THE YOUTH’S CABINET.

185

The little Miners.

 

TRANSLATED FOR THE CHILDREN’S FRIEND, FROM THE HIVE.

 

» Frenca gentleman
! visiting some coal-
mines in England,
noticed a young
! foreman named Wil-
> liam, whose intel-
ligence and correct
language struck him. He made inqui-
ries of the proprietor of the mine con-
cerning him, and he coolly answered :
« He is a lad who has always done his
duty.” On returning for the purpose of
visiting the foundry situated near the
‘ron and coal mines, Monsieur R—
descried William seated at the door of
a cottage of cheerful appearance, which
seemed to be his home. The young man
arose as the stranger drew near, and sa-
luted him with dignified politeness. M.
R—— stopped, and entered into con-
versation with him.

After putting a number of questions
to him concerning the mining operations,
the quality of the coal, its quantity, and
the means of extracting it, he asked him
if he belonged to that part of the coun-
try?

“No, sir,” replied William, “I come
from Wales.”

“A poor, but noble land,” observed

“Noble indeed,” answered William,
“for the schoolmaster often related to
us the deeds of courage and devotion
performed by our ancestors in defence
of their liberty ; and, as for its poverty,
I know that by experience.”

“You are acquainted, then, with ad-
versity ?””—

 

   

« And though a harsh, I may say, Sit,

that it is a good instructor: had I not
been acquainted with it, I never should
have been foreman now in Mr. Watson's
mine.”

«How did that follow ?”

« Oh! it is quite a history, sir.”

“Will you tell it to me?” asked M
R-—— with a smile.

William excused himself, pleading

that there was nothing in the narrative
which would be interesting to any one
but himself. However, as M. R
entreated, he replied :
«Tt was but a little affair, sir ; it all
happened quite naturally and according
to the will of God. We were four or-
phan children, with nothing to depend —
on but the wages of our eldest brother,
John, who served in the king’s navy.
He regularly sent them to us, and they
were sufficient to pay the board of my
two sisters and of little Richard. As for
me, I was then eleven or twelve years
old, and I tended sheep on the hill, All
prospered with us, and the old woman
with whom my brother and sisters lived,
went into the town every month to re-
ceive the money sent by John. But one
day—oh I remember it, sir, as if it were
yesterday—lI was coming down the hill,
whittling a whistle out of elderwood for
little Richard, and I saw her coming
back from the town with a disturbed
air.

“Why! what is the matter with you,
mother Kitty ?” I cried.

«Qh! is it you 2” said she, perceiving
me, “here I am finely caught with you