The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-10-30
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What Became Of a Poor Boy.

take charge of small farm il, the nelshbor-
hood Of a large city.
Mother, said he to his wife one evening
as he came i'll from IA wearsonc walk after
some stray cows, must hire boy to do
these chores ); what do you say to Peter
Saunders
Peter Saunders - calculated the good
woman, why what made you think OF him
One Of that miserable family would not an
swer your purpose at all
1t is yimpl, because the boy is miserable
that | wish to take him. believe he has
soinc natural ability, and if left to grow up
at home be will be curse 10 society. Ii our
children were still young and at home 1t
would be u dangerous experiment because OF
evil example; but as they are already gone out
into the world for themselves, | believe it IS
our duty to try Peter Saunders
Mrs. Benton was silent. She wished to
examine the subject in all its bearings, but
in this case her HUSBAND was sure of her inal
decision so taking up his bright tin milk
pals he trudged off to the barA and lett her
to her reflections.
50 dirty soliloqu zed Mrs. Benou
with some disgust, for she was pattern OF
ueatness, SO i.l.manerea; what can the good
man be thinking of 10 take such child -
All, Mrs. b., you have duty to perform III
this case, and jast as soon as you view 1t in
that light you will hesitate no longer, even
though the sacrifice should cost you your llte
Father said Mrs. Benton as they sat
down to their comfortable evening meal, !
have been thinking over what you said about
little Peter Saunders, and believe you are
right: Suppose you 60 for him early next
week.
II was no hard matter to obtain the con-
sent oil the idle, dissoute parents, and Peter
retu ned with Mr.. Benton. Toward evening
(. the tired horse, with apparent tls'sction
NJ stopped before the door, and Peter jumped
oat like young bear just oosed from a.caSe
Mrs. Benton met him at the door.
We'll, my boy, low are you = Iire'
and hungry suppose. Come along with me
She showed the way into her tidy kitchen
where substantial supper awaited him
which was speedily dcvouged,
he Now Peter said she, | will show yo
Is your own ROOM
~ The chamber was small but very neat
iTpon chair by the bedside lay change
lircn, pure and white. and suit OF farI
-, clothes, whole and comfortable.
Look here Peter, and Mrs. Benton opeI
Cd the door of large unfinished closet, yo
sec that tub of warm water, soap and coars
r, towels I.waut you to 60 in there aud was
DS' 81 yourself thoroughly, then put on the cothc
and come down stairs that may see how yo
look
er When Peer made his appearance he ha
iet undergone complete transformation. II
in entered the chamber looking very much III
It q IJot,entot he came out white, fair hare
:. rosy boy.
Mrs. Ben.on expressed her satisfactl'
with the change.
On)v one thing more, Peter. | must
and comb your hair, and after that you 'nu
use this nice new brush three times day b
q lore you come to the table.
han When Mr. Benton took down the Bible
the family worship Peter stared. 1t was G
IDENTITY a new phase in his lie. Alter prayt
MIR. Benton called him to his side
Can you tell me, my child, who ma
Il you!"
"si'- :No
Did you ever hear Of God?
The child uttered dreadful OATH 1t
evident it was the only way in which he h
,n ever heard the sacred name. When Po
W. had retired for the night Mr. Benton said
-. :, There, mother, is u little heathen tor y
brought up in Christian New England wi
in sound Of the church bell
L see it, father, and | am afraid p
little Peter is not tho only instance OF
kisd We have much to do for him, j
we'll eudeavor to be faithful to our trust.
The neglected child found good ho'
Mr. and Mrs. Benton labored assid'ously
teach him to read and work, and to awaI
.vorx his bluntcd moral sense. After months
earnest effort it was discouraglng 10 ailot
= reasonable task, 20 away for time, a
returning, find it ouly half done, Peter
M eve.scryant, for he had not been ca
Nv toucht the text, Thou, God, sccst me.
Nu S,metimcs his frierds were ready to desp;
but they thought of their Heavenly Erie
ofS and took courage. They dld not labor
vain In the autumn Mr.. Benton had i,
or yorc illness. His affairs seemed dark ind'
for the work vas pressing and he never
.unrosed that Peter could be trusted with
". sIi,htest matter without supervision.
r., fsund no had been mistaken. Peter was