The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-09-07


trated Christian Weekly.
Billy Boosey's Donkey.
Billy Boosey was quaint old man
who lived at the corner of the common
years ago, when 1 was lad and while
he was ready to turn his hands to all
kinds of work he mainly depended for his
livelihood upon the produce of small
garden and the money he would earn by
means of donkey and cart. Billy
treated his donkey as kindly as it was
possible; and although he could afford
neither to buy corn for it nor keep it in
grand stable, the animal was always in
good condition. and would draw a
heavy load behind him or carry one on
his back at a capital speed. We juveniles
paid many a penny for ride on Bill
Booseys donkey.
One day Neddy's unwillingness to
"go" amounted fairly to obstinacy and
when Johnny White had paid his penny
and mounted in gleeful anticipation, not
a step would Neddly bulge.
=" Make him go, Billy" was the cry.
Thus urged, Billy shouted, whistled
and fourished his arms and clapped his
hands, but all in vain; only when the
stick was applied pretty vigorously did
Neddy condescend to start. And when
he did go, he did go-as people say-at
full speed off across the commons, boys,
Billy and all shouting at his heels. 1t
was rare fun.
Presently Johnny White began to feel
uncomfortable. Neddy was going at full
speed toward the pond, and not the
slightest use was it for Johnny to pull
with all his might at the reins. The cry
now was, Stop him, Billy Make him
stopl"
To this Billy could only reply, as he
came painting along far in the rear,
Pull, Johnny l-pulll"
The catastrophe came at last. Rush
ing full tilt to the edge of the pond
Neddy there came suddenly to stand
still, and over went Johnny splash into
the water. a pretty picture he looked
I can tell you, when we pulled him out
Just as we had done SO, Billy Boosey
came painting up, and was assailed on all
hands with, why didn't you stop him 2
Boys" said Billy as soon as he could
recover breath sufficiently to speak
" Boys, [ could make him go, but l
couldn't make him stop. And do you
mind. youngsters, as you go through
life, do not get into bad company, for it'll
be easier to start than to stop. Specially
take care what sort o company you keep.
Fight shy o them lads that swear and
smoke and tell lies and drink. If you
get started there, you'll maybe find your
selves shot over into deeper pond than
that you've fshed Johnny White out
off,
They were simple words, but the old
mans advice was good, and many of us,
[ doubt not, remembered it long after.
We took Johnny home, and he was put
to bed, but he had a terrible bad cold
after his famous ride and bath. He is
dead now, poor fellow AS he grew up
he took no heed to Billy's counsel, but
seemed never so happy as when he could
get with those who delight to do inst
what the old man so earnestly cautioned
us against. He got into disgrace early,
and more than once, before he was TWEEN
ty, was Johnny taken off to the county
Jail. When he found his character was
altogether gone, and he could get no
work, he tried his hand at being a SOL
der. He was not in the army long.
Drink was his besetment, and at last was
his death. He died in the hospital from
injuries received in drunken quarrel.
1t is many long year since we used to
play together on that common, but I
often have those days brought to mind, for
/ I : 4.
day School, and spending his time at
street corners and associating with evil
companions, without thinking of the old
mans words about it being easier to start
than to stop. Some lads 1 have seen who
have withstood the temptation long
time, and then given way at last. Some
Of these have become the worst when
they have at length broken away from
the restraints of home and friends; and
sometimes, as 1 notice how such a one
goes from bad to worse, think to myself,
=" Poor fellow I am afraid he has start
ed off on Billy Boosey donkey. ''-Ch1is-