KEEP THE GATE SHUT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1660, 15 November 1887, Page 3

KEEP THE GATE SHUT.

An English farmer was one daj at work in hie fields, when he saw a party of huntsmen riding aboat bis farm. He hid one field that 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 one of his workmen to this field, telling him to shut the gate an 3 then keep watch over it, and on no account to suffer it to be opened. The boy .went as he was bidden, tut was scarcely at his post before the hunters came up, peremptorily ordering the gate to be opened. This the boy declined to do, stating the orders he ho 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 same result. The boy remained immovable in the 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 ? lam the Duke of Wellington, one not accustomed to being disobeyed, and I command you to open that gate that I and my friends may pass through.” The boy lifted his cap and stood uncovered before the man all England delighted to honor, than answered firmly : “ I am sure the Duke of Wellington would not wish me to disobey orders. 1 most keep this gate shut, nor suffer anyone to pass but with my master’s express permiasion.” Greatly pleased the sturdy old warrior lifted bis own hat, and said : “ I honor the man or boy who can be neither bribed nor frightened into doing wrong. With un army of such soldiers I could conquer not only the French, but the world.” And banding the boy a glittering sovereign, the old Duke put spurs to horse and galloped away, while the boy ran to his work shouting at the top of bis voice, “ Hurrah, hurrah 1 I’ve done that Napoleon couldn’t do—l’ve kept out the Duke of Wellington,”