River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1874-04-28
CLEAR GRIT.
Action Of a BDy WIicb Gtvs FntIre
Promise of the Man.

From the Springfield Republican.
About 30 years ago, said Judge p, |
stepped into bookstore in Cincinnati,
in search of some books that / wanted.
While there a little ragged boy not ov-
u years of age, came in and inquired
for geography
Plenty of them,' was the sales
mans quick reply.
"How much do they cost ?"
One dollar, my lad. "
q did not know they were 50
much. He turned to go out, and even
opened the door, but closed it again
and came back.
q have got 81 cents, said he;
could you let me have a geography
and wait little while for the rest of the
money!
How eagerly his little bright eyes
looked for an answer, and how he
seemed to shrink within his ragged
clothes when the man, not kindly,
told him that he could not
" You want the book very much {?
said the proprietor.
Eyes, sir, very much.
"Why do you want it so very much:"
$40 study, sir. | can't go to school,
but l study when | can at home. All
the boys have got one, and they will get
ahead of me. Besides my father was
a sailor, and | want to learn the places
where he used to go.
docs he go to these places now?"
asked the proprietor.
" He is dead" said the hoy softly.
Thenh added, after while, "rm going
to be a sailor too.
care you, thought" asked the gentle
man, raising his eyebrows euriously.
Eyes, sir, if | live.
"Well, my lad, / will tell You what
1 will do; l will let you have a new
geography, and you may pay the
remainder of the money when you can,
or | will let you have one that is not
new for 30 cents.
care the leaves all in it. and just like
the others. only not new?"
Yes, Just like the new ones. ="
ut will do as well, then, and | shall
other book. ! am glad they did not
let me have one at some OF the other
places.
The bookseller looked up inquiringly,
and told him what | had seen of the
little fellow. He was much pleased,
and when he brought the book along |
saw nice, new pencil and some clean,
white paper in it.
"a present, my lad, for your persever-
ance. Always have courage like that,
and you will make your mark, said the
bookseller.
"Thank you, sir, you are so very
good.
What is your name 2
William Haverly, sir "
"Do you want any more books?' l
now asked him.
"More than / can ever get" he
replied, CHANGING at the books that fill
ed the shelves. | gave him bank
note. ut will buy some for you"
said.
Tears of JOY came into his eyes.
"Can buy what / want with it?'
"Yes, my lad. anything"
"Then | will buy book for mother, -
said he; Il thank You very much, and
some day hope ] can pay YOU back.
He wanted my name, and | gave IL 90
him. Then left him standing by the
counter so happy that almost envied
him, and many years passed before l
saw him again.
Last year | went 10 Europe in one o (
the finest vessels that ever plowed the
waves Of the Atlantic. We had very
/ beautiful weather until very near the
/ end of the voyage; then came most
+ terrible storm that would have sunk all
on board had it not been for the cap
/ tain. Every spar was laid low, the md-
/ der was almost useless, and great leak
I had shown itself threatening TO fiji the
ship. The crew were all strong. will
/ ing men. and the mates We're practical
/ seamen of the first-class: but after
pumping for one whole night, and the
water still gaining upon them, they
gave up in despair, and prepared 10
take "a the boats. They might have
known that no small boat could ride
such a sea. The captain, who had been
+ below with his charts. now came up:
/ he saw how matters stood, and with .
voice that heard distinctly above the
roar of the tempest, ordered every man
20 his post
TWAS surprising 30 see those men bow
before the strong will of their captain.
and hurry back 10 the pumps. The
captain started below 10 examine the
leak. As be passed me | asked him II
there was any hope He looked az me
and then at the other passengers. who