Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1889 — A Negative Virtue. [ARTICLE]

A Negative Virtue.

“I think I ought to have more than $2 a weqk,” said the office boy, determinedly. “Why, you little rascal,” said the merchant, “what in the world do you mean? You are careless about your work; you never have anything done right; you are always late in the morning. If I want an errand done I have to do it myself, and you have the face to ask me for an increase of salary. ” “I know,” said the office boy, more determined than .before; but you forgot one thing—l don't know how to whistle.” And the merchant doubled his wages right away. Some day, if that boy keeps right on not kno-wing how to whistle, he will be taken into the firm. —Somerville (Mass.) Journal. Once upon a time a dying grasshopper lelt the care of its property and young ones to the tadpole. “For,” said she, “I have long watched his innocent, affectionate ways, and he will be good to the children. I won’t insult him by asking for bonds or security.” The grasshopper died after appointing the tadpole its sole executor. But the tadpole soon after lost its tail and its innocent ways, developed into a bull frog, and in a short time swal-' owed the young grasshoppers. Moral—Opportunity makes the thief. The Barmecides were a powerful Persian family, celebrated for virtue and courage, massacred through the jealousy of Caliph Haroun-al-Raschid, about 802. Divines tell us that “nothing is certain ;” but if nothing is certain, it can* joot be certain that nothing is certain.