Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-05-16

From the Springfield Republican,
CLEAR GRIT.
ACTIONS OF A BOY WHICH GAVE FUTURE
PROMISE OF THE MAN.

About thirty years ago. said Judge p. l
stepped into book store in Cincinnati, in
search of some books that I wanted
While there, a little ragged boy, not over
10 years of age, came in and inquired for
a geography.
"Plenty of them," was the salesman's
reply.
''How much do they cost?"
lone dollar, my lad.
Il did not know they were so much'
He turned to 60 out, and even opened the
door. but closed it again and came back.
81 have got sixty-two cents" said he.
could you let me have geography. and
wait little while for the rest Of the mon
ey?'
How eagerly his little bright eyes looked
for an answer! and how he seemed to
shrink within his ragged clothes when the
man, not very kindly, told him he could
not The disappointed little fellow looked
up to me, with Il very poor attempt at
smile, and left the store. followed him,
and overlook him.
'And what now ?" asked.
Try another place, sir''
"Shall go, too, and see how you sue
ceed?"
"Oh, yes, if you like" said he in sur
prise.
Four different stores | entered with him,
each time he was refused.
"Will you try again ?" asked.
''Yes, sir, | shall try them all, or
should not know whether l could get
one"
We entered the fifth store, and the little
fellow walked up manfully, and told the
gentleman just what he wanted, and how
much money he had.
You want the book very much ?'' said
the proprietor.
Yes. sir, very much"
"Why do you want it so very much?
ITO study. sir l can't 60 to school. but
| study when | can at home. All the
boys have got one, and they will get
ahead of me. Besides, my father was
sailor, and | want to learn of the places
where he used to GO
''Does he 60 to those places now?"
asked the proprietor.
'IIe is dead said the boy. softly.
Then he added, after Il while, I'm going
to be sailor, too
Are you, though ?" asked the gentle
man, raising his eyebrows curiously.
"Yes, sir, if live"
"Well, my lad, will tell you what
will do; will let you have new geo.
graphy, and you may pay the remainder
of the money when you can, or will let
you have one that is not new for fifty
cents
Are the places all in it, and just like
the others, only not new?"
Eyes, just like the new ones"
at will do just rs well then, and shall
have twelve cents left towards buying
some other book. | am glad they did not
let me have one at any of the other places"
The bookseller looked up inquiringly.
and told him what had seen of the lit
tie fellow. He was much pleased, and
when he brought the book along, saw q
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 will make your mark" said
the bookseller
Thank you, sir, you are so very good
What Is your name p
William Haverly, sir
DO you want any more books p | now
asked him.
More than can ever get, he replied
glancing at the books that filed the
shelves
| gave him bank note. 1t will buy
some for YOU said.
Tears of joy came into his eyes.
Can buy what want with il p
Yes, my lad, anything
Then | will buy book for mother
said he; Il thank you very much. and
some day hope l can pay you back
He wanted my name, and gave it to
him. Then l left him standing by the
counter so 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 ploughea the
CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE.l