The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-04-05
He picked it up and to his great Joy
round IL TO he a ten dollar bill.

The hrst thought tnat nasneu upon
him was "How much good this will do
Mary 1 can buy her the oranges she
wants, and she shall have some every
day. And perhaps she would like a
chicken"
But a moment later his countenance
fell.
at isn't mine," he sighed. "It must
be Mr.. Hubbard's. This is his desk, and
be must have dropped it."
"Still," urged the tempter, che will
never know it and after all, what are
ten dollars to him +? He is worth hun
dred thousand"
Still Edward was not satisfied. Wheth-
er Mr.. Hubbard could spare it or not
was noG tue question. ~ Was rigntiuly
his, and must be given back to him.
"Tll 60 TO his house and give it to him
this very night" said Edward. Other
wise I might be tempted to keep it."
He determined to 20 to Mr.. Hubbard's
before he went home. The sight per-
haps of his sick sister might weaken his
resolution, and this must never be. He
must preserve his integrity at all hazards.
He knew where Mr.. Hubbard lived.
It was large fine looking house, on a
fashionable street. He had passed it
several times and wondered whether a
man must not feel happy who was able
to live in such style.
Without any unnecessary delay, he
therefore went to the house, and ascend
ing the steps, rang the bell.
A man servent came to the door.
"Well ?" he said.
"Is Mr.. Hubbard at home 2"
eyes, but he has only just come in.
and I don't think he can see you," was
the rather supercilious reply.
II am in his employ" said Edward,
quietly, "and have just come from the
store. [ think he will see me if you
mention this to him"
Every we'll, you can come in"
Edward was left standing In the hall
while Mr.. Hubbard was sought by the
servant.
"Well? ?" he said enquringly, "Has
anything happened ?"
mo, sir" said Edward, "but picked
up this bill near your desk, and supposed
you dropped it. thought had better
bring it here directly"
"You have done well" said Mr.. Hub
bard, sand [ will remember it. Honesty
is very valuable quality in boy just
commencing a business career. Hereaf
ter l shall have perfect confidence 10
your honesty"
Edward was gratifed by this assurance,
yet as the door closed behind him and he
walked out into the street, the thought
of his sister sick at home again intruded
upon him, and he thought legretfully
how much good could have been done
with ten dollars. Not that he regretted
being honest. There was the satisfaction
of having done right
Mrs. Jones brought some toast to
her daughters bedside, but Mary mo.
toned it away.
81 thank you for taking the trouble to
make it. mother" she said "but | don't
think I can possibly eat it."
"Is there anything that you could rel
ish, Mary?"
No. said she, hesitatingly; "nothing
that we can get
Mrs Jones sighed sigh which Ed
ward echoed.
1t was With heavy heart that Edward
started for the warehouse the next morn
ing. He had never felt the craving for
wealth which now took possession of him.
He set about his duties as usual.
About two hours after he had arrived
at the warehouse Mr.. Hubbard entered |
He did not at first appear to notice Ed
ward, but iu about half an hour summon.
ed him to the Office which was partitioned
off from the remaidner of the spacious
rooms in which goods were stored.
He smiled pleasantly as Edward enter
ed his presence.
"Tel me frankly" he said, "did you
not feel an impulse to keep the bill which
you found last night 7"
"I hope you will not be offended with
me, Mr.. Hubbard, SAID EDWARD III
say that l did"
"Tell me all about it" said Mr.. Hub
bard, with interest. "Whas was it that
withheld you. l should never have
known ii"
II knew that" said Edward.
"Then what withheld you from taking
it?
First I will tell you what tempted
me-" said Edward. my mother and
sister are obliged to depend upon sewing
for living, and we live but poorly at the
best But fortnight since Mary became
sick, and since then we have had hard
time. Mary's appetite is poor, and she
does not relish her food, but We are able |
L