
field, and what is the use on il? can only
read and write. and there arn't a richer man
in the place, excepting Squire Morrison. with
all his larnt nulions.'
is Mr.. Harris in 2 inquired Edward. as he
again entered the store Of that gentleman.
| 'Will you wait mUmcni, and he will be at
liberty
Did you wish 10 see him p asked Mr.. Har-
ris of the boy. whose thoughts were so in
tense that he had not noticed the approach Of
his friend.
Mr.. uarrisp exclaimed Edward, and il was
all be couli say.
My noble Edward !? said the man. 'And
you have needed friend Well you shall
have one
Five years from that time Edward Delong
was the confidential clerk of Mr.. Harris and
in three more partner in the flrn. The in
tegrity of purpose which first won the regard
of his brhefactor, was his guide in after life.
! .ffo - (.