STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON & CO.
PHILADELPHIA.
PRINTED BY C. SHERMAN.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| THE LAST PENNY | [ 7] |
| HOW TO ATTAIN TRUE GREATNESS | [ 26] |
| THE FAIR COURIER: A STORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION | [ 56] |
| THE APRIL FOOL | [ 104] |
| A WAY TO BE HAPPY | [ 126] |
THE LAST PENNY.
THOMAS CLAIRE, a son of St. Crispin, was a clever sort of a man; though not very well off in the world. He was industrious, but, as his abilities were small, his reward was proportioned thereto. His skill went but little beyond half-soles, heel-taps, and patches. Those who, willing to encourage Thomas, ventured to order from him a new pair of boots or shoes, never repeated the order. That would have been carrying their good wishes for his prosperity rather too far.
As intimated, the income of Thomas Claire was not large. Industrious though he was, the amount earned proved so small that his frugal wife always found it insufficient for an adequate supply of the wants of the family, which consisted of her husband, herself, and three children. It cannot be denied, however, that if Thomas had cared less about his pipe and mug of ale, the supply of bread would have been more liberal. But he had to work hard, and must have some little self-indulgence. At least, so he very unwisely argued. This self-indulgence cost from two to three shillings every week, a sum that would have purchased many comforts for the needy family.