St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1899-11-29
John Thr0cktOn's Guardian.

John Throckton's Guardian.
"Please, sir, lend me quarter?"
1t was a small, ragged boy that re-
pcated the request, addressing number
of passing men one winter night by the
light of the street lamps. Some of the
men shook their heads; Others passed on
without noticing the appeal. Finally,
two men who were walking together
stopped.
why don't you ask me to give you a
quarterl" one of the men questioned the
boy.
because I'm a-goin' to give it back to
you" was the prompt answer. 81 amt |
a-beggin'."
The man that had asked the question
laughed not altogether pleasantly.
"Ho, no, here is refinement" he said
with ironcal emphasis to his friend. To
the boy he continued:
Look here, little man, lend money
only on good security. What security
can you give me?"
Security ?" repeated the boy helpless
". Then two eager eyes frightened as
the meaning of the word was suggested,
and he added: II can't give none-only
The man laughed great haw, haw.
"Good You've earned your money,
little Ready Wits" he said, as he tossed
quarter to the boy, and started up the
street with his friend.
"Please, sir, you amt told me your
name yet, nor where you live" pursued
the boy.
Not done with you YETI" said the
man sharply as he stopped again. Are
you getting up directory in the interest
of beggars, boy 2"
mo, sir" replied the little fellow seri-
ously tits in the interest of you"
Both men laughed.
"Well my name is John Throckton,
and live at No. 16 Fairvew avenue"
said the giver of the quarter.
Mr.. Iohn Throcktons house was large
and handsome, and ull OF fine furniture
and works of art. He was very rich,
but by no means generous with his
money. He had given in this instance
merely out OF caprice. The boys manner
OF asking had amused him. Seldom did
he give so much as quarter for charity.
Meanwhile little Bernard Wells invested
the borrowed quarter in a loaf OF bread,
little piece OF meat and little paper
of tea, and carried the provisions home
His home was a single room in poor
tenement house. His father was dead,
and his mother made living by sewing
on shirts. This week, however, she had
been too i'll to work, and her money was
all spent.
20, Bernard where did you get these
things ?" Mrs. Wells asked when her son
came in.
Bernard told his story.
1--WE must return the money as soon as
possible" said the mother.
But Mrs. Wells was not able to go
back to her work. Bernard earned a
little money now selling newspapers, but
this was needed to buy food and coal.
Finally, Mrs. Wells died, and brother
of Bernard's father, a poor, hardworking
man, came forward, and offered the little
boy a home. Bernard worked for his
uncle who kept little store. But the
boy was not given any money. Once
Bernard asked for quarter that he
might pay Mr.. Throckton, and was
laughed at by his uncle.
"Iohn Throckton has too much money
already" the man said. Hes one o
the richest men in town and one OF thu
meanest. guess don't want him te
get any of my quarters
A wear passed. Bernard did not forge
his obligation to Mr.. Throckton. Many
were the plans that he made Tor redeem
ing his pledged word.
One day when he was passing along
crowded street it was his good fortune
to find pair of eyeglasses that iadl
had accidentally dropped, and the LADY
rewarded him with quarter, =,
Bernard set out Immediately Tor NO
16 Fairview avenue. How pleased
mother will be hope she knows, h
thought to himself as he hurried alon'
with a light, springy gait his step
were not lighter than his heart. 1t wa
about five O'Clock, and Mr.. Throckto1
had returned from his banking house
and was in his library. He was not par
ticularly engaged, and he told the serS
ing man to show the boy in.
II came to pay you the quarter, MI
Throckton." said Bernard advancin
into the splendid room, and holding Gu
the money. "Im much 'biged to 20
fer trustin' me. couldn't git it ter 20
no sooner"
MIR. Throckton gave Bernard searci
ing look. "Have you not made ml'
take, my boy ?" he asked. II never Ter
you a quarter to my knowledge, nor q
know you D.
ut was on the street, sir" said BE
nard, zone night"
20, no, yes, do remember you NOV
Well, well, WE'LL" Mr.. Throcktt la,ulg
ed again as the recollection defined itse
more clearly so, you are that lit
chap that wasn't begging" j.,
"Yes, sir, I'm him." and Bernard IA IA
the silver coin on the table beside M
Throckton's hand.
The man of business appeared to DC
terested. "Wel, my little fellow,
said, II confess you have taken me
surprise" He leaned back in his arr
chair and regarded the boy narrow
while he slipped the quarter in his We
pocket. Mr.. Throckton liked to inves