Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-10-08
Brave Ben.

"A Boy Wanted said Een' reading
the notice in bar-room window, as he
passed a comfortable.looking conntry
hotel. L wonder if 1 would do for that
placee 1 must do something to earn
some money, or how will poor mother
be able to live: l believe I'll step IN
and ask about It,
So Ben went in. 1t was the hrst
time he ever stepped over the thresn-
hold of a bar-room door, and although
the place looked neat and clean, and
there were no loafers around, yet the
odor was sickening, and Ben's taste
revolving from such place.
The proprietor was German
good.natured looking man. who ofiered
Ben in payment for his services MS
meals. and the various sums he could
make by holding horses and making
himself useful to travellers. For these
privileges he was to turn his hand 70
almost anything connected with tne
hotel business. And in the absence o.
the prcpritor he was to pour out drinks
from the glittering bottles aud hand
them to any poor wretches who came
in ond could pay for them.
We'll, now said the proprietor a''
ter giving Ben this &C 'ount o' w''a'
would be expected OF him, you have
heard what l want you to do are you
ready to begin work?
GIVE me few minutes to thinKI
over said Ben, 'and l will make up
my mind one way or the other
.well, you may think about it, but 1
can get plenty more boys If you not
like it, said the man, little angry.
and speaking somewhat brokenly as no
clways did at such times.
Rem SAID nothing, but went out 70 the
n,lmp to get drink, and then drew
himself down to think over the otfer no
had received. w hat would his mother
think of her son 10 bar-room" he
wonld probably make money enough
to sunporL her, but with her strong pre-
i;ua;ce AGAINST selling liquor would she
eniov using the money made from u!
Then continued ben. what would
God think ofite Is there not some,
where in the Bible curse pronounceo
on him who putteth the bottle to MS
noiohbor's lips and if I accustomed my
seIf to sell liquor, would not | soon ?,
isarn 10 drink il. No; 1 cannot think
of taking sucha a place as thsI'' ano
when his noble decision was made' DIN
returned TO the tavern.
The pruprietor stood on the porch.
swell boy. what do you think Of my
offer p be inquired.
ny IT think cannot take the place, re
plied Ben, boldly. L want work very
much. but there are three reasons why
cannot work for you. One Is that
Cod would not like it, another Is tnat my
mother would disapprove ofit ana =
,hird That | should be afraid OF becem-
inc drunkard myself. Good morning.
SIR -. Car,
man irving to get through his heao
whathe meant. But there was ano'ner
nerson who understood him perfectly,
, A gentleman had driven up 10 2 ouggy :
, to INQUIRE the way to e nelgn9ori,l
! town. and was so pleased With ben'a !:
fearless answer that he overlook nm
D and invited him TO ride, saying that &c
wished TO have a little talk with MN
Young man. he began: i honor yoe
,lfor refusing to serve where iiquys q !
d sold ana on that account you wili .,
lust die one tor me. I want elerl
!, That I can trust, and q boy who ooey
|. God aud his mother | know wiz prov
honest and faithful Then he name
: a very generous sum he was w'iung =
f Give. and Ben went home 70 his nAous
J, that day as happy a hoy as could 10
q be found.