The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-06-23
BEWARE Og wEMpTAT10:
OF
HONESTY THE BEST POLICY.

keep open until later The duty of closing
usually devolved upon Edward Jones, boy of
fourteen, who had lately been engaged 70 per-
form few light duties, for which he received
the sum of fifty dollars 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 were some things that rendered
this small salary a hard trial to him-circum-
stances star ~ with which his employers were not ac-
ouainted. His mother was widow. The
sudden death of Mr.. Jones had thrown the en-
tire family upon their own resources, and they
were indeed but slender.
There was an older sister who assisted her
mother to sew, and this, with Edwards salary,
constituted the entire income of the family.
Yet, by means of untiring industry, they had
contrived THIS far to live, using economy, OF
course. Yet they had wanted none of the alb
solute necessities of life.
But Mary Jones, Edwards sister, grew sick.
She had taken severe cold, which had termi-
mated in a fever. This not only cut off the in
come arising from her own labor, but also pre-
vented her mother from accomplishing 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 long
ing for an orange. In her fever it would have
we are obliged to deny those we love what
would be a refreshment and benefit to them.
Mrs Jones felt this and so did Edward.
81 only wish that 1 could buy you one, Ma
~" said Edward, just as he set out for the
store 3'Next year 1 shall receive larger sal
airy, and then we won't have to pinch so much"
"Neyer mind, Edward" said Mary, smiling
family; II ought not to have asked you 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
larder. "Only get well, and we shall get along
we'll enough afterward''
1t was with the memory Of this scene that
Edward went to the store in the morning All
around were boxes of rich goods, representing
thousands of dollars in money.
"Oh," thought he, "if L only had the value
of one of these boxes, how much good it would
do poor Mary" And Edward sighed.
The long day wore away at last, and Edward
was about to close the warehouse. But as he
passed the desk of his employer his attention
was drawn to a bit of paper lying on the floor
beneath.
He picked it up, and to his great JOY found
it to be u ten dollar bill
The first thought that flashed upon him was,
GLOW much good this will do Mary; lean buy
her that orange she wants, and she will have
some every day; and perhaps she would like
chicken"
But moment later his countenance fell.
'It isn't mine," he sighed at must be Mr..
Hubbard's This is his desk, and he must
have dropped it. Still,' urged the tempter,
she will never know it. And, after all, what
are ten dollars to him? He is worth hundred
thousand"
Still Edward was not satisfied. 1t belonged
to Mr. Hubbard-it was rightfully his, and
must be given back to him.
"I'll go to his house and give it to him this
very night" said Edward. Otherwise [ will
be tempted to keep it,
He determined to 60 to Mr.. Hubbard's be-
fore he went home. The sight of his sister
would perhaps, weaken his resolution, and
this must never be- He must preserve his in
tegrity at all hazards
He knew where Mr.. Hubbard lived 1t was
fine looking house, on Il fashionable street.
He had passed it several times, and wondered
whether man must not feel happy who is able
to live in such style. Without unnecessary de-
lay, therefore, he went to the house, and as
scending the steps, rang the bell a man SER
want came to the door,
"Well?" he said.
eyes, but he has just come in, and | don't
think he can see you" was the superclious re-
II am in his employ" said Edward, quietly,
'Sand have come from the store. think he
will see ME if you mention this to him.
every we'll, you can come in.''
Edward was left standing in the hall while
Mr.. Hubbard was sought by the servant.
fWcll?" he said, inquiringly, "has anything
hNo, sir. said Edward, "but 1 picked up
this bill near your desk, and | supposed you
must have dropped it. | thought L had better
bring it here directly"
"You have done WE'LL" said Mr. Hubbard
"and l will remember it, Honesty is very
valuable quality in a boy just commencing a
feet confidence in your honesty"
Edward was gratified by this assurance, yet
as the door closed behind him, and he walked
out into the street, the thought of his sister
sick at home again turned upon him. and he
thought regretfully how much good could have
been done with ten dollars. Not that he re-
gretted that he had been honest. There WAS
satisfaction in doing right, but | think my
reader will understand his feelings without cX-
planation.
Mrs. Jones brought some toast to her daugh-
ter's bedside, but Mary motioncd it away; 81
thank you for taking the trouble to make it.,
mother" she said, "but don't think could
possibly cat it,
"Is there aarything you could relish, Mary?"
no. she said, hesitatingly, nothing that
we can get"
Mrs. Jones sighed-a sigh which Edward
echoed.
1t was with a heavy heart that Edward start
ed to the warehouse the next morning. He
had never felt the cravings for wealth that now
took possession of him.
He set about his duties as usual. About two
hours after he had arrived at the warehouse,
Mr.. Hubbard entered. He did not at first ap-
pear to notice Edward, but in about half an
hour summoned him to the office, which was
partitioned off from the remainder of the spa