Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1870-11-18
HONESTY THE BEST POLICY.


to go to clearinghouse for his education
At the age Of fifteen, he was hired by farmer
to be shepherd in the neighborhood of Lu
oetta, who kept her fathers sheep. They
often met and were fond of being together.
Five years thus passed, wien their sensations
became more serious.
Perrin proposed to Lucetta to demand her
from her father; she blushed and confessed
her willingness. AS she had on errand to
the town next day, the opportunity of her
absence was chosen for making the proposal
"You want to marry my daughter;" said the
old man. "Havc you house to cover her, or
money to MAINTAIN her? Lucetta's fortune
is not enough for both. 1t won't do, Perrin,
it won't do"
"But" replied Perrin, "I have hands to
work; have laid up twenty crowns Of my
wages, which will defray the expenses of tho
wedding; I'll work the harder and lay up
MORE"
"Wcll," said the old man, "you are young
and may wait little; get rich and my daugh-
ter is at your service"
Perrin waited for Lucetta's returning in
the evening elias my father given you a
refusal p cried Lucetta. "Ah, Lucotta,"
cried Perrin, chow unhappy am I for being
poor But have not lost all hopes. My
circumstances may change for the better"
AS they never grew tired of convcrsing togeth-
or, the night grew on and it became dark
Perrin making a false step, fell on the ground.
He found bag which was heavy. Drawing
towards a light in the neighborhood, he
discovered that it was full of gold. II thank
heaven" cried Perrin, in transport, "for be-
ing favorable to our wishes. This will salts.
fy your father, and make us happy"
On their way to her cathers house,
thought struck Perrin. "This money is not
ours; it belongs to some stranger, and per-
haps at this mouent he is lamenting the loss
ofit. Let US go to the vicar for advice. lie
has always been kind" Perrin put the bag
into the wears hand, saying that at first he
looked on it as providential present to re-
move the only obstacle to their marriage; but
that he now doubted whether he could law
fully retain it. The vicar eyed the lovers
with attention. He admired their honesty,
which appeared even to surpass their affection.
"Perrin," said he, "che,isa these senti
ments. Heaven will bless you. We will
endeavor to find out tho owner. He will re-
ward your honesty; will add what can
spare. You shall have Lucetta."
The bag was advertised 10 the newspapers
and cried in the ncighboriug parishes. Some
time having elapsed, and the money not de-
manded, tho VICAR carried it to Perrin
These 10000 livrcs bear at present no profit.
You may reap the interest at least Lay
them out in such manner as to insure the
sum itself to the owner, if he shall appear"
"Pcrrin, one evening, returning homeward
from his work, saw chaise overturned with
two gentlemen in it. lie ran to their.assis
tance, and offered them every accommodation his
small house could afford. "rhis spot" said
one Of the gentlemen, sis very fatal to me.
Ten years ago | lost here twelve thousand
"What search made you for them 2" said he
'It WAS not in my power" replied the stran
ger. ITO make any search. was hurryine
to Port rOrient to embark for the Indies,
for the vessel was ready to sail"
Next morning, Perrin showed to his guests
his house, his garden, his cattle, and men.
toned the produce of his folds. "All these
are your property" said he, addressing th,
gentleman who had lost the bag; "thc money
-.fe!! into my hands; I purchased this farm
With it; this farm is yours. The vicar has
an instrument which secures your property
though had died without seeing you"
The stranger read the instrument with emo
tion He looked on Perrin, Lucetta aud th'
children. "Where am ?" cried he, "ant
what do hear? What virtue n people 81
low! Have you any other land but thi
farm?" "No," replied Perrin; "but 20,
willhave occasion for a tenant. and hop
you will allow me to remain here" "You
honesty deserves better recompenso," an
swered the stranger "my success in trad
has been great, aud I have forgotten my los
Youare we'll entitled to this little fortune
keep it as your own"
What man in this world would have aote
like Perrin,2 Perrin and Lucetta shed tear
of affection and Joy. "My dear children,
said'he, "kiss the hand Of your bcnefacto,
I, ,iLuoetta, this farm now belongs to t,s, and W
can enjoy it without anxiety Or remorse
rrhUot vuda hnneafv ravysrdad "s iit IA