Richland beacon., 1880-10-02
MILLS -fNU BENTON.
BY MARX TWAI,.

These two were distantiy related to
each Other-seventh cousins, or some
thing of that sort. While still babies
they became orphans, and were adopted
by the Brants, childIess couple, who
quickly grew very fond Of them. The
Brants were always saying, BE pure,
honest, sober, industrious and consider
ate of others, and success in life is as
sured" The children heard this re-
peated some thousands IF times before
they understood it; 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 to read. 1t was
destined to become the answering rule
of Edward Mills life. Sometimes the
Brants changed the wording little, and
said, "Be pure, honest, sober, indus
trious, considerate, and you will never
lack friends"
Baby Mills was a comfort TO every
body about him. When he wanted
candy and could not have it he listened
70 reason and contented himself with
out it. When Baby Benton wanted
candy he cried for it until he got it.
Baby Mills took care of his toys; Baby
Benton always destroyed his in a very
brief time, and then made himself SO in
sistently disagreeable that, in order o
have peace in the house, little Edward
was persuaded to yield up his playthings
to him.
When the children were little older,
George became heavy expense in one
respect; he took no care of his clothes ;
consequently he shone frequently in
new ones, which was not the case with
Eddie. The boys grew apace. Eddie
was an increasing comfort, George an
increasing sOlicitude. 1t was always
sufficient to say, in answer t. Eddie's
petitions. ~ would rather you would
not do it t"-meaning swimming, skating,
picnicking, berrying. circusing, and all
sorts If things which boys delight in.
But no answerwas sufficient for Georgie
he had to he humOred in his desires, 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 in summer evenings
thev were sent to bed at that hour Ed
die honorably remained, but George
usually slipped out of the window
toward 10, and enjoyed himself till mid
night. 1t seemed impossible to break
George of 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
George; they said, with grateful tears
in their eyes, that Eddie needed no ef.
forts 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 apprentlced to q
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 it cost Mr.. bran'
both money and trouble to hunt him VI
and get him back. By-and-by he raj
away again-more money and more
trouble. He ran away third time, ano
stole q few little things to carry Will
him. Trouble and expense for MI
Rrant once more and, besides, 1t wa'
With the greatest difficulty that he sue
ceeded in persuading the master ft
lot the youth go unprosacnted for th'
theft.