The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1874-12-27

us He has got some money, anyhow;
let's go with him and have a treat"
"No, boys" said Willie, 81 am not going
to spend the money foolishly; 1 intend
buying something to take home"
''Now, don't be mean about it," said the
boys; tive were with you when You got
the money. and it is no more than fair that
you should share it with u.s."
"You may think it mean in me, but l
shall spend tle money as 1 please. You
would not fight; but afterwards 1
proved was not unwilling to risk even
my life for q good reason. My mother
needs all the help can give her, and I
shall do my duty, even if you do call me
meap."
"Willie is right" said some of his
friends; ''come boys let him have his own
way"
''No," paid Sam; 81 am going to have
some of that money. 1t is no more than
right it should be divided; and if Willie
johnson don't give it up quitely, intend
'If you think you can take the money
away from me-" said Willie, cali can say
is-try."
.'Do you hear that, boys 2" said Sam.
care yOu gazing to stand that l am not,
for one" Sam looked around among the
boys, but they did not appear to sympa-
thize with him yet he had gone too far to
retreat. So, walking up to Willie, he
| raised his fist in a threatening manner, and
said. "Do yon intend to do what's fair 7"
eyes," said Willie.
"Do you intend to divide that money 2"
said Sam.
"No," said Willie.
"Then, take that" said Sam, striking at
Willie. But he did not succeed in hitting
him and before he had q chance to re-
cover his position, Willie dealt him q heavy
blow that sent him reeling to the ground.
Sam got up slowly, but there was no fight
in him. Even if there had been, there was
no chance, for there stood Willie, aroused,
and with dangerous look in his eyes
Worse than this, even Sans friends were
on Willie's side, and insisted that he was
right.
When Sam was on his feet again, Willie
asked him if he had changed his misd
something about there being no show for a
fair fight, as all the boys were against him.
"Tbey are on my side because l am
right" said Willie.
eyes. Willie is right ~ they shouted.
s'Well, | am glad you think so,"" said
| Willie. "Now, boys, 1 must go;" and,
turning, he walked to the nearest store,
where he purchased some tea and sugar for
his mother, and many things that they had
not been able to indulge in for long
time LIE had even bought some candy for
his sisters and putting it all into a bag that
| nc U8O OOTTOW0C, no ran uUIQ6 aB Ia6g ab
he could.
He had quite long distance to go, and
heavy bundle to carry, so that he was al
most out of breath when he reached the
| house.
"Here. mother" said be, handing her the
bundle, "open that !"
"What is it Z" said his mother, taking
the bundle from his hand.
Willie could only breath enough to say,
.'open it,"
The father sat lazily on his chair, his
pipe in his band, a vacant stare in his eyes
Their quiet household was unused to ex-
| element, and none of them knew what to
make of Willie's sudden entrance, or his
bundle At last, his father grombled, "open
it"
| Mra. johnson laid the bundle on the ia
BILE, and then displayed it's conteuts. The
| girls were soon quito as excited as their
brother even Mr. johnson, whom he dis
| aroused from his usual stupor, while the
children each seized a piece of candy, and
| went dancing around the room.
"What is the meaning of it all Z" said
Mrs. johnson.
Then Willie told them of bis adventures
of the morning, and finished by giving his
mother the note,
1t contained a ten dollar bill and a few
lines "TO the mother of good and cour
ageous boy, who would not accept the en-
closed for himself"
1t was very happy day in Mrs John
sons house. The mother looked with
| many proud glancesat her boy the chill
dren capered around the room and even
| the father moved about with more active
| step.
True to their promise, the gentleman and
| little girl called in few days, and Insisted
upon giving come more substantial mark
| of their gratitude they would not be re-
fused, and finally arranged to give Willie
two years of good schooling.
They could have done nothing that Will
lie would have appreciated more or that
would have been of more service to him /;
for, with his courage and good principles,
he needed only education to make him a
useful and prosperous man.