South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-04-21
HONOR BRIGHT.
ANINczDEsrISA BosroN BorsAIF.
BY REV. JOHN A. CROSS.

rister's Hall, not long ago, busily en-
gagged in making oct papers for an
important real estate transfer, when
there came rap at the door, and, on
his invitation TO come in, lad Of a
bout twelve years of age entered,
and inquired whether he had any
waste paper TO sell.
lie was man who took a great
interest lii boys, and was fond of ask
ing them questions, in his own shrewd
way, to find out what metal they
were made of.
Manga little boot black and street
gamin has been reused 20 new thoughts
by his questions and words of counsel,
and perhaps will owe their success in
life to the start he gave them.
He.is, besides, man of ecouomi,
cal and methodical habits, who never
allows anything TO so TO waste or be
out of Its place.
In answer to the boys question, he
said Perhaps So aud, laying down
his pen, he pulled out a huge drawer
at his left hand, and showed quito a
large quantity of scraps.
The would-be merchant looked at it
for moment, and then running his
hand down on either side OF the
drawer. appeared to be estimating the
probable weight of the paper
You can have that for 20 cents
said the lawyer.
Again the boy lifted it, turned his
eyes to the ceiling as if in calculation,
and then shook his head, as he re.
Piled
No, sir. will allow you fifteen
cents for the lot
agreed, said the lawyer.
And the boy at once began to trans
fer the paper from the drawer to his
bag
When he had removed the last
piece from the drawer and had picked
up tie last bit from the floor, re tied
up bis bag and placed it near the door,
aud then quietly remarked that he
could not pay for it just then.
'Whatp said the lawyer, not a lit
tie surprised, and perhaps little pro-
voked ut such GOODNESS. NO money
10 pay for it ! Aud how do YOU ex-
pect 10 buy paper without money!
For moment the lad was fright
ened at the lawyers manner, and
was ut II loss to know just what to
say.
But, if the barrister was angry at
first, that feeling disappeared when he
saw the boys embarrassment, aud in
a changed voice, he inquired:
DO you consider your note good
my lad?'
Yes, sir, said the little fellow
Very we'll ifyour note is good I'd
just as. soon have that as the money.
But, mind you, if it isn't good l don't
want it.
The boy affirmed that, if lie gave
note, lie should certainly pay it. SO
the lawyer produced n formidable
sheet of legal cap and drew up
note for fifteen cents. payable Mt bis
Office at some unspecitled time in tie
future.
The boy signed it in legibIe char
acters, aud then shouldering his bag
ofpapcT, he politely said. 'Gool-morn-
ing, sir and trudged off.
The lawyer laid the note away care.
fully supposing it would some time
be a curiosity-for he thought it
wouldn't be paid. Buta surprise was
in store for him.
That afternoon as bc sat absorbed in
tho mysteries of Blackstone, he heard
4 smart rap on his door. and, as it o.
pened, in stepped the little paper mcr-
chant of the morning.
Removing his cap, he walked
straight up 70 the desk, aud announced
that he had come to pay his note
The note was produced, and ~ the
lawyer held it in bis hand, he leaned
back in his chair and said
well, my lad, this is the first time
| ever knew q note to be paid on The
same day it was given This is what
! call promPiuoss In attending To- bust
mess. In uy opinion, q boy who wiil
DO that is entitled to the note and
tie money too.
And 50 saying he handed the boy
the note and declined the money that
had been placed ON bis desk.
It was now the boys turn to be
surprised. lie didn't catch tie mean
lug. botstood looking fret az ,heuOte
aud chen ~ the money, as though
saying to himself They can't both
belong TO me-
'Ies, my dear fellow broke in the
lawyer, they are both yours. You
have been so prompt To- keep your
word and pay the note. that YOU mas
keep the money and III give YOU
tie note
a sudden CLEAN Of light spread
over the boys face az be p1f the mo-
ncy and the note IN his pocket. and
with a hearty ErL9pL Won e;r lao