Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-12-06
THE BOY WHO CONQUERED.

Some Sew yeassAage, q lad who was left with
out father or mother, of good natural abilities,
went to New York, alone and friendless, to get
situation in store as errand-boy or otherwise,
till he could command higher position; but
this boy had got into bad company, and had
got in the habit of calling for his bitters y
occasionally, because he thought it looked man
ly. He smoked cheap cigars, also.
He had a pretty good education. and on look
ing over the papers, he noticed that merchant
in Pearl street wanted lad of his age, and he
called there, and made his business known.
walk into the office, my lad said the mer-
chant. Il will attend to you soon.
When he had waited on his customer, he took
his seat near the lad, and he espied cigar in
his hat. This was enough. MY boy said he,
L want smart, honest, faithful lad but
see that you smoke cigars, and in my expert
ence of many years, l have ever known cigar
smoking lads to be connected with various other
evil habits, and, if am not mistaken, your
breath is an evidence that you are not an excep-
ton. You can leave you will not suit me-
John-this was his name-held down his
head and left the store ; and as he walked along
the street, a stranger and fIendless, the coun
sci of his poor mother came forcibly to his mind
who, upon her death bed, called him to her side,
and placing her emaciated hand upon his head,
said, Johnny, my dear boy, am going to
leave you. You well know what disgrace and
misery your father brought on us before hi,
death, and want you to promise me before
die that you will never taste one drop of the
accursed poison that killed your father. Prom
ise me this, and be o good boy, Johnny, and
shall die in peace
The scalding tears trickled down Johnnys
s,.cheeks, and he promised ever to remember. th,
dying words Of his mother, and never to drinl
any spirituous liquors but he soon forgot hi
promise, and when he received the rebuke from
the merchant, -hc remembered what his mcthe
said, and what he promised her, and he cried
aloud, and the people gazed at him as he passe
along, and boys rallied at him. He went to hi
lodgings and, throwing himself upon his bed
gave vent to his feelings IN sobs that were hear
all over the house.
But Johnny had moral courage. He had en-
ergy and determination, and ere an hour ha
passed. he made up his mind never to tast
another drop of liquor, nor smoke another cl
gar as long us no lived. He went straight bac
to the merchant. Said he, Sir, you very prof.
erly sent me away this morning for habits The
have been guilty of; but sir, have neith'
father nor mother, and though have occasion
ally done what ought not to do, and have nj
followed the good advice of my poor mother
her death-bed, nor done as promised her
would do, yet | have now make n solemn vo
never to drink another drop Of liquor, n
smoke another cigar; and if you, sir, will on
try me, it is all | ask
The merchant was struck with the decisi
and energy of the boy. and at once employ
him. At the expiration of five years, the
was partner in the business, and is now wo,
ten thousand dollars. He has faithfully kt
his pledge, to which he owes his elevation.
Boys, think of this circumstance. as YOU
ter upon the duties of life, and remember W
what good points of character your destiny
good or evil depends. Northern Farmer.