Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1865-03-24
As1MPLE STORY.
HONESTY IS rHE BEST POLICY.

DI0SSuTe Ol OuSluesS cOmpoiltO tne partners 10
keep open until later. The du'y of closing
usually devolved upon Edward Jones, a boy OF
ourteen, who had lately been engaged to per
fOrm few light 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 employers, his chance
for promotion was good.
Yet there was some things that rendered
his small salary hard trial to him -circum-
stances with which his employers were not ac-
qlainted. His mother was 3 widow. The
-udden death of Mr.. jones had thrown the
sntire family upon their own resources, and
hey were indeed but slender.
There was an elder sister who assisted her
mother TO sew, and this, with Edwards salary,
constituted the entire income of the family
Yet by means of untiring industry, they had
contrived thus far TO live using strict economy
If course. Yet they bad wanted none OF the
ABSOLUTE necessities of life.
Bat Mary Jones-Edward sister-grew
sick. She bad taken severe cold which bad
terminated 10 fever. This not only cut off
he income arising from her own labor, but
.lso prevented her mother from accomplishing
al she would otherwise been able TO do.
On the morning of the day on which our
story commences. Mary had expressed
longing for an orange. 10 her fever it would
have been grateful to her. |
It is hard indeed when we are obliged to
deny to those we love that which would be
refleshment and benefit to them.
Mrs. Jones felt this, and so did Edward.
81 only wish / could buy you one, Mary"
said Edward, just as he set Out for the store
Next year shall receive q larger salary, and
hen we won't have to pinch so mueh'
Never mind, Edward" said Mary, smiling
faintly. Il ought not to have asked for it,
knowing how hard you and mother find it to
get along without me.
"Don't trouble yourself about that Mary"
said Mrs. Jones, soothingly, though her heart
sank within her at the thought of her empty
iarder. "ODly get well, and we shall GET along
we'll enough afterwards"
1t was with the memory of this scene that
Edward went to the store in the morning.
All around were boxes of rich goods repre-
sen1ipg thousands of dollars in money.
oh" thought be, ''if only had tie value
IF these boxes, how much good it would do
poor Mary" And Edward sighed.
The long day wore away at last, and Ed
ward was about TO close the warehouse.
But as he passed the desk of bis employer,
lis attention was drawn to bit of paper lying
III the floor beneath.
He picked il up and to bis great joy found
il to be ten dollar bill.
The first thought ha1hashed upon him was,
'how much good this will do Mary, can buy
sha obo oh boIl b.,,ys,
some every day and perhaps she would like
chicken"
But a moment later his countenaDce fell.
lit isn't NINE" he sighed. 1T must be Mr..
Iubbard's. This is his desk, and be must
lave dropped it,"
Still, urged the tempter, he will never
know it. And after all what are ten dollars
. him? He is wcrih hundred thousand"
Still Edward was not satisfied Whether
Nr. Hubbard could spare it or not, was not
the question. 1t was rightfully his, and must
oe given back to him..
III 60 to bis house aud give it to him this
very night" said Edward. Otherwise l will
ne tempted to keep it."
He determined to go to Mr. Hubbard's be
ore be went home. The sight OF his sister
would perhaps weaken his resolution, and this
must never be. He must preserve his integri
ty at all hazards.
He knew where Mr.. Hubbard lived. Il
vas large, foe looking house, on fashiona-
ole street. He had passed it several times. and
9ondered whether man must not feel haPgEE
who is able to live in such style.
Without unnecessary delay, therefore, be
went to the house, and ascending the steps
rang the bell.
A man servant came to the door.
"Wel?' he said. ..-
"Is Mr.. Hubbard at home?"
Yes, but he has just come in, and 1 don't
think he can see you" was the supercilicus re-
ply.
Il am in his employ" said Edward, quietly,
"and have just come from the store. l think
be will see me if you mention this to him."
"Very well, you can some in"
Edward was left standing in the hail. viii lie
Mr.. Hubbard was sought by the servant.
"Welip' be said inquiriOgly, has anything
happened?"
"No sir" said Edward, +but 1 picked up
this bill near your desk, and 1 suppose you
must have dropped it. l thought l had bet.
Ter bring it here directly"
''You have done WE'LL" said Mr. Hubbard
and will remember it. Honesty is a very
valuable quality in boy just commencing a
business career. Hereafter, L shall have per-
feet confidence 10 your honesty
Edward was gratiied by this assurance, yet
as the door closed behind him, and be walked
out into the street. the thought of his sister
sick at home again turned upon him and how
much good could have been done with $40
Not that he regretted that be had Leen homes.
There was satisfaction in doing right. but
think my readers will understand his feelings
without explanation.
Mrs Jones brought some toast to her
daughters bedside, but Mary mOtiOned it a
way. Il thank you for taking the trouble to
make it, mother" she said but | don't pos
sibly think l could possibly eat it,"
"Is there anything you could relish, Mary?'
"No," she said heistatingly, nothing that
we can get" ...
Mrs. Jones sighed-a sigh which Edward
echoed.
1t was with heavy heart that Edward
started to the warehouse the next morning
lie had never felt the cravings for wealth that
now took possession Of him.
He set about his duties usual. About
two hours after be had arrived at the ware
house, Mr.. Hubbard entered. He did not at
frst appear TO notice Edward but in about
bali an hour summoned him to the office
which was partilioned off from the remainder
of the spacious rooms in which goods were