Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-11-25

A candle was lighted, and the purss eap
tied. 1t contained twenty silver hslssaol
lars" -,......-.-.,... ...
"Ten dollars" whispered Abel. "Perhap
We can find who ioet it."
"Isn't there some name on the 7ursei
asked his mother. -ss
She took il as she epoke, and upon tn
inside of the clasp, which was lined witt
red morocco, she read aJohn Thompson.
John Thompson was one efthe wealthies
men in the place. He owned very iarg,
farm, and besides supplying large amour,
ofmiIk customers, he raised large quantitie,
of garden sauce and fine fruit, which b,
sent to neighboring city.
"Oh, how easy he could spare it!' whis
pered Abel sit would make NO loss to him.
THAT is 80 in measure, my SON." said
the widow, solemnly. "His would NOT be
Itbe loss, but we should lose--oh how much!
ave, molherr"
aAye, my boy. Should you keep this
should we keep it-whcre would our honor
NJ TIE next ,ine you nst Mr. Thonpeen
you'd fear to look him in the face. You
could not look at him with the happy con-
sciousness Of your own innocence. There
would be q taint upon your Characters
sting iu your own soul. o, would you keep
Ii, Abeir' p
..No. my mother. i would not No, no;
III carry it back this very night" 2.
"You might wait until morning. for you
must get me some wood now"
The purse was laid away in a place of
safety. and on the following morning Abel
started off bright and early, and walked
with light and buoysnt step. for he was
satisfied with the work he was doing.
Mr.. Thompson lived in a fine large man.
sion on the top of a gentle eminence at a
short distance from the road, and was sur
rounded by park of noble trees. Abel
took his way up neatly graveled walk, and
net the owner on the broad piazza
"Do you wish to see me, si:!" asked the
host He was a kind, generous-looking
man-stout and corpulent, with face full
of heaRh and good nature. sa 7
"Fes, SIR" answered Abel, promptly, at
the same time ascending the piazza. 4 found
a purse last evening, and on opening il we
found your name upon it."
.And who is wet" t'A
My mother and me. SIR" EEf
"Then you did not think you needed the
money!" r., - ..es.ig rgi
':Sir.'' returned tho youth, with inquiring
gaze. -a-z =
useeing that yor bring the money to me,
1 suppose you have no use for it," -t.a
Use for it!" repeated Abel, at less to
understand the man; "Oh, God knows we
had use for it but not SO much as we have
for cur honor and truth"
'.Were you afraid to keep it!" pursued
Mr. Thompson in the same peculiar tone.
"Afraid! what co you mean! Do love my
mother because hate her! brought your
money back because it-was yours and mot,
mine.''
Thus speaking Abel handed the gentle
man the purse and turned away. Mr.. Thomp- /
son did not say word. and the youth kept
on. feeling glad that he had done right; yet
at the same time almost ready TO cry at the
reception he had met with.
When he reached home he sank into |
chair and leaned his head upon his hand.
"Why, what's the matter, Abei!" asked
his mother in alarm.
Bst before he could answer, they were
both startled by bearing horse trot up to
the door. 1t was Mr.. Thompson. He dis
mounted, and as the door was opened ENTER
ed without ceremony. He bade the widow
a cheerful good morning, and then took a
seat. ze.
"I've come on business, and may as well
proceed at once. Then turning to Abel, he
said:
Are you engaged at presentp
No, SIR replied the yonth, eagerly, for
the man spoke kindly.
Wouldn't you like something to dor
'Oh yes, sir. Ispent all day yesterday ir
looking after work My mothef Is not well,
and must earn something
Can you write!'
yes, SIR i..tt |
Pretty weIl!' -
Yes, sir. My mother has taught me
more than should have learned at school,"
you can cypher then!'
Yes, sir. l have been pretty thoroughly
as far as cube root
'Can you drive two horses!'
Yes, sir; drove the stage from here to
good many times last win
ter
Then think you are just the man that
want in few days. | shall have sauce to
send to the city, and as yet have engaged
no one to lake charge of that department.
For the last two years have lost consider.
ably by dishonest men. The man who car
ries produce TO market has considerable
money 10 collect; sometimes il will average
a hundred dollars Cay for a week at a
time. When 1 b1y up fruit and berries to
send to the city, the receipts are consider
able. How should you Ike the placel'
Il could be with my mother at nights, sir!'
Yes a
Then should like it very much, very
much, sir. And if serve you shall serve
yon. faithfully -.-l
Il have no fears on that account said Mr..
Thompson, with peculiar look. am fully
satisfied of your honestly saw you pick