Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-10-16
PROVIDENCE PRosPERs HONESTY

'
the warehouse OF a rich merchant, Samuel
Ritcher, in Dantzic, and asked the book keeper
for aims. ''You will get nothing here,' grum-
bled the man, $50 he off,
Weeping bitterly, the boy glidcd towards
the door, and at that moment Herr Ritcher
entered.
"'What is the matter here 2" he asked, turn
ing towards the book-keeper.
"A worthless beggar boy" was the mans
answer, and he scarcely looked up from his
work.
In the meanwhile Herr Ritcher glanced to-
wards the boy, and remarked that, when close
to the door, he picked up something from the
ground.
ala! my little lad, what is that you picked
up3'' ie cried. The weeping boy turned and
showed him a needle.
ssAnd what will you do with it - asked the
other.
s'My Jacket has holes in it was the answer,
81 will sew up the big ones.''
Herr Ritcher was pleased with the reply, and
still more with the boys innocent, handsome
face.
"But are you not ashamed, - he said, in a
kind, though serious tone, ':you, so young and
hearty, to begi Can you not work ?''
"Ah, my dear sir,' replied the boy, 81 do
not know how, and l am too little yet to thrash
or fall wood. My father died three weeks
ago, and my poor mother and little brother
have eaten nothing these two days. Then
ran out in anguish, and begged for aims. But
alas a single peasant only gave me yesterday
piece of bread since then have not eaten
amOrsel,''
1t is quito customary for beggars by trade
TO cOntrive tales like this, and thus harden
many a hear, against the claims of genuine
want Bat this time the merchant trusted the
boys honest face. He thrust his hand into
his pocket, drew forth piece of money, and
said:
"There IS halt dollar, go to the bakers
and with half the money buy bread for your
self, your mother and brothers, but bring the
other hail 20 ne"
The boy took the money and ran joyfully
away.
'sWen,'' said the surly book-keeper, s.he
will .augh in his sleeve, and never come back
again.
WHO knows." replied Herr Ritcher. And
ash spoke he beheld the boy returning running
quickly with large lot OF black bread in one
hand and some money in the other.
There, good SIR he cried, almost breath
less, '>there is the rest of the money" Then
being very hungry, he begged at once for a
knile to cut of piece OF the bread. The
book-keeper reached him in silence his pocket
knife.
The lad cut off slice in great haste, and
was about 20 bite upon it. But suddenly be-
thought himself, laid the bread aside, and
folding his hands, rehearsed silent prayer.
hen he fell to his meal with hearty appetite.
The merchant was moved by the boys uuaf-
fected pety. tie inquired after his family at
home, and learned that his father had lived in
village, about four miles from DantZic, where
he owned small house and farm. But bis
house had been burned 10 the ground, and
much sickness in his family had compelled
him TO sell mis- farm. He had then hired him.
self out to rich neighbor, but, before three
weeks were at an end, he died, broken down
" grief and excessive toll. And now his
mother, whom sorrow had thrown upon a bed
OF sickness. was. with her four children, suffer
ing the bitterest poverty. He, the eldest, had
resolved to seek assistance, and had gone at
arst from village 10 village, then had struck
INTO the high road, and at last having begged
everywhere in vain, had come TO Dantzic.
The merchants heart was touched. He had
out one child, and the boy appeared to him as
draft at sight, which Providence had drawn
upon him as test of his gratitude.
Listen, my son. ne began, 'shave you then
really wish TO learn ?''
"Oh, yes have, indeed 20 cried the boy,
nave read the catechism already, and
SHOULD know good deal more, but at home l
mad always my little brother to carry, for my
mother was sick in bed.''
Herr Rltcher suddenly formed his resolution.
We'll, then,' he said, cas- you are good,
nohest, and industrious, will take good care
oIyou You shall learn, have meat and drink,
Tu uu clothing, and in time earn something more.
anen you can support your mother and broth
ers also,
Inc boys eyes flashed with joy. But in
~oment he cast them to the ground again, ,and
sala sadly, ssNy mother all this while has
nothing to eat''
-. AT this instsnt, as if sent by Providence, an
psnaOitant Of the boys native village entered
teH Ritcher's house. The man confirmed
ae ad's story, and willingly consented to
siiy at the mother tidings of her son Gottlieb,
r.o u lood and small sum of money from the
aisicaant. At the same time Herr Ritcher
tha th'cled his book-keeper to write letter to
siS pastor Of the village, commencing the
N'" 70 his care, with xn additional sum for