Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-10-29
SELECTED STORY.
HONESTY is THE BEST POLICY.

HONESTY is THE BEST POLICY
1t was six o'clock in the afternoon. A
this time the great Wholesale warehouse O
Messrs Hubbard & 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, boy of fourteen, who had lately
been engaged to perform a few light duties,
for which he received the sum of fifty dol
lars 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 hard trial to him-cir-
cumsances 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 we're indeed but slender.
There was an older sister who assisted her
mother to sew, and this, with Edwards sal
airy, constituted the entire income of tbe
family Yet, by means of untiring indus
try, they had contrivcd thus far to live, u
sing strict economy, Of course. Yet they
had wanted none Of the absolute necessities
of life
But Mary Jones Edwards sister-grew
sick. She had taken a severe cold, which
had terminated iE fever. This not only
cut off the income arising from her own la
Dor, but also prevented her mother from ac-
comprising 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 a
longing for an orange. In her fever it would
have been grateful to her: $50 ,7'
It is hard indeed when We are obliged to
deny to those we love what would be a re-
freshment and benefit to them.
Mrs. Jones felt this, and so did Edward.
II only wish that I could buy you 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
90 much"
'sKeyer mind, Edward" said Mary smi-
ling family, II 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 Mary
said Mrs. Jones, soothingly, though her
heart sank within her at the thought of her
empty lander. "Only get we'll, and we shall
get along well enough afterward."
It 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 only had the
value of those 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 employer
his attention was drawn to a bit ofpaper ly-
ing op the floor beneath.
/ He picked itup, and to his greatjoy 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 will have some every day; and perhaps
she would like chicken
But moment LATER his countenanee fell.
ut 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 never
know it. And after all, what are ten dol
lars to him ? He is worth hundred thous-
and"
Still, Edward was not satisfied. Wheth,
er Mr. Hubbard could spare it or not was
not the question. It was rightfully his, and
must be given back to him.
'.I'll 60 to his house and give it to him
this very night" said Edward. s'Other-
wise [ will be tempted to keep it."
He determined to go 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. Il
was fine looking house, on fashionable
street. He had passed it several times, and
wondered whether q man ngst not feel hap
by who is able to live in such style.
Without unnecessary delay, therefore, he
went to the house, and ascending tho steps,
rang the lei
A man servant came to the door. 5l
sWellY" he said.
lis Mr.. Hubbard at home p
eyes, but he has just come in, and
don't think he can see you," was the super
cilious reply
Il am in his employ" said Edward, qul.
city ''and have come from the store.
think be will see me if yos mention this t(
him.
Very we'll you can come in
Edward was left standing in the hall
while Mr.. Hubbard was sought by the ser
want.
"Well?" he said inquiringly, "has any
thing happened 2
mo sir" said Edward, ''but | picked W
this bill near your desk !; and L suppose you
.npst haye dropped it, 7 thought ! h lla
Better bring it here Directly" -.
"You have done well,'' said Mr.. Hpp
bard, ''and I will remember it. Honesty i
very valuable quality in a boy just eom
mencing in business career Hereafter
shall have perfect confidence in your non
esty." :.
Edward was gratifed by this assurance
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