Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-07-19
HAigrtllQntuug.
The Boy who Conquered.

Some few years ago, a lad who was left
without father or mother, of good natural a.
bilities, went to n. York, alone and friendless,
to get situation in a store as GRAND boy, or
otherwise, till lie could command higher po-
siiion; but this boy had got into bad COM
pauy, and had got into the habit of calling
for his "bittcrs" occasionally, because he
thought it looked manly. lie smoked cheap
cigars, also.
lie had pretty good education, and on
looking over the papers he noticed that mer-
chant in Pearl street wanted lad of his age,
anG he called there and made his business
known.
Walk into the Office, my lad, said the r1cr-
chant I'll attend to you soon.
When he had waited on his customer, he
took scat near the lad, and he espied ci-
gar in his hat. This was enough. My boy
said he, Il want a smart, honest, faithful lad;
but see that YOU smoke scgars, and in my
experience of many years, have found cigar
smoking in lads to be connected with various
other habits; and, if | am not mistaken, your
breath is an evidence that you are not an ex-
ception. You can leave; you will not suit
me-
John-for that was his name--held down
his head and left the store; and as he walked
along the street, a Stranger and friendlcss, the
counsel of his poor mother came forciby to
his mind, who upon her death-bed, called
him to her side, and placing her cmaciated
hand upon his head, said, johnny, my dear
boy, I'm going to leave you. You well know
the disgrace and misery your father brought
on us before his death, and want you to
promise me before | die, that you will never
drink one drop Of the accursed poison that
killed your father. Promise me this, and be
a good boy, Johnny, and | shall DIE in peace.
The scalding tears trickled down Johnny's
checks, and he promised ever to remember
the dying words Of his mother, and never to
drink any spirituous liquors; but he soon for
got his promise, and when he received the
rebukc from the merchant, fe remembered
what his mother had said, and what he had
promised her, and cried aloud, and the peo-
pie gazcd at him as he passed along, and the
boys RATED at him. lie went to his lodgings,
and throwing himself upon the bed, gave vent
to his feelings in sobs that were heard all over
the house.
But John had moral courage. He had en-
ergy and determination, and ere an hour had
passed, he had made up his mind never to
taste another drop of liquor, or smoke anoth-
cr cigar as long as he lived. lie went straight
back to the merchant.
Said he, Sir, you very properly sent me
away this morning for habits that have been
guilty Of; but, sir, l have neither father or
mother, and though have occasionally done
what ought not to do, and have not followed
the good advice of my poor mother on her
lcath-bcd; nor done as | promised her that /
would do, but have now made solemn vow
never to drink another drop of liquor, nor
smoke another cigar; and ifyou, sir. will on
,y try me, it is all l ask
The merchant was struck with this decis-
ion and energy of the boy and at once em-
ployed him. AT the expiration Of five years,
this lad was partner in the business, and is
now worth ten thousand dollars. He has
faithfully kept his pledge, to which he owes
his elevation.