The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-03-08
MsrnIng Star and Catholic Messenger.
JUVENILE COLUMN.
AMBROSE AND THE DOG.

Ambrose was fatherless boy, who low
led, in the fullness of his heart, to contrl-
kbute to the daily support of his mother oy
&every honorable bread winning channei
SRhich presented itself. He did so with an
ardent zeal that shone out in his eyes, and
Brought the flush o. eagerness to his cheek,
while he hopefully cheered her with the
prophecy, that although they were lowiy
how, bright day would come when she
[wonid hear his name mentioned with we'll
deserved praise. His neighbor Benny on
the contrary, continually grumbled at his
sown humble poverty, and went about light
Eening the burden of his mothers tolls
with such bad grace, that he kept her cou-
Etinually fretted and sad. Scarcely ever
did cheering word fall from his mouth, or
smile of comfort wreathe his counte-
nance instead, he was logged, fault find
ing and complaining. One morning, he
rushed into the home of Ambrose, who was
on his knees at prayer.
"Hurry up, Amby," he said, "come with
me. Mr.. Blondell wants boy to pick ap-
pies, and assist around the farm"
Ambrose was softly repeating" Give US
this day our daily Bread" and felt, as
Benny spoke, his prayer was answered !;
for he was out of work. His mother, too,
was ill and, on the whole, circumstances
promised him desolate prospects;
"Thank you, Benny" he said, turning
towards him with a bright smile, wait
until finish my prayers, and then l will
go with you"
"Oh, never mind the prayers" said Ben
ny, impatiently. II don't see what you
want to pray for. L never pray" he added
sulkily. -,
Ambrose did not answer, bat with his
face buried in his hands, knelt beside the
bed, pouring ont his grateful heart to God
for this channel of support which seemed
so nigh at hand.
al am sorry to have kept you waiting"
he said, rising from his knees; put l.
could not neglect my prayers, you know"
'Prayers and preaching are all non
sense" grumbled Benny. "And if you
don't make haste, I'll get discharged for
being late all on your account, too"
81 could never forgive myself If that
should occur" said Ambrose, now keeping
pace with his companion as they hurried
breathlessy along. "But it seems to me
I would stop to offer my day to God, If
were to lose kingdom by the act"
Benny turned upon him passionately.
"There," he cried, elf you're going to
lecture me, think you had better , go 20
the chance I've offered you, and 1 know
lust where to find one."
No sooner had he given vent to these
words, than he set off at quick run and
left Ambrose gazing sorrowfully after him,
feeling as if his heart must surely break.
1t was some time before he could fully
comprehend that the bright hope, which
but moment ago animated his little being
with a thrilling Joy ; which took from life
it's black look, and vested every object his
glad eye rested upon with glowing bright
ness-had even go soon ended in dlsap-
pointed. He sat down on rock by the
roadside, and wept bitterly. He hated to
return to his mother with the cherries
news of his failure, and still loitered there
asking himself, over and over again, what
he should do. There was neither fire nor
food at home his mother had made her
self i'll with labor, and the whole view of
things, taken together, was indeed desc
late one.
Suddenly he deserted beautiful horse
prancisg up the road. With thrill of
joyful agitation, he saw it was mounted by
Benny's employer:
wind, crying out "Mr. Blondell !" with
an impetuous eagerness which caused that
gentleman to turn sharply around in his
saddle, and demand "Whats wanted Z
Ambrose, fearing he had made too free,
stood before him, cap in hand, blushing,
painting r. nne So his
tsDid you call 2" asked the gentleman, in
a quick, smart way.
Eyes sr,n said Ambrose, his voice trem-
bling, and his heart weak with throbbing
81 heard sir, you were in need of boy
to work around your place." was the reply;
~ anu IuOuSuV pOihoPS "" " >
me-"
"oh, that's it, is it 2" said Mr.. Blondell,
inst recovering from his surprise. 81 be-
Iieve they do want a boy up there. We
most always find room for one more this
season. If you choose, little fellow, you
can go up to the overseer and tell Linn
sent you"
Ambrose few along the fields, his big
blue eyes swimming in tears of gratitude
and such Aeetnees did the joy of success
lend to his feet, that when he turned up
the lane which led into the grounds at
tached to Mr.. Blondell's residence, it SEEM
ed as if he had not walked step, but was
borne onward by some invisible power. He
presented himselfto the overseer, was hired
and his task assigned him, which he went
about, wbistling and hummi,ng to himself
from the ground into barrel after barrel,
that the old man who had him in charge
often paused in his work to contemplate
him with mingled astonishment and salts
faction. Another reason helped to fill his
cup of pleasure, which was that he had