Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1873-07-28
Honesty is the Best Policy.

y
DY REV. n. r. CRAIG.
Tomorrow will be my last day in the office
at the brlcl; yard, said Willie Jamison to his
mother as they sat at supper in their humble,
quiet home.
why, my son. said his mother kindly, for
she saw by his sad countenance that some-
thing was troubling his mind very much. What
is the reason of that Willie'
sOli, nothing mother, only the bricks are all
gone, and there is but one lot left now and they
are to be taken away IN the morning. l feel
real sorry to think that | shall have nothing to
do through the winter, and then of course there
will be no more weekly wages coming to our
poor home
well, my dear boy you need not distress
yourself too much about that, have iio doubt
but that some other place will open up for you
IN the winter, and am certain that Mr.. Wood
will give you the same situation next spring
when their work commences. l was talking 10
him a few weeks ago, and was glad and thank
full too to hear him speak so well Of you. He
said that you were reliable, and he had found
you perfectly honest. This is what your moth
er always taught you, my dear boy, aud l am
proud to night to have an honest son though
be may be without u situation tomorrow even
ing
Yes, mother, II is pleasant TO be honest, and
to be well spoken OF, but then 1t looks to me a
terrible thing to be idle, and | can not beaI
the thought Of lying around home for six
months whenI ought to he working for you
and myself
'Keepup heart like man, kindly answered
his mother. How do you think got along be-
fore you were appointed to that office? l had
to trust i'll God and he brought me through
and now You must do the very ~nanc, ami hs
will give you enough to do aud contentmenl
with II too
Poor Willie gave long, deep sigh, but all
swered not word; lie had not learned to com
nit his way to God as confidently rs his moth
er had, and could at present see nothing be
fore him but long, idle winter, and that ID
his estimation was i thing absolutely intolera-
BILE.
He had cheercd up somewhat next morning
| however, and was promptly in his place at the
proper time.
Engrossed in checking the books and balanc
| ing the different accounts, he had entirely tor
| gotten the doeful prospects ofthe evening be-
| lore, when his employer suddenly entered the
Office, and hastily opening his pocketbcok said
| Take this te dollar bill, Willie, and run dowr
: TO town as quickly as you cali, pay two dollar
to Smith, aud three to Young, and bring bacl
the change TO Inc in single bills. l want to pay
| 1t out as soon as you RETURN
| And Willie, eramming the money In his pock
ct without even looking a. it suatched up h,'
hat and was gone in the twiDkling of an eye
| He had almost reached town when il occurred
| TO him that he had not looked at the money
and pulling 1t ou. at the moment what was hii
surprise to find, instead Of the ten, hundred
/, dollar bill.
'Ah, he has made a mistake, but it Is no mat
ter, will take it down TO the bank and thei
carry back the change murmered Willie t,
himself, as he replaced the valuable bill in hi
pocket, and walking the faster with prou,
and digniRed step at Tie recollection of havin
so much money in lns pocket, and then tn
happy thought flashed upon his mind that b
was truly honest.
He had now reached the town ami was walk
ing down the principal street leading to til
bank, when he suddenly met former schoo
mate, Harry Edison. The boys were pleased !,
see each other, and Willie paused a nomer
to speak to his old friend.
Guess how much money have got with ME
whispered Willie, after moments convers
tion.
Il don't KNOW said Harry, How Iauchp'
'Only hundred dollars promptly answere
Willie.
.An your own? Has Mr.. Wood paid yc
oHY'
No, its mistake and Willie told him no
! he came by so much.
+ Surely you don't intend to return it,
you?'
lie.
"But you said Mr.. Wood made mista
/. when he gave you so much; If SO, would Ike
5, the balance. He may think some one elss
ID it, or, perhaps he may never miss 1t at all; u
ss If he does, sou can tell him that he must la
In given It to some one ese.'
Or But IL is not my money, Harry and tesli
:, l cannot tell him lie He often gave Inc cha
a, of more than this In the office, and would
Us take a cent for all the void, and he knows I
:, too.'
sr Then he will not suspect you; aid besi
- YOU tell me that this Is your last day la his
fice. 1t may be good long time before you
another situation, and longer time before
have in your power again to make ninety
M. lars so easily. Mr. Wood is rich, and you
poor, and think you are very foolish If
take it back to him."
rms Willie's pride was hunt little at the thou
cry that lie was poor and he promptly replied
.a .ne at is very true may not get situation fc
md long tiue, but can't help that, and l have
in earned ninety dollars; besides I am not so
.te- but can get aong. Mother aud Mr.. Wood
,rk- think me honest, and would not deceive u
i'm for thousand dollars
H Il am sorry YOU are so foolish Harry ans
ate, ed with q sarcastic smile. 'You will pro b.
ses. regret your honesty about Christmas, when
ID find v, u self without situation or a cent G
ters bye
''he sNow, Harry was boy of seventeen,
the more than three years Willie's senior, and O
ares to have known better, but honesty does no
thet ,vava oo hv aoe and knowinp and dono
,iis, two different things.
tore Willie had the money changed 81 The bsn
He rolled up the ninety dollars carefully,
tee placed it In an inside pocket Of his vest,
r. walked off to make the required payments.
No one else was In the bank at the time,
3. the banker was not little surprised to SO
small boy with so much money and was
Iblc half afraid that the lad had hel' ed himself
and some mans drawer.
oN Willie paid the bills To Smith aud Yo
IN ON and was almost back again,when round q c
neS of the road lie saw Mr.. Wood driving to-
to in him very fast,