The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-06-27

equipping the vessel now in question, he
had summoned all his servants together, and
beginning with the chief, had called upon
them to put their savings into his venture,
promising each fair return of whatever
profit bis share should enttle him to at the
end of the voyage.
Dick, poor boy, had no money nothing
in the world but cat, whom he loved as his
only friend, and to whom he owed no com.
mon gratitude for the manner in which she
had protected him against the rats that in
tested his garret. When it came to his turn to
put his share into the voyage he had not the
heart to offer this companion-and he had
nothing else he could call his own-so he
begged to be excused. His master, however
insisted that, as his servant, he must put
down whatever he had, however little, and
even though this cat had cost only penny,
| full value for her when the the voyage was
| over.
Dick wept at this, and the young daugh-
ter of Master Fitzwarren, being moved to
pity, offered from her own money what
would preserve to the lad his four footed
friend. But not even this would the stern
merchant allow, and Dick therefore had to
bid fearful farewell to his favorite and
resign himself to his loss
| All this had taken place many months
ago.
| Now when the "Unicorn"-for that was
the name Of the vessel-returned to port,
great was the astonishment of everybody
land no ones greater than Dicks to find
that the principal portion of the treasures
on board belonged to the little scullery.boy
of Master Fitzwarren.
The very first day of its arrival there was
brought to the house a cabinet of jewels,
forming part of the boys share, which was
considered too precious to be left on board
ship. And the men who brought it told
this wonderful story.
When the ship reached Algiers, in Africa,
the ruler of the land ordered all the crew to
wait upon him with presents, which accord
ing they did, after which he prepared feast
and invited them all to partake. But nc
sooner were the covers removed than a swarm
of rats, attracted by the scent of the good
things come and devoured all the victuals
before their very faces. This, the governor
told them, was no unusual thing, for rats
were the plague of his land, and he would
give any price to know of means to be rid
of them Then one of the sailors bethought
him of Dick Whittington's cst-who had
already distinguished herself on shipboart
by her industry in her art--and accordingly
next day, when the feast was served and the
rats, as usual, prepared to make away with
it, puss was produced, and not only drove
away the pest, but killed a considerabl,
number, This happening for several days
his highness was so delighted that he in
stantly offered an enormous sum for the pos
loaded the crew with presents in token o
his joy and gratitude.
Such was the story of the men, which ex
planned this wonderful prize which fell II
the share of the fortunate Dick Whiting
ton. ..-.
He, poor lad, could not understand it al
and went on with his drudgery in the scul
: ery as if nothing had happened, until hi
master compelled him to quit it, and iron
being his boy .of.all-work made him hi
, partner in business.
. Then Dick remembered the words th
bells had sung to him a week ago, and re
, oiced that he had obeyed their call.
He rejoiced at another thing, too, whic
, was that the kind young daughter of Maste
g Fitzwarren, who had ptied him in his poy
y erty, did not avoid him in his prosperity
but smiled happily upon him, when he too
, his seat at the family table to eat out of tn
; dishes he had so recently secured.
e So this scullery-boy became a rich mel
n chant, and being just and honorable as we
e as wealthy, he gained the respect and Low
of all with whom he had to do. When
4 grew to be man he married the kind Mi;
!. Fitzwarren, which made him happier tina
all his wealth.
:. Not only did merchants look up to hin
n but mobiles and even kings came to him
e their money difficulties, and he was tt
: same upright gentleman to all men. Hor
d ors increased, and at last the prophecy
y Bow Bells became true. and Sir Richai
e Wilmington was made Lord Mayor of Loi
}. don.
In that capacity he grew still in riches al
! fame, and when his first term was expire
= his admiring fellow-ctizens, fter few yea
g made him Lord Mayor for second, ar
when the second term was past, for thir
His third mayoralty happened in l4l9,whs
e King Henry w. was on the throne
At England and then it was his honors rose
Is their highest pitch, for he entertained
his own table the king and queen of Il
d land in such grand style that Henry said
y him, Never king had such subject. ~
is And never poor had such a friend. I
y, never forgot the little forlorn boy on Hig
ID gate Hill, and it was his delight to his late
Id day to make the hearts of the needy gla
1t and show to all that it is not for money
ii grandeur, but for an honest soul and XII
I'd heart that man is to be loved and honor
az by his fellows.
UnW tn CIlRE HAY