South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-07-02

conquer him Now, he changed his tao
tics: '.Please don't tell father-don't
and l will pay you thousand dollars"
1 shook my head. asking:
Where could you get the money-by
stealing again? Could encourage you
thus in your wicked course? No, my
boy, must do my duty, and will do
it, regardless of threats or promises,
hoping and praying that you may there
by be saved from RUM He went out
sully, and muttered words of dire re-
venge.
Calling mt his fathers, was ushered
into the parlor. He had just finished his
dinner, and rising from the table met me
! pleasantly, regrctting that l had not
called sooner, and insisting that should
Mt least partake of the dessert ASH de-
clined he saw in my manner something
that troubled him, and asked:
''Have You anything of Importance to
communicate-any unpleasant tidings
of my boy?" l answered that had. He
motioned me to n seat, asked his wife to
close his door, threw himself into a large
armchair, facing me, and then, with
great agitation, babe me .Nsay on His
wife stood behind him, resting her hand,
and both fixed their eyes upon me with
look which perfectly unnamed me.
How could wrong those parents hearts
with the bitter anguish which my revela-
ton of their sons conduct must pro.
duce? 1t was severe trial, but it was
duty, and after few moments silence.
l told them as gently as | could. AS
stopped speaking the father sprang to
his feet, vehemently exclaiming:
what Sir. do you say that my son
! has been stealing books?"
/ answered, as calmly rs could ..IIe
has,
Docs he acknowledge it, sir?"
''IIe does"
Turning, he said, hastily, "Wife, ring
that bell" She did so; servant
came, of whom he inquired, "Where's III
- and added, tell him to come to
me-
As the boy entered the room he look.
ed daggers at me. His father noticed
it, and spoke in a loud voice:
what does this mean, sir?-Come
here. Have you really been taking
books from the city..booll store?''
The boy, trembling. replied, II have,
sir"
You have. Why? Had you not books
enough unread at home? And. if YOU
had asked, would not have gratified
yon to any reasonable extent?"
YES, sir"
''Why, then, did you steal them?"
For fun, SIR
For fun I. for fun ~ repeated his IA.
Their. What . Boy, could YOU thus tri.
file with my good name-and your own
for fun?"
He lifted his arm and raised his voice
and l feared that in his excitement, he
would strike terrible blow; but sud
denly checking himself, he cried out:
go to the garnet, sir-go, 90, and
stay there until / send for you"
The boy ran hurriedly out and up the
stairs, the father listening until he heard
him enter and close his room door. then
fell back into his chair clutchcd his
hair with his hands, and with scaldin Q
tears running down his checks, ex
claimed:
IL had rather heard, sir, that he was
dead. Oh, God oh, God !"
The mothers head lay on the back OF
the chair as she also wept in bitterness
of soul. 1t was terrible scene but
what could 1 say to comfort those an
guish stricken hearts? l quietly rose
and babe them farewell
Eyes, sir" said the father, "leave US
now. Tomorrow / will see you, and we
will consult as to what is best to be
DONE
The next day no called and placed in
my hands money to pay for all damages
done TO the volumes, At his request
made inquiries respecting another school
for his son, But that boy would not
bear the restraints of any institution.
lie would not hearken TO his parents
voice or obey their authority. He he
came very dissipated and soon fell q
victim to disease induced Ivy sinful in
diligence.
Parents, read this short sketch to tho
letter true, and call to mind the fata
mistake in the case of this poor youth
BE assured that your sons cannot safely
he absent from their homes after night
It has been said that Satan accomplish
es the ruin Of more souls between 3 o.
clock P. ". and midnight than during the
remaining hours Of the twenty-four. Ny
experience as teacher Of nearly forts
years, and Of hundreds of youths, testi
fes that IL is true. Watch carefully tho
associations and the companions Of YOU
SONS. Keep an eye over their hours o
play. Make their homes pleasant anC
keep them there after night lest an hour
come when you, too, may wish then
dead Christian Observer.
THE LATEST Doc SToRY.-Almos
every one who ever had bright dog car
tell curious stories Of dog behaviour
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