Year: 1861

GUSTAyUS THE MISER.


In the old city of Nuremburg there
lived a boy who was not respected by his
school companions Not one of them had
any inclination to associate with him, and
he was seldom invited to share their
games.


Now what do you think was the reason
tGustavus was so neglected? q? His parents
were wealthy, and highly esteemed by
every one acquainted with them. They
took great pride in their only son. He
was always well dressed, and knew how
to act the gentlemen in company. He
was studious, quiet, and respectful to all
men. His teachers never grew tired of
praising him, for his lessons were
thoroughly prepared. But in spite of all
this the scheolmates of Gustavus could
not be indueed to love him. Now the
cause of it all was--for you could not
guess it in ara hour-his selfish and av-
aricious disposition. Yes, Gustavus, the
well.brcd and well-behaved boy. was af-
tictcd with the most hideous form of av-
arice.


One day, a few acguaintances of Gus
avusiuvited him to accompany them to
village situated few miles out of the
city. They thenght he was badly treat
eed. and took compassion on him; that
was the ground for their invitation The
boys were furnished with money enough
to bay whatever they wanted during their
excursion-day, consequently they expect
ed pleasant time


When about half way to their destin-
alton. they were met by an old man of
bent form and snow-white locks. He
was compelled to walk with crutch, for
ore of his legs was gone. He took off
his hat, and made short address to the
boys. Il am, as you see, a very old man;
but was once bold and hardy soldier.
When engaged in battle on certain oc-
rcasiOn. lost one of my legs. Remember
that my misfortune came from fighting
for my country but I would have fought
for her if Iknew | would lose my life.
You see then that by age and accident |
cannot labor aud must look for my sup
port to the kindness Of human hearts"


An appeal like this, coming from the
source it did, was enough to touch most
hearts. Immediately aae boys desired to
assist the inGrm old man, and gave half
their money terkim, some even gave near
lily all they had; but Gustavus refused
the smallest pittaace, and walked slowly
on while the rost were filing the old SOL
-dier's doubled haEds. His conduct was
of course perceived and very severely
,censured. Many ways were proposed to
signify their disapprObation; but at last
it was resolved that Gustavus .Shubrig
should never play with them again unless
he reformed from his misery propensity.


When the village was reached. and din
,ner was announced at the restaurant, they
took one end of the table, and inglted
him tv take the other WheR the time
came for playing on the Rillage-sqpare,
they provided seat for him, and invited
him to sit under the great elm an the mid
die of the square, aud watch then play.
And when it was the hour fer returning
to the city. they invited him to return
with them, but said little TO him on the
way. He scarcely spoke the whole time;
his feelings we're very uncomfortable. It.
was bad for him that he did not resolve
at that time to be kind and benevolent in
future.


It never happened after this that Gus
tavus had much pleasure at school. The
history Of his conduct toward the old man
had dropped him down to zero in every
bodys estimation. His name in future
was Master Momsylovs. Hisparents were