The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-11-18

Mr.. Thompson in the same peculiar tone.
afraid! what do you mean ~ Do |
love my mother because I'm afraid to hate
her? brought your money back because it
was yours, and not mine."
Thus speaking Abel handed the gentleman
tho purse and turnel away. Mr.. Thompson
did not say a word, and the youth kept on,
feeling that he had done right yet Mt the
the same time almost ready to cry at the re.
ception he had met with.
When he reached home he sank into q
chair and leaned his head upon his hand.
"Why, what is the matter, Abel ~ asked
his mother, IN alarm.
But before he could answer, they were
both startled by hearing horse trot up to
To the door. II was Mr.. Thompson. He
dismuunted. aud, as the door was open, en-
tcrered without ceremony. Hebadc the Wild
ow cheerful good morning. and then took
u scat.
.I'vc come on business, and may us well
proceed at once" Then, turning to Abel,
he asked
"Are you engaged ut present ?"
"No, sir" replied the youth eagerly, for
the man spoke very kindly.
"wouldu't you like something to do?'
"Oh yes. sir spent all tho day yes,er-
day in looking after work. My mother is not
well. and must earn Something"
"Can you write?'
.Yes, sir"
pretty well ?''
"Yes. sir Ny mother has taught me
more than should have learned at school, F"
"You can cyphcr. then?'
"Ycs. sir have been pretty thoroughly
rs far rs cube root"
"Can YOU drive two horses ~
"Yes. sir. drove the stage from here TO
Gran,borough good many times last win.
ter"
"Then | think YOU are just the man |
want. In few days | shall have some
sauce to send to the city, and as ye, have
engaged no ono 10 take charge OF that de-
partment. For the last ten years have lost
considerably bv dishonest men The man
who carries my produce to market, has con.
siderable money TO collect; sometimes it will
average hundred dollars a day for week
at time. When buy up fruit and berries
to send to the citv, the receipts are consider
able. How should you like the place?"
II could be with my mother at nights,
sir?"
Eyes"
.'rhen should like il very much-vcry
much, sir And if | serve you, shall serve
you hithfully." =.
81 have no fears on that account" said
Mr.. Thompson. with a peculiar look. "l
am fully satisfied of your honestly saw
you pick up my purse"
There was slight shudder starting
through the youths soul, for no could not
help thinking what would have been the re-
suit had he kept the money.
"You arc not the Iirst one have tried, :"
resumed the gentleman. First looked up
ON samuel Stephens. He is poor, and |
thought him capable. dropped my purse
with INV name plainly written upon it, where
he should find Il. He did find it, and he
kept il. Next tried Lot Poole. and he did
the same. Some might say had no bust.
ness to place temptation in poor youths
way but would give employment to those
who most needed il, and US there is ample
temptation in the work must have done, |
thought had right to try them. Butyou
have proved yourself trustworthy, and am
glad OF it. And now, if upon trial you suit
me, will pay you forty dollars month and
board you. What say you to that?"
But poor Abel knew not what to to say.
The sum named was enormous to him. He
had wondered il no should got as much as
fiftcAu. .r.l ..-....f u.
"Foriy?" he whispered, fearful that he
had misunderstood him.
l..S.. I.,ll.rs unnnth WitI nnk
that answcr?"
"Oh-yes, sir. II is more than expect
ed-much more"
"rhen YOU will be the better satisfied.
like 20 have those who work for me satisfied.
and then if they do wrong am not to blame.
So, suppose you come up and look around
VIE will commence the first month to-day"
The poor widow felt II her duty to say
something before the kind man left, 80 she
turned toward him and opened her mouth
and then-began to cry.
Mr.. Thompson understood Ii. took her by
the hand, and babe her be OF good cheer,
and then hastened away.
Until the sound OF the horses tramp had
died away in the distance, both mother and
child sat in perfect silence. AT length tho
widow aro-e and SINK upon her sons bosom.
40 Abel! God has blessed Us wondTous'
ly." -
"supposo had kept the money!" wh's-
pered the youth. se fi
"Not that--not that, my son. Oh! II
was not the money though the money. like
mirror. reelected yourself. twas the stern
integrity OF your soul. You couldn't have
kept il. The simple carrying back OF ton