Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-04-15
HONESTY Is THE BEST POLICY.

1t was SIX clock IN the afternoon. Al
this time the greet wholesale warehouse OF
Mcssrs. Hubbard 4 Son was wont to close,
unless the pressure of business compelled
tne partners to keep open until later. TIE
duty of closing generally devolved upon Ed
ward Jones, boy of fourteen. who had
lately been engaged to perform few light
duties, tor which he received the sum of
fifty dollars annually. He was the hoy, "
but if he behaved himself so as to win the
appreciation of his employers, his chance for
promotion was good.
Yet there we're some things that rendered
this small salary hard trial to hin-cir-
cumstances with which his employers were
not acquainted His mother was widow.
The sudden death of Mr.. Jones had thrown
the entire family upon their own resources,
and they were indeed but slender
There was an elder sister who assisted her
mother to sew, and this, with Edward S
salary, constituted the entire income of the
family. Yet by means OF untiring industry,
they had contrived thus far to live, using
strict economy, of course. Yet they had
wanted none of the absolute necessities of
life
But Mary Jones-Edward' S sister-grew
sick. She had taken a severe cold, which
had terminated in fever This not only
cut off on the income arising from her own
labor, but also prevented her mother from
accom- plishing as much as she would other
wise have been able to do.
On the morning of the day on which our
story commences, Mary had expressed
longing for an orange. In her fever il would
have been grateful to her.
1t is hard indeed when we are obliged to
deny to those we love that would be re-
freshment and benefit to them.
fa1f md Il M rd
Il only wish that could buy yeu one,
Mary" said Edward, just as he set out for
the store. Next year shall receive lar
ger salary, and then we won't have to pinch
so much
"Never mind, Edward" said Mary, ,smil-
ing family, 81 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, Ma
ry," said Mrs. Jones, soothingly. though
her heart sank within her at the thought of
her empty larder. Only get well, and we
shall get along well enough afterward. :"
1t was with the memory of this scene that
Edward went to the store in the morning.
All around were boxes of rich goods rep
resenting thousands of dollars in money.
oh" thought he, if l only had the val.
ue Of one of 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 his employ
er, bis attention was drawn to bit OF paper
lying on the floor beneath.
He picked it up, and to his great JOY
found it to be ten dollar bill.
The first thought that flashed upon him
was, How much good this will do Mary
can buy her that orange she wants, and she
shall have some every day, and perhaps she
would like chicken"
But moment later his countenance fell.
1T isn't mine" he sighed. $ 1t must be
Mr.. Hubbard's This is his desk, and he
must have dropped it. -
Still" urged the tempter, "he will ,nev-
er know it. And after all what are ten dol
lars to him He is worth hundred thous-
and"
Still, Edward was not satisfied. Whether
Nr. Hubbard could spare it or not, was not
thequestion. 1t was rightfully his, and
must be given back to him.
I'll go to his house and give 1t to him
this very night" said Edward. Other
wise | will be tempted to keep it,
He determined to 60 to Mr.. Hubbard's
before he went home. The sight of his sis
ter would perhaps weaken his resolution,
and this must never be- He must preserve
his integrity at all hazards.
He knew where Mr. Hubbard lived. 1t
was large, fine looking house, on fashion
able street. He had passed it several times,
and wondered whether man must not feel
happy who is able to live in such style.
Without unnecessary delay, therefore. he |
Went to the house, and ascending the steps, |
rang the bell. A servant came to the door. |
'Well?' he said.
Is Mr.. Hubbard at home p"