Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1861-11-09


Mrs. Morgan, as she began to unpack
the basket; and as her eye glanced ov-
er the tea-table, she felt sure that she
mad come Just in time.
Tears came into Mrs. Mann's ewes as
she thanked her, and Charley couldn't
say a word, but the little woman cut
short all thanks and hustled out, bid
ding them good evening, and promis-
ing to call soon.
"Mother," said Charley, as soon as
they were alone, "my wo-and-nine-
pence would not have bought all that, "
and he pointed to the contents of the
basket.
"Honesty is the best policy, Char
ley"
How nice that cup of tea tasted, and
what pleasant evening they passed
as Mrs. Mann busted herself with her
work, and Charley talked over his
plans for the following morning; and
after the chapter in the bible was read
and the nightly prayer was repeated.
how full the widows heart was as she
kissed her boy good night.
Next morning he was up and dress
ed bright and early, his breakfast was
ready for him, and, after kissing his
mother good bye, he set off with q
light heart for the drug store.
A little girl was sweeping it out
Mrs. Morgan was experimenting the
operation, and, as Charley entered, the
latter bade him good morning, with q
cheerful smile, and said, "You are tc
be errand boy, are you?"
eyes, ma'am, shan't [ sweep out
the store 90
"Well, yes, suppose that will be
part ofyour business now-s SO Bridg
ct, you can give Charles the broom
and 90 out and see about breakfast"
Bridget did not seem at all 10th tC
yield the broom, and Charley begar
sweeping in good earnest. Mrs. Nor
gan followed out Bridget, leaving Char
ley all alone. He made the place as
neat as he could, and was thinking
what else to do, when Mrs. Morgan
came in again. She praised him fol
his emotion of keeping things tidy" a.
she expressed it.
MIR. Bebee was a widower; he haC
lost three children when they were
quite young, and now he had no one
to care for, and no one to care for him
except good little Mrs. Morgan, and h,
never could have a want if she coulc
help it. And now she was at the heat
Of the table, waiting to pour out hi
coffee.
"Good morning, Mrs. Morgan" sale
Mr. Bebee, as he came in and took hi:
seat at the table II had no opportuni
ty Of speaking to you last night; die
you find Mrs. Mann ?"
eyes, and I got there Just in The
nick Of time ; they were sitting dowl
to tea, and there was nothing on The
table but some dry bread and a little
milk and water"
'Has Charles come yet 90 asked Mr.
Bebee, after some time.
Yes, sir think he is real nice
boy, and will save you lots of troub
le."
"What is he doing now -
Il left him washing the windows"
BLESS my heart {! I must 60 and SCI
that he doesn't break everything"
Il don't think you need be afraid
sir" said Mrs. Morgan, smiling, as Mr.
Bebee went towards the store.
Charles was putting things carefully
back into the window when Mr.. Bebe'
went in, and the old gentleman seemed
to think that Mrs Morgan was right
During the day Charles made himsel
useful IN several ways, he was natural,
a bright, active boy, and now gratitude
to Mr.. Bebee, and the idea of benefit
ing his mother, made him work will
double energy. Mr.. Bebee began t.
wonder how he ever GOT along withou
him. He soon earned enough to make
bis mother comfortable, and his trutl
and honesty made him respected b,
all who knew him.
"Mother," said Charles one evening
as they were sitting down to tea, anc
a plate of hot biscuit was smoking be
tween a glass dish ofsauce, and a plate
Of smoked beef neatly shaved, ''moth
er, the best days business [ ever die
was breaking Mr.. Bebee's window"
"No, Charles the best was owning
up to it honestly, and not being afraic
to tell the truth.''
"DOEsTICKs" A CHAPLAIN.-Mortl
mer Thompson Doesticks) is tempora
rily acting as chap plain of the New I orl
twenty-sixth volunteers, Col. Christian