True Stories for Young Children (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856. Excerpt: ... THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A PENNY. One bright sunny afternoon, as John and Betsev and Jane were building a little shed at the end of their garden with sticks and stones, and putting bits of a broken plate in it to make it look like a china shop, they heard a trotting on the distant road. Down went all the china shop in a moment, and away went Betsey John and Jane to the gate, which they threw wide open, and through came a very kindlooking old gentleman, on a brown horse, which seemed very tired. Thank you, my dears, said the stranger; and pray can you tell me whether this is the right road to Farmer Gilpin's % Yes sir, said John, touching his hat; straight through this lane will lead you to the valley, and then you can't miss his house. You'll see the barns and haystacks aU about it And pray what are your names % said the kind old man. The children told him. Well, let me see what I have got in my pocket. And after a little diving into the pockets of his great brown coat, during which the children looked half-ashamed and halfpleased, he pulled out three bright pennies, one of which he gave to each of them. And mind you spend them well, he added, as with a cheerful smile he rode away. What a kind gentleman said Betsey. A whole penny said John. And I've got one too, cried little Jane. And the children sat down on the bank to admire their wealth. For though they always got plenty to eat and drink, and with great care had tidy clothes, yet pocket-money was a thing they never had, for that their father and mother could not afford to give them. So this penny was a great gift, and seemed at first enough to buy for each of them everything their fancy could desire. But by degrees they sobered down, and began to talk of what they really should do with their treasures....