The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-11-08
The Lent Half.DOllar.
A LITTLE STORY FOR THE YOUNG
PEOPLE.

When Charles Gleason was about tel
years old, a bright half dollar was giver
him by his grandfather, to buy any
thing he pleased for New Years pres
ent. The boys mother that morning
had taught him the verse: "He tina
hath pity on the poor lendeth to tn,
Lord, and that which he hath given III,
will repay him again." The words wer,
running in the boys mind, on his way
to the store to purchase a new toy which
he had seen in the window of the shoI
the previous day.
Just before Charlie reached the store
he met a poor woman, who had some
times done washing for his mother, ,and
she seemed to be in great distress.
"What is the matter, Hannah ?n said
the kind.hearted child.
"Oh, Master Charlie, I've got to be
turned into the street this cold morning
and my little Bill so sick, tool"
"Turned into the street-you and
Bill what for ?"
because / can't raise nv weekly
rent. I've just been to see my land lord
and he says it's three days overdue land
he'll not wait another day. There &C
the men to put my stove and few
other things on the sidewalk. Oh what
"How much is your rent, Hannah ?n
asked the boy, with choking voice.
"It's halfa- dollar" said the woman.
sit will kill Bill to put him out in this
cold ; and sure will die with him."
"No, you won't-no, you shan't!"
said the tender-hearted child and feel.
ing in this pocket, brought forth his
treasured half f-dollar and placed it quick
ly in her hands. Seeing she hesitated to
keep Notwithstanding hergreat need,
Charlie told her it was his own, to spend
as he pleased, and that he would rather
give it to her than have the incest TOW
in the store. Then walking away swift
ly from the shop. windows, which were
all full of tempting New Years pre-
sents, he went bravely home to his
mother, sure Of her appreciation. The
first person he met was his grandfather.
He had observed Charles go down the
street, and waited for his return, that
ne might see what he had bought. So
his hrst salution was:
aWell, child, what have you done
with your money!"
Now Charities grandfather was not n.
religious man; and the boy knew that
though he sometimes gave his money
TO his relations, he seldom or never be.
slowed 1t upon the poor-so he rather
disliked to tell him what he had done
with his money; but. while he hesita.
ted, the verso which he had that morn.
ing learned came into his n9ind ana
helped him to answer. Looking pleas.
said: 40
I've lent 1t, SIR"
Lent your halfdollar? Z? foolish, hou ,
You'll never get it again, / knorg ''
"Oh yes, shall, grandpa- for I,ya
got a promise to pay 20 w
"YOu mean a note, / supp ose. bpt n
isn't worth cent" 0' N"' ~
"Oh yes, grandpa, it Is pc ,fectlv pood,
Pm sure about it, for it's IL The Rible'
"You mean you have nut II tbo.o
for safe. keeping, eh ? II Il me see Il -
Charlie brought hiD the hook and
showed him the verse "He that hath
pity on the poor lep deth TO the Lord :,
and that which he .ath given will He
pay HIM again." wa" N
80 you gave = our money to some
poor scanPs We IL, you'll never see il
again.-Who has got it, pray?u
II gave 1t to Hannah Green. sir -
ana Charile Tod. him the sad story.
20 fudge /" said his grandfather
you can't T,ay poor folks rent. It's all
lonsense. And now you've lost your
New Years presenter will, If don't
make lt 'dp to you. Here" he added,
IS he threw him another half. dollar,
seeing your money is gone where YOU
vii n'Ver see it again, I must give you
ONE more, suppose"
"Oh, thank you !''said Charlie hearth
y. ~ knew the Lord would pay me
gain, grandpa, because the Bible says
Di hot L didn't expect to get 1t SO
uick."
'ofhat boys too much for me-" said
no Old gentleman, as he walked quick
y away