The Russellville Democrat., 1880-09-16
THE REWARD OF VIRTUE.

Edward Mills and George Benton were distantlv related to each other-seventh cousins, Or something of that sort While still babies they becacme orph; ns apI were adopted by the Brant's, a 4rhildless couple, who quickly grew very fond of them. The Brant's were always Be pure. honest, sober, industrious and considerate to others, and success in lite Is assured.'
 The children heard this repeated some thousands of times before they under stood 1t; they could repeat it themselves long before they could say the Lords Prayer; it was painted over the nursery door and was about the first thing they learned te read. It was destined to be- come the unswerving rule of Edward Mills life. Sometimes the Brant's changed the wording a little, and said, Be pure, honest, sober, industrious, eonsiderate and you will never lack friends"
 Baby Mills was comfort to everybody about him, When he wanted candy and could not have it, he listened to reason, and contentented himself without it. When Baby Benton wanted candy, he erred for it until he got it. Baby Mills took care of his toys; Baby Benton al- ways destroyed his in very brief time, and then made himself so insistently disagreeable that in order to have peace in the house, little Edward was per suaded to yield up his playthings te him.
 When the children were little older Georgie became heavy expense in one respect; he took no care of his clothes; consequently he shone frequently in new ,rhiah ho f.ac ,.fh EI1ta The boys grew apace Eddie was an in- creasing comfort, Georgie an increasing solieitude. It was always sufficient to say, in answer to Eddie's petitions, q would rather you would not do it." meaning swimming, skating, picknick- ing berrying, circussing and all sorts of things which boys delight in. But no answer yves sufficient for Georgie; he had to be hnmored in his deslres or he would carry them with high hand. Naturally, no boy got more swimming, skating, berrying and so forth than he; no boy ever had better time. The good Brants did not allow the boys to play out after nine in summer evenings; they were sent to bed at that hour. Eddie honorably remained, but Georgie usnally slipped out of the window to- ward ten, and enjoyed himself till mid night. 1t seemed impossible to break Georgie off this bad habit, but the Brants managed it at last by hiring him. with apples and marbles, to stay in. The good Brants gave all their time and at tention to vain endeavors to regulate Georgie; they said, with grateful tears in their eyes, that Eddie needed no efforts of theirs, he was so good so con siderate, and in all ways so perfect.
 By and by the boys were big enough to work, so they were apprenticed to a trade. Edward went voluntarily: George was coaxed and bribed, Edward - worked hard and faithfully, and ceased to be an expense to the good Brants; they praised him, so did his master, but George ran away, and 1t cost MT. Brant both money and trouble to hunt him up and get him back. By and by he ran away again-more money and more trouble. He ran away third time, and stole few little things to carry with him. Trouble and expense for Mir. Brant once more, and besides, it was with the greatest difficulty that he suc- eeeded in persuading the master to let the youth go unprosecuted for the theft
 Edward worked steadily along, and in time became full partner in his masters business.
 George did not improve, he kept the loving hearts of his aged benefactors full of trouble, and their hands full of in ventiye activities to protect him from ruin.
 Edward, as boy, had interested him. selfin Sunday schools, debating societies, penny missonary affairs, antl-tobacco organizations, anti-profanity associations and all such things; as man, he was quiet but steady and reliable helper Tn the church, the temperance societies, and in all movements looking to the aid ing and uplifting of men. This excited no remark, attracted no attention, for 1t was his natural bent"
 Finally, the old people died. The will testified their loving pride in Edward, and left their little property to George because he needed it." whereas, towing toa bountiful Providence" such as was not the case with Edward The property was left to George conditionally, he must buy out Edwards partner with 1t, else It must go to benevolent organization called the Prisoners Friend Society The old people left letter, in which they begged thelr dear son Edward te take their place and watch over George "iih utlp ana Sillclu Hiih aS tiicy ha' done
 Edward dutifully acquiesced, ane George became his partner in the busi ness. He was not valuable partner ne had been meddling with drink befo:e he soon developed into constant tip = pler, now, and his flesh and eyes showet the fact unpleasantly.
 Edward had been courting sweet ant kindly spirited girl for some time. They loved each other dearly, and. Bu about this period George began to haun her tearully and imploringly, and a last she went crying to Edward, and sait her high and holy duty was plain befor' her-shc must not let her own selfisl desires interfere with it; she must marr,
 poor George" and reform him." | would break her heaft-she knew l would- md so on; but duty was duty DO she married George and Edward' heaft came very near breaking, as vel es her own. However, Edward recover ed ana married another girl "a very ex eellent one she was, too.
 iuldfeU rana to hOth famillPg. Mar