Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 August 1879 — The Boy and the Duke. [ARTICLE]

The Boy and the Duke.

Christian Advocate. An English farmer was one day at work in the fields, when lie saw a party of huntsmen riding about his farm. He had one field he was specially anxious they should not ride over, as the crop was in a condition to be badly Injured by the tramp of horses; so he dispatched a boy in employ to this field, telling him to shut the gate, and keep watch over it, and ou.no account to suffer it to be opened. The boy went as was bid, but was scarcely at his post before the huntsman came up, peremptorily ordering the gate to be opened. This the boy declined to do, stating the orders he had received, and his determination not to disobey them. Threats and bribes were offered, alike in vain. One after another came forward as spokesman, but all with the result; the boy remained immovable in his determination not to open the gate. After a while, one of noble presence advanced, and said, in commanding tones: My boy; do you know me? I am the duke of Wellington—one not accustomed to be disobeyed; and I command you to open that gate, that I and my friends may pass through.” The boy lined his can and stood uncovered before the man whom all England delighted to honor, then answered firmly. “lam sure the duke of Wellington would not wish me to disobey orders. I must keep this gate shut; no one is to pass through but with my master’s express permission.” Greatly pleased, the sturdy old warrior lifted Ills own hat, and said: “I honor the man or boy who can be neither bribed nor frigutened into doing wrong. With an army of such soldiers, I could conquer not Only the French, but the world. And, handing the boy a glittering Sovereign, the old duke put spurs to his horse, and galloping away; while the boy ran oft to his work, shouting at the top of his voice, “Hurrah! hurrah! I’ve done what Napoleon could not do—l’ve kept out the duke of Wellington.