Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-09-28
MISCELLANEOUS.
HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY,

1t was six O'Clock IN the afternoon. AT
this time tho great wholesale warehouse of
Messrs Hubbard 4 Son was wont to close,
unless the pressure of business compelled the
partners to keep open until later. The duty
of closing usually devolved upon Edward
Jones, y boy of fourteen, who had lately been
engaged to perform a few light duties, for
which he received the SUN of fifty dollars
annually He was the "boy," but if he
behaved himself so as to win the appreciation
of his employers, his chance of promotion was
good.
Yet there was some things that rendered
this small salary a hard trial to him-circum
stances with which his employers were not ac
uuainted. 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 older 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
contrivcd thus far to live, using strict economy,
of course. Yet they had wanted none of the
absolute necessities of life.
But Mary Joues-Edward's sistor-grew
sick She had taken q severe cold, which
had terminated in fever This not only cut
off the income arising from her own labor,
but also prevented her mother from accom-
plishing as much as she would otherwise have
been able to do.
On the morning of the day on which our
story commences, Mary had expressed long:
ing for an orange. In her fever it would
have been grateful to her.
1t is hard indeed when We are obliged to
deny to those we love what would be refresh
ment and benefit to them.
Mrs. Jones felt this, and so did Edward.
al only wish that 1 could buy you one,
Mary" said Edward, just as he set out for the
store "Next year L shall receive larger
salary, and then we wont have to pinch SO
much"
"Nevcr mind, Edward" !" said Mary. smiling
family, 81 ought not to have asked for it
knowing how hard you and mother find it to
get along without me-"
ssDon't trouble yourself about that Mary"
said Mrs. Jones, soothingly, though her heart
sank within her at the thought of her empty
lardcr "Only get well, and we shall get
along we'll enough afteEward."
1t was with the memory of this scene that
Edward went to the store in the morning.
All around we're boxes of rich goods rep
resenting thousands of dollars in money.
"Oh," :" thought he, "if 1 only had the value
of one of those boxes, how much good it would
do poor Mary" And Edward sighed.
The long day wore away ut last, and Edward
was about to close the warehouse.
But as he passed the desk of his employer,
his attention wns 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 ; L
can buy her that orange she wants, and she
will have some every day; and perhaps she
would like chicken"
But moment later his countenance fell
at isn't mine" he sighed. 1t must be Mr.
Hubbard's. This is his desk, and he must
have dropped it"
"Shll," urged the tempter, he will never
| know it. And after all, what are ten dollars
to him? BE is worth hundred thousand" !"
Still, Edward was not satisfied. Whether
| Mr. Hubbard could spare it or not, was not
the question. 1t was rightfully his, and must
| be given back to him.
''IIl go to his house and give it TO him this
very night" said Edward. "Otherwise will
be tempted to keep it."
| He determined to go to Mr.. Hubbard's
before he went home. The sight of his sister
would perhaps weaken his resolution, and this
must never be. He must preserve his in
tegrity at all hazards.
He knew where Mr. Hubbard lived It
was fine looking house, on fashionable
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 man servant came TO the door.
"Well?" he said,