Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1859-04-23

"Aye, my boy. Should you keeE
this-should we keep it-where would
our honor be? The next time yor
met Mr.. Thompson you'd fear to look
him in the face. You could not look
at him with the happy consciousness
of your own innocence. There would
be taint upon your character-a sting
in your soul. Oh, would you keep it,
Abel %
"No, my mother, I would not. No,
no-I will carry it back this very
night"
"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 a light and buoyant step,
for he was satisfied with the work he
was doing.
Mr.. Thompson lived in fine, large
mansion, on the top Of a gentle emin-
ence, at a short distance from the
road, and was surrounded by park of
noble trees. Abel took his way up the
neatly gr.veled walk and met the own
er upon the broad piazza.
do you wish to see me sir 2" asked
the host. He was a kind, generous
looking man, stout and corpulent, with
face full Of health and good humor.
eyes, sir" said Abel promptly, at
the same time ascending the piazza
II found purse last evening, and on
opening it we found your name upon
"And who is ace2"
F'My mother and me, sir.'
"Then you did not need the money
then?''
Sir" returned the youth with an
inquiring gaze.
Seeing that you bring the money
to me | suppose you had no use for
it.'
"Use for it, sir,'' repeated Abel, at
loss how to understand the man.
'Oh, God knows We had use for it,
but not SO much rs we have for our
honor and truth.n
''Were you afraid to keep it?' pur-
sued Mr.. Thompson in the same peeu-
liar tone.
"Afraid what 10 you mean? Do
love my mother because I'm atraad to
hate her? [ brought your money back
because it is yours and not mine.''-
Thus speaking, Abel handed the gen
tleman the purse and turned away
Mr. Thompson did not say word, and
the youth kept on, feeling that he had
done right yet at the same time ready
to cry at the reception he had met
with.
When he reached home he sank in
to 4 chair and leaned his head upon
his hand,
"Why, what's the matter, Abel l?"-
asked his mother in alarm.
But before he could answer, they
were both startled by hearing a horse
trot up to the door. 1t was Mr..
Thompson. He entered without cere-
mony, bade the widow cheerful good
morning, and then took seat. ''I've
come on business and l may as we'll
begin at once.o Then turning to Abel
he asked: care you engaged at pres
ent 90 ssNo, sir replied the youth
eagerly, for the man spoke very kind
ly.
'syy ouldn't you like something to
do?"
ooh, yes, sir. I spent all the day
yesterday in looking after work. My
mother is not well, and l must earn
something
'.Can you write %
eyes, sir
''Pretty well?''
eyes, sir. My mother taught me
more than | should have learned at
school,"
"You can cypher, then?"
Eyes, sir. l have been pretty thor
ough as far as cube root.'
aCan you drive two horses?"
eyes, sir. [ drove the stage from
here to Grantborough good many
times last winter"
ssThen [ think you are Just the man
I want. In a few days l shall have
some sauce to send to the city, and as
vet I have engaged no one to take
charge of that department.. For the
past two years | have lost considerable
by dishonest men. The person who
carries my produce to market has con
siderable money to collect; sometimes
it will average hundred dollars day
for a week at time. When [ buy up
fruit and berries to send to the city,
the receipts are considerable. How
should you like the place %
'sI could be with my mother nights,
sir I?
Eyes"
"Then I should like it very much