Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1875-08-05
AFTER DARK.

n sehtiehian called AT my school
house door, the bearer of unpleasant
tidings. "Three of your pupils have
been stealing books from the city book
stores. They are known and watched
for, and If they attempt il again, will
be detected, exposed and punished
He gave their names, and 20 no time
was to be lost. detained the three
after school, and sending them into an.
other room. examined their desks, where
/ found full proof of their guilt-a
number Of handsome ANIMALS and illus.
trated work of travel, evidently hidden
there to escape detection at home
Two OF the boys were brothers, sons of
a respectable merchant, whose conduct
thus far in the school had been exem.
plary. called them in Immediately,
showed them the books and asked what
it meant. They both burst into tears
and acknowledged their sin. They had
done it-"merely to display their smart.
ness in deceiving the clerk"-and had
repeated it several times for months
past. set before them their guilt.
told them Of their narrow escape from
public disgrace, and sent them home
weeping, to confess it all to their IA.
rents" They went, confessed, were
forgiven, reformed and became respec-
table men.
The third was the son of a man high
in cfiice, eloquent in public debate, aud
great in the councils of the nation. He
came with bold, defiant air and a lie
upon his tongue: 81 don't know any,
thing about it." But there were the
books. took them from his desk, md
told him that his guilt could be easily
proved, il he persisted in his denial
He was bad boy and had given me
much trouble. Again and again had
begged his parents to forbid his roam.
ing the streets after dark, and warned
him that he was forming evil associa-
tions and habits. But was not pre-
pared for the audacity he now display.
ed
"Well, sir" said he. 81 did steal
them; but what business is it of yours,
and what do You intend to do 90
Ireplied, II shall at once see your
father. He must remove you from the
school, and hope he may find one
where you may be saved from the con.
tinued indulgence of your evil propen.
stiles and its consequences. Go home;
will call as soon as / have dined.
He turned upon me 6ercely, crying
out "You tell my father! I'll kill
you."
"Poor boy" I answered. 81 am not
afraid Of your threats. Go home.
He sprang at me and struck me, and
I was compelled to give him q severe
whipping (which 1 did with difficulty
for be fought like q young tiger) before
I could conquer him. Now he changed
his tactics: "Please don't tell father
don't aud I will pay you q thous-
and dollars" l shook my head, ask
ing:
"Where could you get the money
stealing againf Could / encourage
you thus in your wicked course
No. my boy, must do my duty, and ]
viii do il regardless of threats or prom.
Uses. hoping and praying that you may
thereby be saved from ruin" He went
out sulkily and muttered words Of dir
revenge.
Il Calling at his fathers, was usheret
into the parlor. He bad just finishes
his dinner, and rising from the tabI
met me pleasantly, regretting that
had not called sooner, aad insistin,
, that I should at least partake Of th
. deserts. As declined, he saw in m,
} manner something that troubled him
and asked: