Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-03
A Timely Box on the Ear.

In one of the important commercial cities
of North Germany there once lived mer-
chant named Muller, who, in his walks
about the city, often encountered bright
faced, well-dressed young man, who always
took off his hat and bowed to him in the
most deferential manner
The Young fellow was an entire stranger
to the merchant, but the latter always re-
turned his greeting with friendly nod,
supposing himself to be mistaken by the
Young man for some one whom he probably
resembled.
One day Mr.. Muller was invited to the
country seat of friend, and, arriving there
at the appointed time, he noticed this young
man walking up and down the shady paths of
the garden, engaged in earnest conversation
with the host.
"Now shall know who this young gen.
tleman is" thought Mr.. Muller, and hastily
approached them.
Allow me-" said the host, after ex-
changing greeting with his friend, "to in-
troduce-"
at is not necessary, assure you," inter
rupted the young man eagerly, "we have
known each other for many years T.
You must be mistaken" said MIR. Null
Ter, " for though, in answer to your greetings,
| have repeatedly bowed to you, still you are
entirely unknown to me !"
"And yet | insist" replied the young
man, =" that have been acquainted with you
Tor long time, aud am delighted to have
the opportunity of meeting you here and to
present my most heartfelt thanks for SER
vice you once did me -
you speak in riddles" said Mr.. Muller
show can you be under obligations to me
when do not even know you p
alt does seem little mysterious" laugh
ingly answered the young man, but let us
sit down here on the piazza, while throw a
little light on the statement.
Seventeen years ago, when l was a lad
IF nine, i started for school one morning
with my books under one arm and my lunch
If bread and butter under the other. / was
A poor boy with big appetite. My luncheon
seemed never enough for my hungry stomach,
and used often TO envy boys whose mothers
could afford to give them choice fruit with
their dinner
"This morning had been especially dis
satisfied. If only had an apple with my
bread thought, how nice it would be =
"My way to school was through the
market place, and as arrived there it seemed
| 10 me the fruit had never looked half 81
| beautiful or desirable. | stood there several
moments gazing at the abundant supply, in
stead of Fastening away from the temptation
as should have done.
Suddenly an old market woman, who
superintendent large rosy-streaked apples
turned her back on her wares to gossip with
neighbor.
''Such lots and lots, thought to my
self, surely one from so many would never
be missed, yet would do me so much good.
"Quick as flash | stretched my hand
out, and was just about to thrust an apple
into my pocket, when sharp box on ths
ear caused me TO drop the fruit in an agony
of terror.
." Youngster,' said an earnest voice CLOSE
to my burning ear, have you forgotten tn,
Ten Commandments Now, hope this il
the first time that you have ever stretched
out your hand after goods that are not you
own; let it be the last time also"
81 hung down my head for shame, ans
only for an instant lifted my eyes from tn,
ground TO see who my reprover was.
"When | reached school the words
heard were still sounding in my ear. NJ,
heart was so full could scarcely keep from
crying Let II be the last time Also let i
be the last time also,' again aud again con
fronted me. Bowling my head on the desk
then resolved that indeed il should be tn
last time, even as it had been the first tina
never as long as lived would eovet whs