Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-06-04
A Goad story for BOYS.

| the poipting of moral Is concerned, may
be an old one. So are the sunshine and the
dew-drop old. So is the human heart old
and the pure impulses and affections OF to-
day had life in the morning of Eden.
Pleasant pictures are always pleasant. "a
thing of beauty is JOY forever !" and may
1 not add, that pure joy, springing from
| the heart must be forever beautiful. The
simple story have to tell give only as
pleasant picture. i knew the parties. One
of them is living within the sphere of my
| knowledge Sill.
Amos button, at the age of nineteen, left
his home in Vermont and came to Boston.
His parents were both dead, and he had
been left penniless but by hard work,
and close application to every chance
which he could grasp, he had managed to
gain good common-school education, be-
sides supporting himself, and helping a
twin sister. At length his sister married,
and he resolved to seek his fortune i'll the
city. He yearned for a broader and better
field of action than was opened to him in
his far-away home, and having obtained
recommendations touching his charactet
and habits from two or three prominent
men, he set forth.
Never mind the youths initiatory strug-
giles. A less resolute will might have fail
ed. Business was dull and good men
were being discharged in nearly all the de-
partments of trade. Finally Amos Button
entered the warehouse of Andrew Sears,
on Milk street, and asked for employment.
He was willing to perform any labor, no
matter how mental, so that it was honora-
BILE, and would not debar him from rising
by merit.
Mr.. Sears liked the appearance of the
youth and he was willing to accept the
recommendations at their face value; but
he was not in want of help. He had with
in q week discharged number of hands.
Button took back his commendatory
documents, which had by this time become
well worn, and having thanked the mer-
chant for his kindness, he turned to de-
part.
THAT lad has the qualities of a gentle
man, at all events" said Mr.. Sears, to
himself as the applicants handsome,
pleasant face was turned from him.
The entrance to the counting-house was
by a narrow court, and as Button was
passing out he saw glittering object upon
the pavement. He picked it up and found
to be bosom pima fine emerald set in
gold. He turned back and re-entered the
office, and handed the jewel to Mr. Sears,
simply remarking that he had found it in
the court, and that the owner would be
likely to call there in his quest for it. The
merchant took the pin, and said he
thought he knew to whom it belonged,
and he would see that its proper owned re-
gained it. And without waiting for
thanks or praise the youth again departed.
Mr.. Sears had seen the young man pick
up the valuable jewel, and had particular
ly noted his movements on the occasion.
There had been no hesitation-no casting
about of the eyes to see if he was observed,
but the instinct seemed to be with him to
do right. And the merchant said to him
self
1.-THE lad is certainly honest"
| And after this the merchant put on his
hat to go out.
Amos Button, on his way down the court
did not find another jewel but when he
reached the street he found a man il
trouble. An old negro, who had been draw
ing @ heavy bale of merchandise upon 6
hand-cart, had overturned his load anC
his strength was not sufficient to replace it
In vain had he tried to lift the ponderous
bale back upon his cart, and in vain was ht
still striving. Men were passing, but nont
offered to assist him. Button saw, anC
he fastened to the poor negro's assistance
as he would have fastened to assist
brother.
Hold on" he cheerfully cried.n lie
me help you, my friend"
The youth was as strong as he was will
ing, and very soon the heavy bale was il
its place, and with a profusion of thank
the old African went on his way rejoicing
Mr.. Sears had reached the door of hi
, warehouse just in season to witness thi
scene, and again he spoke with himself
"This youth has strong hand, and
r willing one. The time may come when
shall need such. / will secure it now an
/ believe the investment will be q goo
one.n
And he called the youth by name, an
a beckoned him back.
my boy" said he, with kindly smil
t 81 have changed my mind. Twill try you
, l told you truly when told you that l di
not at present need more help; but hoI
. / shall need it ere long. / have witnesse
that you are truthful and honest, and
, have also witnessed that you have stron
and helping hand, and willing one. OIL
e ers mightha returned the jewel but fe
would have risked the crime and the labc
i of helping that poor negro with his stree
soiled burden"
# And Andrew Sears took Amos Quito
into his employ; and his anticipation
were more than realized. Not only did IL
youth prove himself honest in all thing
but his helping hand was ever ready whe
! there was possible need.
u Years have passed since that time. Al
v drew Sears has gone beyond the shadow
q vale but Amos Dutton is living yet, d.
u ing good with his vast wealth, and honort
- | T. k,x,o n M L him