only a little stouter. I do not think you could carry large bundles like that, could you?"

19. "I could try, sir. I can learn a hard lesson, and mother says, if I try, and never give I can do almost any thing."

up,

20. "You are the right kind of a boy; I will try you. Come in the morning." Arthur's feet could not go fast enough as he ran home to tell his mother of his success.

21. "And, mother," said he, in a lower tone, "I am glad I learned that hard lesson, because now, when I feel like giving up, I think of it, and I say, No, I won't give up yet; I will try again.

22. "O, mother, I mean to be a rich man some day, so I can take care of you, you are such a dear mother."

23. "But," said his mother, "do not forget that it is God who giveth the power to do. Ask Him to keep you and to help you overcome the difficulties that may come in your way."

1. The next morning Arthur went to the store resolved to do his best. He did not expect to find his work all play, but he said,

"It will be pleasant, even, if it is hard, for I shall be helping mother."

2. For two whole years he remained as an errand-boy. He had many bundles to carry home for the customers, and sometimes they were so large that he could hardly carry them.

3. Once he stopped and sat down on the steps of a fine house, for he was very warm and tired. While he was wiping the sweat from his brow, the door opened, and his employer came out.

4. "Ah, Arthur, is this you? You look tired."

5. For a moment Arthur was a little confused. He did not know how to reply. He thought it would hardly be manly and brave to say he was tired, so he simply said, “”Tis very warm, sir," and he resolutely shouldered his bundle and started on.

6. "That is the right kind of a boy; he will make a man yet," said Mr. Penny, as he walked to the store.

7. Mr. Penny had one faculty not possessed by all business men. He could see and appreciate the good qualities of those in his employ.

8. From time to time he had increased

Arthur's wages, and now, as the second year was drawing to a close, he was thinking what he could do for him. He was not long in making up his mind.

9. "O mother! mother!" exclaimed Arthur, as he bounded into the house on New Year's eve. 66 'Look here! look here! Mr. Penny has given me a twenty dollar gold piece for a New Year's gift; and here is a dresspattern, with a letter for you!"

10. "My boy, my darling boy!" said Mrs. Camp, as she pressed Arthur to her heart, "this comes from never giving up. I thank God that my little son has learned this lesson." 11. "And I thank Him, too, for so good a mother to teach it to me," said Arthur.

12. But let us see what is in the letter. While Mrs. Camp was reading it, her eyes filled with tears, and somehow, very soon after, Arthur had his arms around her neck; and though they both cried, they seemed very happy.

13. The letter read as follows:

MRS. CAMP:

MY DEAR MADAM :

It is but just that I should tell you that

Arthur pleases me very much. I like his spirit,- his resolution. As an errand-boy, for the past two years, he has been faithful, as well as kind and polite.

I shall hereafter put him

ter, and increase his pay.

behind the counFor the year to

come his salary will be five hundred dollars. Please accept the little token I send by

Arthur.

I am, my dear madam,

DEC. 31, 1865.

Very respectfully,

CHARLES PENNY.

14. "So much," said Arthur, "for learning that hard lesson. I am so glad I learned it. 15. "And may God bless you, my son, and ever lead you in the right way," said his mother.

16. Ten years have since passed. Another and a greater change has been made. Arthur is a partner now in the same store. Mr. Penny is old, and is at the store but little; but he knows it is properly managed, for Arthur is there.

17. Do you see two men standing in front of that white cottage, talking with those two you know who they are?

ladies?

Do