The Placer herald., 1855-10-27
The Crime Of Delay.

You ask. dear jim. why took so much
interest in that boy? | will tell YOU, but
mark me, you must never allude to the sub
iect again. had thought, that for my own
credit, no one should ever know the reason
of my solicitude concerning him, or why his
death has affected me so deeply. But he is
dead now, and lest you should misconstrue
my interest in him to my prejudice, will
tell You frankly all that l know Of him, so
far as it affects myself
| was not always, YOU are aware, dear Jim,
the man YOU have recently known me.
once had position and influence. and when
YOU first knew me. had never done any act
to bring a blush of shame to the cheek Of
friend or relative.
But of this, enough 1t suficeth that one
year ago, or thereabouts, as | went to my
Office ON a beautiful morning in March, |
noticed a boy walking down the street, just
ahead of me, looking pale, emaciated, and
yet beautiful. There was peculiar-an ey-
ceedingly anxious look, that | had never seen
before. There was the face of a boy with
the anxiety of a man. 1t struck me as pecu-
liar at the first glance, and | stopped to look
at him. perceived that it was with difficulty
he could restrain himself from sobbing aloud
When he saw me he repressed his emotion,
and spoke up with an obvious effort of un-
concern.
"Please, sir, are you not the editor Of the
-.n
81 am said I, my fine fellow what can
do for YOU"
Mothers sick, sir, and we are very poor,
and | want to ret a place to work"
"What can you do:' said |.
40, will try to do anything" he replied,
'but don't know what | can DO, for al
ways went to school before came to Califor-
MIA; will try to do anything"
The boy interested me, and | thought |
am calous man, whom bufetting with the
word has hardened permanently, could not
allow him to leave me, till had given him
a word of comfort.
my fine fellow said |, "can you come to
my my Office at seven o'clocl, this evening"
Il will" he answered-"I will do ANYTHING
to earn some money for my poor sick mo-
ther"
took five dollar piece from my pocket,
and put it into his hand Had a right to
do it! had often said | ought to pay my
honest debts before | thought of charity.
Had | a right to do it. Yes.
The boy looked at the money, then he
looked at me, and then burst into tears.
Dear Jim, believe me, had a great mind
to cry too. Said he, did act like little
beggar!' As he spoke the word ''beggar, =
he burst out again. and the tears gushed
forth afresh.
"No, my lad" said I, but take that to
your mother and this evening will have a
place for you. so that YOU can earn the
money, and when you have enough Of it,
perhaps you can pay me back"
He held the coin toward me, and said,
take the money! am not a becrar and
as my father who is dead and my mother
who is dying, told me to starye sooner than
beg-I shall not take it,
He was earnest that to have refused
would have offended him more. and so re-
questing him to call on me at seven o'clock
in the evening, | told him to go home to his
mother and tell her he had found a friend
who would get him situation
He tripped away with lighter heart.
went my way thinking how could and would
befriend him. 1t was only the dav before
that friend had told me he wanted a boy
i''S lNfttH, ana III nc WIS ldillllul anu
trustworthy. would pay him a liberal salary
resolved IN my own mind would 90 and
see him Immediately after breakfast. But,
The highty purpose never is o'ertook,
Unless the deed go with it.
At the breakfast table got engaged in an
angry political discussion. The Senatorial
election was on the tapis, and we had got
news that morning, that a reverend Senator
belonging to our side, had sold out and gone
over to the enemy. | went down town after
breakfast to learn the facts of the matter.
l talked with one and another. till the case
of the poor boy was quite driven out Of
my head. Before returned the dispatches
began to arrive from the capital, and what
with talking to interested friepdssand writing
for the next mornings paper, quite forgot
the pale faced boy and his dying mother.
At seven O'Clock he came. Ny heart
smote me when saw him, for had neglected
andforgotten my promises But told him