The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1858-03-03
The first lesson ian Ga sAb ling.

Where there are great collections ofpeo
pie there are always bad and foolish people
among them. 1t was so at Bridgeport where
the State Far was held last week. Outside
the grounds, behind or within tents
and booths, were many who gambled
or led others to do so. Now, it is q very
simple thing, and often appears so fair that
many boy is led to take his first step be-
fore he knows it.
There was behind one oyster stand cir
Gle of men and boys; on the ground sat
poor degraded, dissipated man poorly clad,
and looking sick and weak. He held IN
his hand several iron rings, and before hun
was a board with large nails driven in it,
which stood upright. A clear faced, bright
eyed handsome little fellow, well dressed
and well behaved, stepped up to him. lie
was such a boy as was prompt at day school,
and always has his lesson at Sunday school,
and such boy as will always be a fayorlte
with his companions, for his good heart, his
kindness and unsclfshness. He showed this
all in his face as he stepped up to the man
and said, whats that for 2"
"give me cent, and you may pitch one
of these rings, and if it catches over a nail
III give you six cents
That seemed fair enough, so the boy han.
ded him cent, and took a ring. lie step
ped back to the stake tossed the ring, and it
caught one of the nails,
"Will you take six rings to pitch again,
or six cents ?"
"Six cents' was the answer; and two
three cent pieces were put into his hand, and
he stepped off we'll satisfied with what he
had done, and probably not having any idea
that he had done wrong.
A gentleman standing near had watched
him, and now, before he had time to look
about and rejoin his companions, laid bis
hand Oh his shoulder.
"My lad, that is your first lesson in gamb-
ling!
"Gambling, sir!'
"You staked your cent and won six. Did
you not.'
"Yes | did"
"You did not earn them, and they were
not given you you won them just as gam
blers win money. You have taken the first
step in the path that man has gone through
it and you can see the end. Now | advise
you to 60 and give him six cents back, and
,asl: him for your penny, and then stand
square with the world, an honest boy again"
lie had hung his head down, but raised it
quickly, and his bright open look, as he
said, "rIl do it, will not be forgotten. lie
ran back and soon emerged from the ring,
looking happier than ever. lie touched his
cap and bowed pleasantly, as he ran away to
Join his comrades.
That boy was HoNEsr-honest to himself,
honest in his impulses, honest in his innlost
soul, lie did not stop to think-that gen
tleman does not know me, and shall make
better use of the money than that poor
gambling vagabond so III just say nothing
aboutit, but keep what have so fairly won.
No, he was tue to his inmost soul and he
Gid right, as if he was used to doing right,
and as # it were no hardship. That's true
honor and honesty-not to think whether it
is necessary or not, whether anybody will
know it; but TO be honorable for honor's
sake, truthful and honest for the love Of it.
Who does not love transparent characters
anywhere, everywhere i'll boys OF girls in
young Or old.
homestead.