The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-11-28
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rIYY OF LANCASTER.
The Mothers Last Gift.

Thirty years age, there was seen 70 en> II
ter the city of London a lad ofabout four
team years of age. He was dressed in q
smock frock. that hid all under apparel,
aud which appeared to have been made
Tor person much taller than the wearer.
His boots were smothsrsd from dust from
the high road He had on an old hat.
With black band, which contrasted with
the color Of the covering Of the head. A
small bundle fastened to the end Of u stick,
and thrown over his sheslder, was the
whole of his equipment. As he approach
ed the Mansion House. he paused to look
at the building. .and seating himself on the
steps Of one of the doors, he was about
70 rest awhile, but the coming out and 60
ing 10, ola halfs dozen persons, before
he had time TO finish untying his bundle
made him leave that spot to 60 to the
mex. open space, where the doors were in
part closed.
Having taken from the bundle large
qpantlly Of bread and cheese, which he
ssamsd. 10 eat vita ravenous appetite,
lie amused himself by looking at the bull
ding before him. with the eager curiosity
osons ana ecastOmed to similar objects.
The appearance OF the youth soon at.
traotsd nv curiosity, and gently opening
ths door, stood behind without his being
msthe least conscious Of my presence,
ia now began rumaeing his pockets, and
aiIer q deal Of trouble brought out a roll Of
paper, which he opened: after satisfy ing
himself that large copper coin was safe
he put it back again saying TO himself in
low tone:
Mother, will remember your last
werds--'A penny saved is two pence
earned 1t shall go hard with me before
part with you, old friend"
= Pleased with this remark, gently
touched the lad on the shoulder. He star
tod and was about 10 move away, when |
said
idiy good lad, you seem tired, and
li4ewise stranger. in the city"
'sYes arr he answered, putting his
lsid 10 his hAt. fle was again about to
move forward.
,.Yoa need not hurry away my boy"
I observed. Indeed il you are a stran-
gsE and willing to work, / can perhaps,
help to fad what you require"
The boy stood niue with astonishment
anj coloring to such an extent as to show
al the ireckles of sunburnt face, etam.
msfsd;
sf"Yes sit.'
&" I wish 10 know" | added, with all
toe kindness of manner / could assume,
'swhetber you are anxious TO work, for
au 10 want Of youth TO assist my coach.
man"
g.. The poGf lad twisted and twirled his
ibepdle about and after having duly pla.
ced bis baud to bis head. N managed 10 ut
tersn awkward kind Of answer that he
would 10 worry thankful.
ii ! Imsptioned not word about what
had overheard with regard to the penny,
but inviting him into the house. sent tor
the coachmau, to whose care | entrusted
Abe new conner.
Nearly mouth had passed after this
,nJs.sas aud conversation occurred, when
I resolved to make lnoniries Of the coach.
man regarding the conduct of the lad
LA better boy never came into III,
hodse, sir, know not where be has bcer
alrougAl up, but really believe he woulC
ooas.der i Il sin ii ho did not give til,
crumbs uf bread 10 the poor birds ever,
inorninl." e-..
.ss"I aa glad 10 hear of SO good an &C
eoast," / replied.
li,Aud as for his nature, sir, there il
-0ytsas servant among US that doesn't speak
,.wsll ol Joseph He reads 10 US while We
.sup. and writes all our letters for US
soit sii, he has more learning than all OIL
us put together, AID what's more he does
.n5t MUD work aud never talks about oul
sosgets after lie writes our letlers.p
Determined to see Joseph myself. re
quaa.od the coachman to send him to the
p4sior.
"a understand, Joseph, that you car
RAD and write
"Yes s,r. thanks 10 my poor dear moth
CT"
You have lately lest your mother
,thsa. Jossphg' ra.,
IN month that very day whom 70,
wssa kind enough to take me into YOU
irouss, an unprotected o, o,phan," he an
sas:al.
ss. WLera did you 20 10 SCHOOL,"
"5.s my mother has been n widow ev
.St rlaos ! can remember. She was
daughter Of the village schoolmaster, ant