The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-09-27
TRUTH AND HONESTY.
A LESSON. FOR LITTLE BOYS.

revolution OF opinion Is taking place
in the present day; sactarian and national
prejudices are giving way to holy feeling
of universal brotherhood; military. con-
quests are robbed OF their tinsel, and ap-
pear in their native deformity; and moral
dignity. though discovered amid poverty
and ignorance, is raised to its legitimate
place, exciting the respect and admiration
Of ali capable Of estimating true worth.
This latter remark will plead an apology
for Introducing to the reader young hero,
filling station no higher than that of a
pupil in parochial school.
Two boys, of nearly the same age, were
one day amusing themselves with that dan.
gerous, though not uncommon pastfne,
pelting each other with stones. They had
chosen one of the squares for their play
ground, thinking by this means to avoid
doing mischief To the CONSERVATION o.
the thrower, however, missile, instead
of resting on the shoulders Of the boy a,
whom it was aimed, entered the library
window of one of the lordly mansions
forming the quadrangle.
"Why don't you take 10 your heels. you
blockhead? you will have the police alter
you while you are standing staring there. >
was the exclamation of his companion, as
he caught him by the arm in order to drag
him from the spot. The author OF the mis-
chief still retained his thoughtful position,
"If your father is obliged to pay for this
you will stand chance OF getting good
thrashing, Jack" the other boy urged.
..Never mind, Tom; leave me to my
SELF" was the reply: and the young delin.
quent moved, with unfaltering step, to-
wards the door Of the mansion, the knock
er OF which he unhesitatingly raised. The
summons was answered by iootman.
..Is the master of the house at home,'
he with some diffidence inquired.
..He is" aas%
"Then wish to see him if you please
"That you can't do. my man; but II
deliver any message for you" :"
"No, that will not do. must-indeed
| must see the gentleman himself"
The earnestness and perseverance, o
the boy at length induced the man to com
ply with his request, and opening the doc
| Of the library, he apologised for asking hi
master to see shabby little fellow; adding
that he could neither learn his business o
get rid of him.
.sBring him in" said the gentleman ad
dressed. who, having witnessed the trans
action. and overheard the conversation
was'curious to know the object OF the boy'
visit. The poor child. whose ideas hat
never scared above his fathers secont
floor, stood for several moments in sAupi
fed amazement when ushered into an ele
giant apartment; but remembering the pain
ful circumstance which had brought hin
into this scene Of enchantment. he in SOM
measure regained his self-possession.
81 am very sorry. sir he began in
faltering voice, ..but | have broken you
window. My father is cut of work jus
now. and canno; pay ior.it: bu, if you will
be kind enough to take the money li,tl'
at time, as can get it, will be sure t
make il up; and as he spoke, he drew
few half.pence from his pocket and lait
them on the table.
"Tbat's an honest speech, my lad; bu
how am to be sure that you will !ulfi
your engagement MIR, Cavendish re
turned .Do you know that could hav'
YOU sent 10 the station house till the money
is made up?''
.Oh, don't send me there, sir; it woult
break my dear mothers heart will pa
you all-indeed will, sir" and the poo
boy burst into food Of tears.
81 am glad you have so much consider
alton for your mothers feelings; and 70
her sake. will trust your honesty"
| .sOh thank you, sir--thank you'll"
But when do you expect to be able t
make me another payment This is |
very small sum towards the price OF !
large square Of plate glass;" and as h
spoke, he glanced at the four halfpenc'
which the boy had spread out.
This day week. sir. if you please"
"Very well, le. it be SO. At this hour
! shall be at home to see you" Poor Jacl
made his very best bow, and retired.