Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-10-22
WILLIAM HITERLT.

II
About thirty years ago. said Judge
p. | stepped into book store, in
Cincinnati, in search of some books that
[ wanted. While there little ragged
boy came in and inquired fora geography.
Plenty of ,hcm," said the salesman.
How much do they cost?"
Zone dollar, my lad
The little fellow drew back in disinay,
and taking his little hand out of his pock-
ct. he commenced 10 count some pennies
and some small silver pieces that he had
held until they were all damp with sweat.
Several times he counted them, then look
ing up said.
II didn't know they were so much !" he
turned to 60 out, and even opened the
door, but closed it again and came back.
Il have only sixty-one cents" said he; ;
you could not let me hav e a geography.
and wait a little while for the rest of the
money!"
How eagerly his little bright eyes look
ed up for the answer andhow he seemed
to shrink within his ragged clothes when
the man not very kindly told him that he
could not.
The disappointed little fellow looked up
to me with very poor attempt at smile
and lefl the store. | followed and over
took him.
And wha, now?" asked kindly.
Try another place. sir"
Shall 60 too, and see how you sue
ceed9" asked.
'Oh. yes, if you like said he in sur
prise.
Four different stores | entered with
him, and each time he was refused
"Will you try again'" asked him.
Yes sir; shall try them all, or
shouldn', know whether could get one.
We entered the fifth store. and the little
fellow walked up mantully. and told the
gentleman just what he wanted, and how
much money he had
You want the book very, very much?'
asked the proprietor.
Yes sir; very much
why do you want it so very. very
much?'
ITO study sir. l can't go TO school,
but study when | can at home. All the
boys have 60, one, and they will get ahead
OF me. Besides my father was sailor
and want to learn Of the places where
he used to CO."
Does he go TO those places now?'
"He is dead" said the boy softly. Then
he added. after while II am going to
he sailor, too,
"Arc you thought asked the gentle
man, raising his eyebrows curiously.
Yes. sir; if live"
"wen, my lad. I'll tell you what will
do; will let yhu have new geography
and you may pay me the rest OF the
money when you can, or will let yon
have one that i. not new for fifty cents.
"Are the leaves all in it. and just like
the Others only not new?"
"Yes, Just like the new ones"
III will do just as well. then, and III
have eleven cents left towards buying
some other book. am glad they didn't
let me have any at the other places.
The bookseller look ed up inquiringly,
and | told him what had seen of the little
fellow. He was much pleased. and when
he brought the book along, saw nice,
new pencil and some clean white paper
in it.
"a present my lad, for your persever-
ance. Always have courage like that, and
you will make your mark.
Thank you, sir, you are very good"
"What is your name?"
"William Haverly. sir. )"
"Do you want any more books?" | now
asked him.
more than can ever get" he replied,
glancing at the books on the shelves.
gave him bank note. 1T will buy
some for you," said l.
Tears of JOY came into his eyes. "Can
| buy what want with it?"
"Yes, my lad. anything"
Then I'll buy one book for mother.
said he. Il thank you very much. and
some day hope can pay you back"
He wanted my name and | gave it to
him. Then | left him standing by the
counter, so happy that almost envied
him and many years passed before l saw
him again.
Last year went to EHrope on one OF
the finest vessels that ever plOughed the