Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1889-10-05
Ruth looked at Dick, appealinely

|
stop here this morning, but I'll GO
'Oh, mol" interrupted grandma
Gust give me what you're going tc
have. I've been fed on dainties toe
long already.
I'VE thought we would have some
mush to-day" Ruth said.
"Just what | should like" said
grandma. cheerfnlly. Il was brought
up on mush and milk, it will seem
| like old times"
"But the milk man didn't stop
either" Dick said, trying TO laugh.
| Never mind Put in little more
salt to flavor it, and it will do nicely
WIS grandma's answer.
! Ruth made the mush, using the last
of the meal, and in the bottom of the
sugar bag was spoonful of sugar
which she sprinkled on grahdma's
portion.
This carries me hack to my child.
hood" said the old lady. "Well do
remember how | used to carry my
porringer of mush and milk to the
back porch, where ] could watch the
swallows building their nests under
the roof of the barn and my grand
mother used to sit beside me and tell
me stories of her childhood. That was
ninety years ago, dears, and as | look
over the long years | can see that the
dear Lord has been with me all the
way, and he has crowned my life with
blessings. feel like singing all the
day:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow"
Dick ate his small plate of mush in
silence. He could not understand how
his grandmother could feel so. thank.
ful and happy. He was hungry still,
though Ruth had given him twice as
much as she had kept for herself. He
went out as soon as the last mouthful
was gone, and hurried off in the direc-
ton of Mr.. Cranes big wholesale and
retail grocery store. Il can but perish
if co." he repeated to himself. 81 am
resolved 10 try"
He found his way into Mr.. Cranes
office and that gentleman's cordial
greeting somewhat treasured him.
"And how is the dear old grand
mother ? he asked, kindly"
"She's just as good and as happy as
ever" said Dick, and she says, "the
Lord will take care of u.s." but I've
got to help, sir, and if l could only
get steady work we shouldn't have to
worry. Please, Mr.. Crane, won't you
find jdb for me ?"
1t was long speech for Dick, and
there was a tremor in his voice, and
his face was pale with anxiety as he
waited for the gentleman's answer.
Mr.. Crane left his desk, and coming
around to the boys side looked keenly
into his face.
Tell me the truth" he said, "you
haven't suffered for want of food, my
boy ? | feel myself blamable if your
grandmother has been in need"
The boy hesitated. His face grew
red.
We've always had nourishing food
for grandma" he stammered, "until
now, and Ruth and | don't complain
about ourselves-at least, Ruth don't"
Mr.. Cranes face grew thoughtful,
even sad. lie was a Christian and
stood high in the esteem Of his fellow
men. He gave literally to worthy
objects, but here was want at his very
door, and Grandmother LeIand's son
had fought and died for his country,
while he stayed at home.
"Why did you not come here be-
fore p he asked, Il would have helped
you gladly"
1--WE don't ask for help" answered
Dick proudly. 81 want work, and if
you'll only give me chance | will do
the best | can"
IL want just such boy as you"
said Mr.. Crane" to do errands and
help in the store. will give you $15
month to begin with and increase in
your pay when you learn the business
You may come tomorrow morning.
20. Mr.. Crane" the boy fallered,
II am afraid it is too much. | may
not be able to earn it," There was a
sudden mist before his eyes and big
lumpfn his throat. He had not sup
posd such good fortune would come
ta-him.
1--WE been looking long time for
an honest, trustJ boy like you" said
the gentleman, ''and | find that they
are not plenty. l am willing to pay
more for such lad. You can write,
| suppose?
Dick went to the desk and wrote his
name in bold, neat characters. Mr..
Crane gave him several sentences to
write and Dick was gralified to hear
him say: You have good business
hand, and if you are as equally good
at figures you may prove Of great as
sistance to me. What school advan-
tages have you had 7"
81 never wenl to school, grandma
taught US" said Dick. "She is an old
teacher, and she knows every thing"
81 know" said the gentleman,
smiling. Il went to school to her
myself forty year ago, and | thought
her the best teacher ever had. Come
with me, Richard, want to send your
grandmother little present, in re-
membrance of my old school days,
when fear | made her good deal of
trouble"
Dick followed him into the large,
store, where Mr.. Crane filled with his
own hands two large market baskets
Of choice groceries and Dick, as he
hurried homeward as fact AS possible
with his heavy baskets, broke out sing
ing with all his heart his grandmoth-
er's faVorite hymn
praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him all creatures here below"
"Is there anything can do for
49, 81 ...iol Az I.,,..a, sondarly