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When George Washington was about seven years old his father gave him
a hatchet; and like all boys who are suddenly made the owners of
such a desirable possession, he began trying its edge on everything
that came in his way. Unfortunately, however, he chopped down. one
of his father's favorite young cherry trees, never dreaming of the
mischief he had done until Mr. Washington next day discovered it and
inquired for the culprit. As soon as the boy heard of the loss and
learned how highly his father had valued the tree, he came forward
in a manly manner, though with great sorrow pictured on his
countenance and exclaimed, "I did it, father, with my hatchet, I
cannot tell a lie." This so touched his father's heart that he
embraced his son and declared he would rather lose every tree in his
garden than have his little son tell a lie.
George Washington
A Fictional Short Story by
Agnes Taylor Ketchum & Ida M. Jorgensen
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