Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-12-26

OF something like black cloth, which served Or
dinariy for n cap, but was now twisted uD hard
between his hands, completed the costume of
little Joe, as he stood digging his hob-naied
boots into the Turkey carpet, in the centre of
the room, facing the pleasant looking man who
had sought this interview. Notwithstanding
the novelty OF his situation, Joe retained his
self-possesson and GOODNESS, and having by a
keen glance examined the countcnance of Mr.
Maudsley, and being apparently satisfied with
the result o fl his investigation, he made rapid
but curious review of the contents of the room.
commencing with the French clock on the
chimney-pece, and ending with the piano, ov-
er which hung the portrait of the fortunate
proprietor of all these things, smiling and
looking upon them with an expression of ex-
pansiye good nature, such as at the moment
dfTused itself over the features of the original,
while examining the odd specimen of humani-
ty before him.
whats your name, my little fellow P" asked
Mr. Maudsley. opening the proceedings in a
strictly business manner; and this reminds me
| have not yet informed my readers that he
was a banker-an honest and indeed excellent
man, with heart large enough for at least
dozen ordinary men.
"What is your name, my little fellow?"
"Joe Climber. sir"
"Who is your father ?"
"Never had a father, sir-leastways never
heard had one. I'm mothers child"
"Your MOTHER then, where is shc?"
"Gone dead three years next New Years
SIR She had me and two sisters younger than
me to keep. She worked at making shirts all
day and all night often, but she couldn't get a
living out of it, and so she died"
"What then became Of your sisters?"
"They were taken to the poor house, and
they told me they died too"
"Why did you not go with your sisters ?'
swell, sir, | didn't much like it. | tho ught
! had rather be independent" said the little
fellow with resolute air.
independent" repeated Mr.. Maudsey, look
incredulously at the child. "What on earth
could YOU do ?"
"Oh, please sir, l could do lots o. things
First went into the noos line, and sold papers
but that didn't pay me muffin to speak Of
and was nearly starved afore left it; then
took to selling apples, oranges and vegetables
of all sorts and when there's a fall of snow
l have plenty of work scraping afore the doors,
and get well paid for it too"
"Since you have told me so much of your
| life, Joe, tell me what you were thinking about
when saw you just now watching with snch
a serious face the making of that snow ball in
the street, for you were thinking of something
more than the mere collection Of quantity of
snow"
Joe turned his keen eye for moment on his
questioner, and appeared to hesitate Then he
replied with something like knowing twinkle
Of the eye.
81 was thinking that chap who wants to
get on in the world ought to be like the snow
ball-always gathering as he goes"
"True, quite true said Maudsley, smiling,
shut it is not of worldly wealth alone that
maxim applies; the mind should be equally
diligent in the acquisition of knowledge and
virtue, without which the possession of riches
adds nothing to mans happiness. If he would
be truly great he must be truly good. Pa
tience and perseverance are his handmaids-
truth, justice, and humanity lie in his path-the
wise man makes these as his own, and gathers
peace and happiness as he goes.
There was something in the manner in which
these few words were spoken which sank into
the child's heart. He uttered not word, but
Mr.. Maudsley perceived that he felt what had
been said, and he secretly determined to make
an attempt TO rescue the poor outcast from his
degraded position.
The little fellow was by his direction imme-
diately placed in the hands of servants, and by
the application of soap ard water, combs and
brushes, and an entire change of costume for
suit of Master Maudsleys clothes, was shortly
transformed into respectable looking boy
Being thus rendered presentable, he was intro
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