Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-10-31
fir tAe Aonte GirT1le.
SPEAK ONLY THE TRUTH.


Ashworth to her son. 81 want you TO lister
to me for few minutes whilst I speak tc
you about your besetting sin. Almost un.
consciously, you are daily guilty IF false
hood" .-,.....- -,.....~s rs
"Oh, mamma, exclaimed Edin,s, 'sI an
sure I could not be so mean as to tell an
untruth." ....--.. l:... >.. .-'' ..'. n
"You say things sometimes that are not
strictly true, my son, and mimic actions in
a very exaggerated manner. Who can ever
say how much mischief has been caused in
the world by. such idle vords; Many
homes have been rendered miserable, many
true friends separated simply on account Of
words spoken at random - ,.- .t
At that moment Mrs. Ashworth was
called away, and the conversation thus in.
terrupted was not renewed. Indeed, am
almost afraid that, although Edin at the
time made some good resolves to try and
conquer his besetting sin, he soon forgot
his mothers warnings, until they were re,
called to his mind by painful incident.
Edin was day boarder at school not far
distant from his own home. He was a
bright intelligent boy, full of fun and
mischief, and very popular among his school
fellows. There was, however, one of Edin's
companions who used to expostulate with
him on the danger of the habit he had &C
quired. Little Charlie Elmore was an on
/ ly son. Early in life he had losthis father,
and it was only by exercising the strictest
economy that Mrs. ,Elmore was able to pro-
vide the means of sending Charlie to school
Owing to an accident he was crippled for
life. A gentle, quiet, diligent: little fellow
was Charlie Elmore; and yet, with all his
gentleness and yielding disposition, he could
be very firm in the cause of right. Not the
gay, high spirited Edin could resist tempta-
ton nearly SO well as did his little compan-
ion. Between. the two boys q friendship
had grown up, Notwithstanding the marked
difference IN their characters-a friendship
that was encouraged by DR.. and Mrs. Ash
worth; for they wisely judged that Edin
could not have a better companion. The
school clock was striking twelve as the
boys came rushing out in the play ground
attached to DR.. sGraham's house. Edin
was amongst the number of those who were
about to enjoy on hours recreation.
: "Here, Ashworth," cried Harry Frier,
"Do come and tell us what Charlie Elmore
was saying to you before school. I know
he was lecturing YOU ..,s.....,,.--
e, "Lecture, indeed! who cares for him, I
wonder" shouted another.
"Do tell us what he said,'' repeated
Harry. "Here, boys, Ashworth is going
to act Elmore. Do it well, Ashworth." "
IF Edm had paused moment to reflect,
that~which followed never would have hap
pened. As it was, he gazed at the little
group around him, waiting for the per-
formance to begin," las Harry remarked }
and his pride was gratifed. There were
boys much older than himself. there who
wished to be entertained by him. Urged on
by the merriment of the thoughtless group
around him, Edin forgot every considera.
ton, and exceeded far the bounds of truth
as he carricatured Charlie, putting himself
into the most ridiculous postures, and bob
bing about in imitation of the little cripple.
Suddenly the shouts of applause that greet.
ed him on every side died away, and dead
silence followed. Edin looked up hastily
to ascertain the cause, and encountered the
fixed strong gaze of Charlie, Elmore him
SELF He stood just opposite to him. One
glance at the little boys pale agitated face
told Ediu but too truly that, he had been q
witness to the whole scene. -
For moment Edin stood silent, then he
cried, "Charlie, Charlie, don't look like
that speak to me, do speak to me-"
The strange, unnatural expression van
ished from Charles countenance, but he
: shook off the hand that Edin laid on his
arm, and merely casting one sad, reproach
full look, he moved hastily on Long af
forwards that look followed Edin; there
had been no anger depicted there, only in
tense surprise and grief. In the secret
retirement of his own room Edin recalled
to his mind his mothers words, and wept
many and true tears of repentance. Or
the morrow he determined to seek Charlie
and implore his forgiveness; surely, wher
he knew how Edin grieved for his miscon
duct he would overlook. his fault, grea'
though it had been. With these reAec
tions Edin fell asleep. Charlie Elmort
did not make his appearance at school tht
following day, and the next day he did mo-
come. As Charlie was delicate boy, anc
often was kept away from school by illness
his non-appearance did not occasion Edir
much uneasiness, thoug gh he longed very
much to see his friend, and make his peace
with him. A week had passed away
Edin knew that his father attended Char
lie, but he did not believe him to be very
ill, until he was startled one evening by
DR.. Ashworth's observing that it was a bao
case with little Elmore this time.
II cannot account at all for this last i'll
ness; he appears to me to have received
severe shock to his nervous system.
questioned him about it, but he seemed tt
wish to avoid the subject, and was afraie
of agitating him"
"Papa," said Edin, the next morning a
breakfast, cit is holiday to-day; may l g
and see Charlie Elmore?" .....
eyes; do not think it will do him an,
harm only let your visit be short one
and do not talk too much"
| With trembling heart, an hour later
|, Edin knocked at the door of Rose Cottage