Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1870-11-10

people were'who should buy all Oi
this; but he was disturbed in his
revcrie by a spruce young clerk,
who showed him where the water
ing pot and broom were, and in
formed him that his first duty in
the morniT g was to sprinkle and
sweep the floor. So at it the boy
went, and when this was done he
was set to carrying bundles OF
cloth up stairs, where a man was
piling them away.
And so Gilbert's mercantile schol-
arship had commenced. For awhile
he was homesick, but the men at
the store only laughed at him, and
ere long he got rid Of the feel
ing. A month passed away, and
at the end of that time his dollar
was spent. He had broken it at
first to purchase a pocket knife
which he could not do without.
This took half of it. Then he had
attended q scientific lecture, for
which he paid half of what was
left, and the rest had dwindled
away, until he was without pen
ny. But he bore up for awhile
He saw that the boys in the neigh
borhood stores had money to spend
but then he thought they had rich
fathers. He knew that his father
had nothing to spare. He knew
that his generous parent had al
ways burdened himself with more
than he was able to bear with com
fort to himself; so he would not
send to him. And yet it was I'M
pleasant to be without money to
be in that great city, where there
was so much for amusement and
profit, without even a penny to
| purchase a moments enjoyment, or
drop of extra comfort No boy
could be more faithful than was
Gilbert in the store. The clerks
and statesmen all loved him, and Mr.
Phelps often congratulated himself
on having obtained an excellent ap-
prentice. He worked early and
late, and he worked hard-perform-
ed more of real physical labor than
any one else in the store, if we eX-
cept the Irish porter.
Four months passed away, and
then Mr., Goodwin came to the
city to see his son. Gilbert pos
sessed a keen, discriminating mind,
and he knew if he made complaint
of his penury, his father would be
unhappy; so he said nothing of it,
but only professed to be very much
please with his situation; and the
parent shed tears of joy, when he
heard the wealthy merchant praise
his son.
"Is your dollar gone, Gilbert"
the father asked before he started
for home,
eyes," said the boy with a faint
smile,
Then must give you another,
for suppose you need a little. Has
Mr. Phelps given you anything 7"
"No sir, and will not ask him,
for know his rule"
THAT'S right my son. But take
this. | wish | could make it more"
And so did Gilbert wish, but not
for the world would he have said
so. He too deeply appreciated all
his father was doing for him, to
complain.
Mr. Goodwin returned home, and
Gilbert once more had a little mon
ey, but it did not last long. A dol
! lar was small sum for such a
place. A portion Of it he eXpend-
ed tor q few small articles which he
absolutely needed; then he attend
ed concert with his uncle's folks,
and ere long his pockets were again
empty. His position was now
more unpleasant than before. There
was a thousand simple things for
which he wanted a little money,
His little bright,eyed cousins teas
ed him for some little token, and
his older cousins wondered why he
did not attend any of the concerts
and lectures.
One evening after the store was
closed, Gilbert stood on the iron
steps with the key in his hand-for
he was now entrusted with that i'm
portant implement-when he was
! Joined by lad named Baker, who
held the same position in an ad'
Joining store, that Gilbert did in
Mr.. Phelps.
"Say, Gil, going to the concert
tonight" ?" asked Baker.
mo, can't"
Cant? Why not?"
"Why, to tell you the plain truth,
jim, l haven't got the money
"Pooh! Come along. I'll pay
the shot"
"But l don't wish to run in debt,
jim, for | may never pay you"
"Pay me? Who talked about
paying? III offer to pay, that is
enough. Come along. 1t will be a
glorious concert"
"But l must go and get some
supper"
mo, 90 with me and get your
supper"
But Gilbert could notgo without
letting his aunt know, so Baker
walked round that way with him.
Then they went to the restaurant;
here Baker paid for the supper.
He had several bank notes, and
moor Gilbert gazed npon them with