Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-06-08
GATHERING As IT GOES.

1t was Thanksgiving morning, bright, old
fashioned Thanksgiving morning. A fall of
snow the previous night was joyfully welcomed
by Juvenile party In one Of our northern
cities, some Of whom were enjoying the sport
of snow-balling each other, while others had
by their united exertions, formed a snow ball,
which by its magnitude excited the wonder Of
the younger spectators
There was, however, one amongst the crowd
who gaEed at the snow ball with the eyes of q
philosopher-a man Of the world-I say q
man, for though Joe Climber had not yet seen
his twelfth birthday, he was perfect speci
men Of the precocious street. boy, whose intel
lect had been matured by hunger and sharp
ened by necessity. He had obtained from the
SERVANT to whom his application had been
maize through the area Of the ratings, an
order to clear away the snow from the door
steps and, having completed the job to his own
satisfaction, was now. while waiting for the
remuneration of his labor, watching, with q
combination Of childish interest and ceol cal
culation, the progress Of accumulation in the
snow ball as the boys rolled it to and fro in the
snow.
1T grows bigger and bigger every turn"
said the little fellow, to himself, as he leaned
contemplatiyely on his broom. That's the
way to get to be a great man"
The attitude and something in the features
Of the young speculator attracted the notice of
Mr.. Maudsley, the owner Of the house, who
was standing at his parlor window at the mo-
nent, and, by his order, a servant intimated
to the ragged sweeper that he was to come in
10 her master, who wished to speak to him
Somewhat surprised, but nothing daunted, be
followed the servant into the hall, and having
carefully deposited his shovel and broom on
the door mat, marched directly into the parlor
where he was told he would find Mr.. Mauds-
ley.
II would not be easy to imagine a more
striking contrast than that which the poor un-
washed. INTENDED, half naked and half-staryed
child offered to every object in the picture to
which he was so suddenly introduced. A tat
tered old fustian jacket, tied for want of but
tons, round his waist with a piece of pack
thread, partly concealed an inner garment Of
dingy hue and dubious material; loose cordu-
roy trousers, made originally for full grown
man, but tucked up around the legs to accom-
nOdate the dimiRutive stature of the actual
wearer; a pair Of thick soled, worn out bro
gans, and shnpeless roll Of something like
BLACK cloth, which served ordinarily for a cap,
but was now twisted up hard between his
hands, completed the costume of little Joe ss
he stood digging his hob nailed boots into the
Turkey carpet in the centre Of the room, ia
cling the pleasant looking man who had sought
this interview. Notwithstanding the novelty
of his situation, Joe retained his self posses
sion and GOODNESS, and having by keen glance
",
and being apparently satisfied with the result
of his investigation, he made a rapid but Gu
rious review Of the contents Of the room, COM
mencing with the French clock on the chin
ney piece, and ending with the piano, over
which hung the portrait Of the fortunate pro-
prietor of all these things, smiling and look
ing upon them with an expression of expan-
sive good nature, such as at that moment diff
fused itself over the features of the original,
while examining the odd specimen of human
ity before him.
What's your name, my little fellow ?''
asked Mr.. Maudsley, opening the proceedings
In strictly business manner; and this reminds
me l have net yet informed my readers that
he was a banker-an honest and indeed excel
lent man, with heart large enough at least
for dozen ordinary men.
"What is your name, my little fellow ?!'
"Jpe Climber, SIR"
"Who is your father ?"
Never had father, sir-leastwise never
heard / had one. I'm mothers child"
Your mother, then, where is she?"
"Gone dead three years next New Year 8
sir. She had me and two sisters younger thar
me to keep. She worked at making shirts al
day and all night often, but she couldn' get
living out of it, and so she died I"
"What then became Of your sisters?''
They were taken to the poorhouse, anG
they told me they died, too"
"Well, sir, didn't much like it. though
/ had rather be independent" said the littl,
fellow, with a resolute air
Independent" repeated Mr.. Maudsley
looking incredulously at the child. "Wha
on earth could you dO?"
"Oh, please, sir, 1 could do lots o. things
First went into the nOOs line, and sold pa
pers; but that didn't pay me muffin to speaf of
and was nearly starved afore left it; thel
/ took to sellin' apples, oranges and vegets
bles Of all sorts; and when there's fall o
snow have plenty of work, scraping afore tn
doors, and get well paid for it, too"
- Since you have told me 80 much of you
life, Joe, tell me what you were thinking abou
when l saw you just now watching with sucl
serious face the making Of that snow ball il
the street, for you were thinking Of something
more than the mere collection Of quantity o
snow"
Joe turned his keen eye for a moment on hi
questioner, and appeared to hesitate; then re
piled with something like q knowing wink o
the eye:
"Iwas thinking that a chap who wants I
get on in the world ought to be like that snoy
ball-alwsys gathering as he goes.''
True, quite true, said Maudsley, smiling
but it is not to worldly wealth alone tha
maxim applies the mind should be equal
diligent in the acquisition of knowledge an
virtue, without which the possession of richie
ADDS nothing 10 man happiness. III ne woul
be truly great, he must be truly good. Pa
thence, perseverance are his handmaids-trutt
justice and humanity lie in his path-the wis
man makes these as his own, and gather
peace and happiness as he goes"
There was something in the manner i
which these fe words were spoken which san
into the child's heart. He uttered not wore
but Mr. Maudsley perceived that he felt wht
had been said, and he secretly determined
make an attempt to rescue the poor outca
from his degraded position.
The little fellow was by his direction imm,
diately placed in the hands of servants, an
by the application Of soap and water, coml
and brushes, and an entire change of costum
for suit Of Master Maudsley's clothes, WI
shortly transformed into respectable lookin
boy. Being thus rendered presentable,
was introduced into the kitchen, where
quickly ingratiated himself with the member
Of 1.-The lower house" by his obliging manner
His stories of life among the wandering t.ib'
of New York were immensely relished, ar
his limitations Of some Of the fancy your
men were declared by the cook and hOusena