The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-03-29

cal'late the furder you're kept away the
better it'll be for me- Been hookin' any
apples lately, eh p
Tim went away very much detected.
He asked himself, "Of what use will it
be for me to turn now and try to do
right? Every body knows me-every-
body knows have been robbing or
chards and doing other wicked acts, and
they will turn away from me and tell me
that they don't want such boy. l fear
this resolving to do right will be of no
avail.
But Tim was not entirely discouraged.
He resolved that he would make more
determined effort and not give up. He
thought he could see his mothers pale
face smiling down approvingly upon
him and encouraging him to go on in the
bright way
He called at another farm house, and
his request for employment was even
more gruffiy answered than before
No, [ don't want any boys" said
the man, leastways l don't want Sam
Smiths brat. know you, boy; I've
hearn tell of you. You may as well
tramp on for you'll not get any work
here"
Tim was now near to the village and
he determined to ask for employment at
one of the workshops. AS he was walk
ing along the street trying to decide
where he had better apply for situation
he saw small bundle of papers and a
pocket book on the pavement, and short
distance in advance he saw the man who
must have lost them. 1t was Mr.. Rob
erts who kept large grocery on Walnut
Street.
Tim hastily snatched up the bundle
of papers and the pocket-book and ran on
until he came up to Mr.. Roberts.
Haven't you lost something's" Tim
asked.
Mr.. Roberts thrust his hand into his
pocket and said excitedly:
Yes, my papers are gone and money
too. Did you find them?'
Eyes, sir )" said Tim, handing them to
Mr.. Roberts supposed you were the
loser and l fastened on to tell you
The papers are valuable, but there
isn't much money in the book. How can
[ repay you? Yes, have it; take the
pocket book as it is-it probably doesn't
contain over twenty five or thirty dollars
and let me know if you are ever in
want for anything You are an honest
boy, and [ must say, from what 1 have
heard of you, 1 did not expect you to be
so honest"
81 am trying to do better, sir" said
Tim, {" but don't think ought to take
the money. 1t was only right for me to
return these things to the owner. You
say If | ever want for anything, come to
you. l want employment 1 am going
to try to be better boy, and 1 want you
to find work for me or give me employ
ment in your store. have tried at two
places this morning to get farm work,
but have been turned away. Now, sir,
if you will aid me in getting work shall
be very thankful indeed"
my boy exclaimed Mr.. Roberts,
am very glad to hear you say this,
and you shall have employment l have
all the help at the store can make use
Of, but l can find you place. A good,
honest boy need never be without en-
ployment Come with me. I will take
you home with me and fit you out in a
new suit. My house shall be your home
until | have found a place for you"
The tears welled up into Tins eyes
and he could but poorly express his
thankfulness.
Don't say anything about it" said
Mr. Roberts, but keep nobly on in the
right way, and God will bless you"
Mr.. Roberts afterwards decided to
make room for Tim and be took him into
his own store.
Tim did not get over his "good spell"
and go back to his old ways, as many of
his companions predicted. He had in
reality turned over new leaf, and he
kept firmly on in the right way.
Mr. Roberts was true friend and
adviser. He established Tim in bust
ness, and in the course of time he rose to
be man of considerable prominence and
distinction.
He often looks back to that Summer
night when he lay down to sleep in the
meadow and looking up at the stars COM
menced to think about his mother, how
he had forgotten her counsel and advice
md was walking rapidly in the ways of
yickedness. 1t was the turning point in
ais life