Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-05-30
Actions of q Boy which Gave Pro-
mise of the Man.

"Plenty Of them" was the salesman reply
How much do they cost q
One dollar, my lad"
/ did not know they were so much. lie
turned to 90 out, and even opened the d'or'
but closed it again and came back.
"I have got sixty-one ceuts," said he;
" could you let me have the geography, and
wait little while for the rest OF the money p
How eagstly his little bright eyes looked for
an answer, and how lie seemed to shrink in his
ragged clothes when the man, not very kindly,
told him lie could not. The disappointed little
fellow looked up to me, with very poor at
tempt at SMILE and left the store. ! follow
ed him, and overlook him.
"And what now ?" asked
d" Try another place, s.r.'
Shall go, too, and see how YOU succeed p
ooh, yes, if you like" said he in surprise.
Four different stores entered with him. aud.
each time be was refused.
"WHl you try again ?" asked.
"Yes, sir, | shall try them all, or | should
not know whether could get one"
We entered the fifth store, and the little iel-
low walked up manfully, and told the gentle
man lust what he wanted aud how much
money he had.
" You want the book very much % asked
the proprietor.
"Yes, sir, very much.
"Wby do you want it SO very much %
"To study, sir. | can't 60 TO school, but !
study when can at home. All the boys have
got one, and they will get ahead Of me. Be-
sides, my father was a sailor, and l want TO
learn of The places where he used to go"
docs he go to these places now2' asked
the proprietor.
"He is dead" said the boy, softly. Then
he added, after a while; I'm going to be a
sailer. too"
Are you, though asked the gentleman,
raising his eyebrows curiously.
Yes, sir, if live"
I" Well my lad, will tell you what VIII
do. will let you have a new geography, aud
you may pay the remainder Of the money
when you can, or will let you have one that
is not new for ifty cents"
Are the leaves all in it, aud just like the
others. only not new p
q" Yes, Just like the new ones
at will do Just as well, then, and shall
have eleven cents left toward buying some
other book. am glad they did not let IN
have ole at any of the other places
The bookseller looked up inquirnsly, and /
told him what had seen Of tho little fellow.
lie was much pleased, and when he brought
the book along, saw a nice, new pencil aud
some clean, white paper il it.
a present, my lad, for your perseverance.
Always have courage like that, and you will
make your mark, said the bookseller"
Thank you. sir, you are 50 very good"
"What is your name? p
William Haverly, sir"
ado you want any more books? l now
asked him.
More than can ever get" he replied
glancing at the books that filed the shelves.
gave him bank note. twill buy some
for you" said.
Tears of joy came into his eyes
Can buy what want with it?"
"Yes my lad, anything"
"'rhen will bug book foF mother, said
he. al thank you very much, and some day
I hope can pay you back"
lie wanted my name aud gave it 10 him
Then left him standing by the counter SC
happy that almost envied him, and many
years passed before saw him again.
Last year went TO Europe on one Of The
finest vessels that ever plougbed the waters o
the Atlantic. We had very beautiful weather
until very near the end Of The voyage then
came terrible storm that would have sunk al
on board had it not been for the captain
Every spar was laid low, the rudder was al.
most useless. and great leak had shown itself
tlreatning to on ihe ship. The crew were al
strong. willing men, and the mates were prac'
teal seamcn Of the first class but aftei
pumping for one whole nigh, aud the watcl
still gaining upon them, they gave up in dis
pair, and prepared to take the boats, though
they nigh: have known that no small boal
could ride such sea. The captain, who bad
been below with bis charts, now came up
He saw how matters stood and with voice
that heard distinctly above the roar Of th'
tempest ordered every man to his post.
It was surprising to see those men bow be
fore the strong viii Of their captain, and hurry
back to tie pumps The captain then stariet
below 70 examine the leak. Is he passed M
asked him if there was any hope. lie locke
at me and then at the other passengers wh'
had crowded up to hear the reply, and said
rebukiusly:
"Yes, sir, there Is hope as long as cue incl
Of this deck remains above water when ser
none Of il, then shall abandon the vessel au'
not before, nor ono Of ny crew, sir. Every
thing shall be done to save it, aud if we fail j
will not be from inaciion. Bear hand, ever!
one Of you, ei tie pumps"
/ Thrice during the day did We despair, bu
+ the captains dauntless courage. Perseveranc