The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1860-03-21
A PENNY.

Thirty years ago there was seen 10 en-
ter the city of London lad about four
teen years of age. He was dressed in a
dark smock frock, that hid all his under
apparel, and which appeared to have been
made for person evidently taller than
the wearer. His boots were covered with
dust from the high road. He had an old
hat with black band, which contrasted
strangely with the covering Of his head.
A small bundle, fastened to a stick and
thrown over his shoulder was the whole OF
his equipment. AS he approached the
Mansion House, he paused TO look at the
building, and seating himself on the steps
at one of the doors, he was about to rest
himself, but the coming and going out of
half dozen persons before he had
time to finish untying his bundle, made
him leave that spot for the open space,
where the doors were in part closed.
Having taken from the bundle large
quantity of bread and cheese, which he
seemed to eat with ravenous appetite,
he amused himself with all the eager Gu
riosity of one accustomed to see similar
sights.
The appearance Of the youth soon at
tracted my curiosity, and gently opening
the door / stood behind him without his
being in the least conscious of my pres
ence. He now began rumaging his pock-
cts, and after great deal of trouble,
brought out roll of paper which he open
cd. After satisfying himself that q large
copper coin was safe he carefully put it
back again, saying to himself in a low
tone, another, l will remember your last
words, penny saved is two pence earned.
1t shall go hard with mo before l part
with you, old friend"
Pleased with this remark, l gently
touched the lad on the shoulder. He
started, and was about to move away,
when l said:
"My good lad, you seemed tired, and
likewise stranger in this City,"
"Yes sir" he answered, putting his
hand to his hat. He was again about to
move away.
You need not hurry away, my boy"
I observed. "Indeed if you are a stran-
ger, and willing to work, / can perhaps
help you to get what you desire"
The boy stood mute with astonish-
ment, and coloring to such an extent as
to show all the freckles of supburnt face,
stammered out:
"Yes SIR"
al wish to know" | added, with all
the kindness of manner l could assume,
"whether you are anxious to find work,
for want boy to assist my coachman." :"
The poor boy twisted and twirled his
bundle about, and after placing his hand
TO his head, he managed to utter an awk-
ward answer, and said he would be very
thankful.
l mentioned not q word about what
had overhead with regard to the penny,
but inviting him into the house, l sent
for the coachman, to whose care entrust-
ed the new conner.
Nearly month had passed after this
meeting and conversation had occurred
when / resolved to make inquiries of the
coachman regarding the conduct of the lad
"A better lad never came into the
house, sir; know not where he has beer
brought up, but really believe he would
consider it sin if he did not give Tic
crumbs of bread to the birds every morn
ing"
az am glad to hear so good an account,
| replied.
"And as for his good nature, sir, there
is not a servant among us that doesn't
speak well of Joseph. He reads 10 u:
while we sup, and he writes all our letters
for us. Oh, sir, he has got more learning
than all of us put together, and whats
more, he does not mind work, and nevel
talks about our secrets after he writes ou
letters"
Determined to sec Joseph myself
requested the coachman TO send him u
the parlor.
II understand, Joseph, that you cal
read and write"
"Yes, sir, thanks TO my poor deat
mother"
"You have lately lost your mother
thenW
"A month that very day when yol
were kind enough to take me into you