, 1880-05-06
a Brave Boy.

It was stormy evening in January,
1t had been very cold all dav, but
toward night it grew warmer, clouds
came up rapidly from the northeast, and
now it was showing. Freddie johnson
bright, chubby little fellow Of six
years, was sitting by the fire looking at
the pictures in the last Nursery, when
his papa said, "Come Freddie, I am
going to write letter which ] wish vou
take to the post office for me. Run and
pat on your coat and hat. The letter will
be ready as soon as you are"
"All right, said Freddie, who was ac-
customed to obey without asking qaes-
tions-a rare trait in little boy.
Now, the post Office was half mile
distant, and Freddie had never been
there alone, though he had often gone
with his papa; but he was courageous
little fellow, and very proud OF doing
errands for his papa, so he did as he was
bidden, and with his mammals help was
soon muhled up to his chin in overcoat
and scarf, and when he came back for
the letter looked as if he could defy any
storm.
Here, little DatcAman," said papa,
"you see have wrapped this letter up
in paper, SO that it will not get wet
Now when you get to the office take the
paper Oft and drop the letter into the
box. Don't stop anywhere, but come
directly back"
eyes, sir" said Freddie, and then he
whispered to his papa, "do you believed
shall see any dogsp
"No, DEAR Mr.. johnson replied, '.the
dogs have all gone to bed, / guess. Now
goodbye"
Freddie started off bravely. 1t wasa
very dark night, and he couli only see q
little way ahead, but on he trudged,
waddling through the deep snow, trying
to whistle as his Uncle Charley did.
"Hallo, sir, where are you goingp
said man whom he met on the way
down.
"Post office" said Freddie.
"Aren't you afraid you will get lost y
asked the man in surprise.
"No, sir" said Freddie stoutly, as he
passed on, "papa sent me-"
He found the post office without diff
Guilty, dropped the letter into the box,
and started for home. But we must 90
back little in our story.
AS soon as Freddie had left the house
his papa had hastily put on his overcoat
and hat and hurried after him. Walk
ing on the opposite side of the street,
and ltstle behind, he followed Fred
die, keep his eyes on him all
the way, to see that no harm
came to his dear little boy. When they
had nearly reached home, Mr. johnson
hurried ahead, and was calmly reading
his paper when Freddie came in, looking
more like the snowman he had built in
the yard than like Freddie johnson
Then what a greeting the little hero re-
ceived How his mamma and his aunt
les crowded around him to help him off
with his wraps, shake off the snow, and
kiss his bright, rosy cheeks How his
eyes sparkled with delight when his
papa called him "his brave little boy"
and told him that he must hurry and
grow up, for he needed in his store just
such clerk as Freddie would make
But it was now bedtime, and with
"good night" all around, Freddie went
up stairs and was soon sleeping soundly.
Now children, this is a true story, and
to me it has been a beautiful lesson.
Just as Freddie's father followed him all
the wav, ready to help him if any dan
ger should threaten him, so our Father
in Heaven watches US wherever we CO.
and whatever we do, and although we
cannot see Him, we may be sure that
He will net let any real harm come to
uS--M E s. in Advance.