The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1865-06-01
EDWARDS TEMPTATION.
BY HoRATIC ALGER, JR.


house of Messrs. Hubbard & Son was
won't to close, unless the pressure Of bus
iness compelled the partners to keep open
until later.
The duty Of closing usually devolved
upon Edward Jones, boy of fourteen
who had lately been engaged to perform
few slight duties for which he received
the sum of fifty dollars annually. He
was the 'boy," but if he behaved himself
so as to win the appreciation of his en-
ployerS his chance of promotion was good
Yet there were some things that rem.
Gercd this small salary hard trial to
him-circumstanees with which his en-
rloyers were unacquainted. His mother
was widow. The sudden death of Mr..
Jones had thrown the entire family upon
their own resources, and these were in
deed but slender.
There was an elder sister who assisted
her mother to sew, and this, with Ed
wards salary, constituted the entire in
come CT the family. Yet by means of un-
firing industry, they had continued thus
far to live. using strict economy, Of course.
Yet they had wanted none of the abso-
Lutte uecessaries of life.
But Mary Jones-Edward's sister
grew sick. She had taken a severe cold
which Terminated in fever. This not on
ly cut OF the income arising from her
own labor, but also preventing her moth
er from accomplishing as much as she
would otherwise have been able to do.
On the morning OF the day on which
our story commences, Mary had express
ed 4 longing for an orange. In her fever
ii would have been most grateful to her
It is hard indeed, when we are obliged
t, ae2y tbs: TIC l2ye that which woall
be reGso2Lmeat and benefit to them.
Mrs. Jones felt this, an4 50 did Ed
warl.
81 only wish I could buy you one, Ma
ry," said Edward just as he set out for
the store. Next year | shall receive
larger salary, and then we shan't have to
pinch 50 much"
"Neyer mind, Edward" said Mary,
smiling faintly. "I ought not to have
asked for it knowing how hard you and
mother fad it to get along without me-"
"Don't trouble yourself about that,
Mary" said Mrs. Jones, soothing!y,
though her heart sank within her at the
thought Of her empty larder. Only get
well, and we shall get on well enough af
terwards"
1t was with the memory Of this scene
that Edward went to the store in the
morning.
al around him were boxes of rich
goods representing thousands of dollars
in money.
"0h,5 thought he, "if only had the
value Of one Of these boxes how much
good it would DO poor Mary and Ed
ward sighed.
The long day wore away at last, and
Edward was about to close the warehouse.
But as he passed the desk of his en-
ployer his attention was drawn to a bit of
paper lying on the floor beneath.
He picked it up, and to his great JOY
found it to be a ten dollar bill.
The first thought that flashed upon
him was, Glow much good this will do
Mary. can buy her the oranges she
wants, and she shall have some every day.
Aud perhaps she would like chicken.
But moment later his countenance
fell.
at isn't mine," he sighed. at must
be Mr.. Hubbard's. This is his desk and
he must have dropped it.
"Still," urged the tempter, she will
never know it and after all what are ten
dollars to him? lie is worth hundred
thousand"
Still Edward was not satisfied. Wheth-
er Mr.. Hubbard could spare it or not
sas not The question 1t was rightfully
his, and must be given back to him.
'I'll 20 right to his house and give it
10 him this very night" said Edward.-
"0therwise / might be tempted to keep
it,
He determined to 90 to Mr. Hubbard's
before he went home. The sight of his
SISTER might perhaps weaken his resolu-
ton, and this must never be. lie must
preserve his integrity at all hazards.
lie knew where Mr.. Hubbard lived.
It was large fine looking house, on
fashionable street. He had passed 1t sew
eral times and wondered whether a man
must not feel happy who was able to live
II such style.
Without any unnecessary delay, there
fore, he went to the house, assembled the
steps and rang the bell.
A man servant came to the door.
"Well p he said.
"Is Mr.. Hubbard at home?"
dyes, but he has only just come in,
and / don't think he can see you," was
the rather supercilious reply.
'G am in his employ" said Edward
"and have just come from the store
[ think he will see me if you mention
this to him"