The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1869-11-06
misrrlIamp.
HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY.

time the 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 deyolved upon Edward Jones, 4 boy
of fourteen, who had lately been engaged 70
perform few light duties for which he re-
ceiyed the sum of fifty dollars annually. He
was the "boy," but if he behaved himself SO
IS to WIN the appreciation of his employers
bis chance ofpromotion was good. ",l.i
Yet there was some things that rendered
this small salary hard trial to him-circum.
stances with Which his employers werelnot
acquainted. His mother was a widow. The
sudden death of Mr.. Jones had thrown the en-
tire family upon their own resources. anatley
were indeed but slender.
There were 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
contriyed thus far to live, using strict econo-
my OF course. Yet they had wanted none of
the absolute necessities Of life. 81. On
But Mary Jones--Edward's sister--grew
SICK She had taken severe cold, which had
terminated in q fever This not only cut OFT
the income arising from her own labor, but
also prevented her mother from accomplish
ing 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. ~e c.ajatts
It is hard indeed when we are obliged to
deny to those we love what would be re-
freshment and benefit to them
Mrs. Jones felt this, and so did Edward
81 only wish hat I could buy you one,
Nary said Edward, just as he set ont for the
store. "NcXt year l shall receive a larger
salary and then we won't have to pinch 80
much"
"Neyer mind, Edward" said Mary, smiling
family II ought not to have asked for it
knowing how hard you and mother find it to
get along without men
Don't trouble Yourself about that, Mary
said Mrs. Jones, soothingly, though her heart
sank within her at the thought of her empty
iarder. only get well, and we shall get
along well enough afterward" c5ra
1t was with the memory of this scene that
Edward went to the store in the morning.
All around were rich goods representing
thousands Of dollars in money.
"Oh," thought he, eff only had the value
OF those boxes; how much good it would do
u u.
The long day wore away at last, and Ed
ward was about to close the warehouse
But as he passed the desk of his employer.
his attention was drawn to a bit of Daper
lying on the floor beneath
He picked it up, and to his great 10y found
it to be ten dollar bill I'lIr
The first thought that flashed upon him was,
Chow much good this will do Mary can buy
her that orange she wants, and she will have
some every day; and perhaps she would like
q chicken"
But moment later his countenance fell.
at isn't mine," he sighed. II must be Mr..
Hubbard's. This is his desk, and he must
have dropped it,"
"Stii," urged the tempter, she will never
know it. And after NIL what are ten dollars
to him ? He is worth hundred thousand
Still, Edward was not satisfied Whether
Dir. Hubbard could spare it or not, was not
the question. 1t was rightfully his, and
must be given back to him.
GU 80 to his house and give it to him this
very night" said Edward. "Otherwise will
be tempted to keep it." t"
He determined to go to Mr.. Hnbbaras be-
fore he went home. The sight OF his sister
would perhaps weaken his resolution, and this
must never be. He must preserve his ntegri-
ty at all hazards.
He knew where Mr. Hubbard lived. 1t was
o fine looking house, on a fashionable street
He had passed it several times, and wondered
whether a 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.
man servant came to the door.
swell ~ he said. ss
CTS Mr.. Hubbard at home 2" ,'Nt2
Eyes, but he has just come in, and don't
think he can see YOU" was the supercilious
eply. fG tT4"
81 am in his employ" said Edward, quietly,
"and have come from the store. think he
will see me if you mention this to him.
every well, you can come in"
Edward was left standing in the hall, while
Mr.. Hubbard was sought by the servant.
"Well y he said inquiringly, "has anything
happened y ~
mo, sir y said Edward, shut picked up
This bill! near your desk; and 1 suppose you
must have dropped it. / thought had bet
ter bring it here directly -.,--t.,
"lou have done WELL" said Mr. Hubbard,
II will remember it. Honesty is u very valua-
Die quality in o boy just commencing in u
business career Hereafter shall have per.
feet confidence in your honesty"
Edward was gratitied 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 turned upon him and he
thought regretfully how much good could
have been done with ten dollars Not that he
regretted that he had been honest There
was satisfaction in doing right, but think