Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-01-24

our ruler? You prefer gOaC-nefQ u
him. Show him the nest at once, or
will hew off your arm.' He took out hi
cutlass. The boy grew pale, trembled
and imploring cried:
%, pardon me! I beg for forgiveness.
Show the nest, boy, or strike,' criet
the hunter. The boy held out botf
hands, looked with blinking eyes at th,
glittering cutlass, but still cried. out:
%, can not, dare not, will not |!
That's enough = said the tutor. anG
commanded the hunter to put up hi,
cutlass. BE still, little boy! No harm
shall happen to you. You aie an hon.
est boy. First ask your little friend fol
permission, and then come and show III
the nest. You can then divide the gold
between you.'
'Goodp exclaimed the boy. you shall
have your answer to- night
The tutor went back with the prince
to the castle, at which they had only
arrived the day before, intending to pass
the spring there. On the way the tutor
said:
The honesty of the boy is wonderful.
1t is q jewel, whose worth cannot be
priced highly enough. The boy has the
foundation of great man, q firm char.
acter. Virtues are often found under q
straw roof, that are sought in vain in q
| palace
The. tutor inquired more particularly
about the boy.'
THE boy,' said the keeper, 'is very
brave. His name is George; his father
ia poor grate-maker, but is one of the
most upright men around here.'
Towards evening, when the lessons
Iof ho ~ m vr,ovo Ill ov,loA hn -nnk 70
the window.
'Ah y he said, little George is already
waiting for US. He has brought his
sheep near the woods, and is already
looking towards the CASTLE
Well, then, we will see what answer
he will bring US, said the tutor. They
both left the castle and went to the
woods. The little shepherd ran joyful
ly to meet them.
Michael is willing!' he called out
He scolded me, and called me q fool,
that did not accept the bargain, and
then divide the money with him. But
it is better that I first told him of it. /
will gladly show you the nest now
Come with me- George ran on ahead
towards the wood the prince and his
tutor slowly followed him. DO you see
that little yellow bird upon the alder
branch p said the little shepherd to the
prince. The nest belongs to it. That
Is the male bird-noW we must 20 soft.
| ly.'
George pointed to a bush, and said to
the prince.
Look in there. The female ia really
setting upon the eggs.'
The tutor made many appropriate re-
marks, and then said to the boy:
Now come with US to that oak, there
| will give you the promised reward
The gold piece you could not divide
with your young friend 80 I will pay
you in silver.
BE sure you divide equally with
Michael said the prince.
Upon honor, said George; expressing
his thanks, and was off.
The tutor inquired whether George
had divided his money justly with
Michael. He had not given him one
cent too little. His part he had given
tc his father, and kept none for himself.
The prince now came every day to
look at the nest. The two old birds
we're soon not at all afraid of him. With
great joy the prince noticed how the lit
tie birds orept out of the eggs how all
the little yellow bills were widely OPEN
ed and all chirped together when the old
birds brought them food how the little
ones grew larger and stronger, and how,
finally, with much rejoicing of the old
ones they ventured upon their first lite
tie fight, and sat upon the nearest
branches of the trees.
The prince and his tutor often met the
little shepherd herding his sheep, now
here, now there. It pleased the tutor
very much that the boy always had his
book and read very industriously.
You know how to entertain yourself
we'll, George said he. Read to me a
little.'
George began, but was obliged occa-
sionally to stop and spell out every
word.
Well, that is pretty we'll; at what
school did you learn to read p
'O,' said George, I have been in no
school. 1t is 80 far, and would have
lost much time. In winter am Oblig-
ed to spin. And besides, my father
could not have afforded the tuition fee.
But asked my good friend Michael,
who can read very we'll, to teach me
also. He taught me the letters and to
spell. have already read that little
book, out of which Michael also learned
to read, three times. It is now 80 torn
and dirty that many letters are no long
er distinct. Therefore. 1t is not easy to
read in it,
The next time the prince met the lit
tie shepherd, he showed him an uncom.
monty pretty book, bound in scarlet and
gold.
Il will lend you this,' said he, but as
soon as you can read q whole page with.
OI1f onu vpiofo boo r mill ;k 4
The boy was very much delighted.
and took 1t tenderly. The next day as
soon as he saw the prince, he ran to
meet him.
'See,' said he, L will read you any
one of the first six pages which YOU
select
The prince took the book, pointed to
a page, and George read without mis-
take. He was given the book and danced
around for joy.
. One morning the ruler arrived at the
castle on horseback, and with only one
attendant.
He wished to see what progress the
prince was making in his studies. At
tina table the prince told about the pret-
ty birds nest, and the honest shepherd
boy. The father listened with much
satisfaction, and was much astonished
at the honesty of the boy. as '"' Nv "
Really said the tutor, shis honesty
is genuine, pure gold. The boy at some
time would be faithful attendant for
our crowned prince; one upon whom
he could depend. AS he has remarka.
ble talents, it would be well if he could
study: But his father is very poor it
would be pity, If the boy, who IL 40
talented and honest, should become no
more than gate maker, as his father
is.'
The ruler, after dinner, went with the
tutor to window, and spGke 8 long
time with him. Then he commanded
that the boy be called. George came
and was greatly astonished as he came
into the magnificent apartment and saw
the handsome gentleman with the star
on his breast.
The fntor told the hoy who the gen