Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1869-07-28

that, for it has brought me nothing in, and
l have had to feed it but l will make
you an offer which l think will suit you.
We will mako an agreement to 90 halves
with each other; L will give you the
marmot back, but you must honestly
share all your earnings with me, and de-
liver me my share every year on St. Syl-
westerns day" The boy looked for some
time at the Elector, not knowing whether
he was in Jest or earnest but when he
saw that he really meant what he said, he
joyfully completed the bargain and ask
ing for the marmot, he turned to 90
away with a joyful heart. But the Prince
who was exceedingly pleased with the
boy, seeing that his coat was worn out at
the elbows, and altogether very thin,
would not let him depart, but took good
care of him till a new warm coat was
made for him. He then set off, after
thanking the Elector a thousand times {;
and his heart beat lightly under his nice
warm jacket.
We will now leave the boy to wander
on his way, through the cold winter days,
and only say that a year passed away, and
the Elector heard nothing of him. As
the people offered their congratulations
to the Prince on New Years Day, he
thought to himself, Now my little part
ner, the Savoyard, will come to settle
accounts with me-" But he was misI,
the boy did not appear. "Alas lSSlcA9t
the Prince sadly. " he has wandered into
the broad roa which so many follow, and
which leads to destruction"
-Four, five, six years passed AWAY, and
the Elector had quite forgotten the cir
c~umstance, when, one st. Syl vester'sday,
a youth was announced, who earnestly
requested to speak to the EIector. He
gave him access, and a fine young man
entered, well-d ressed, and looking very
respectable. You remember, most noble
sir" began the young man, after a most
respectful salutation, that you once gave
a marmot to a poor Savoyard boy ~ @Oh.
yes" said the Prince, "but he did not
keep the promise he made me; do you
know anything of him." Pray, do not
think so harshly of him, noble sir when
he took leave of you he crossed the Rhine
to Coblentz, wandered all through Ger
many, went to Strasburg, and afterwards
to Paris. He never forgot you, nor the
debt he owed you but it was such a long
journey, and St. Sylvester's day is in the
depth of winter therefore he thought he
might as well discharge the whole debt at
one time. When he arrived in Paris. his
little marmot died. 1t was now necessary
to deliberate but the good God always
opens a door to those who trust in Him.
He found an honest comrade, who, like
himself. had saved something so they
entered into partnership, AID set up a
little trade at Metz. They succeeded very
well, but his comrade soon died. and made
all the business over TO him. Gods bless
ing still remained with him. But he
could not wait any longer, so he balanced
his accounts, and now brings you the half
of his earnings, with many thousand
thanks" Saying this, the young man
placed several piles of crowns upon the
table.
The Elector drew his hand across his
eyes to wipe away the tears, and cried
oat, What you fare the same? Did
you then gain all this by the little
animal ?"
Not exactly" answered the Savoyard,
q but what l gained by that laid the
foundation of the other therefore. the half
OF that belongs % you ufo, besIdE the
price of the little animal, and to that you
must add the interest Of it"
This time, tears started visibly to the
eyes of the Elector, and he said, Worthy
young man, did you not know that I was
only in joke about taking half? No, keep
your honest gains, and may the Lord God
bless you a~bundantly .'-BaHd Of HOPE
RerieI0.