Water Babies: Original Illustrated Edition

Once upon a time, in a great town in the North country, there lived a little chimney-sweep whose name was Tom. This name is a short one, and you may have heard it before, so you should not have much trouble remembering it. The town was filled with plenty of chimneys to sweep and plenty of money for Tom to earn and his master to spend.

Tom could neither read nor write, and he had no desire to learn either skill. He never washed himself, as there was no water in the court where he lived. Additionally, he had never been taught to say his prayers.

Despite his lack of education and personal hygiene, Tom was a hardworking and industrious young boy. He took great pride in his work, meticulously cleaning the chimneys to the satisfaction of his master. The soot-covered walls and ceilings of the houses he serviced were no match for his nimble fingers and determined spirit.

While Tom may have been lacking in some areas, he possessed a natural resilience and an unwavering work ethic that set him apart from his peers. His master recognized these qualities and often praised him for his diligence, ensuring that Tom received a fair share of the earnings from their chimney-sweeping business.

Life in the North country was not always easy, but Tom found joy in the simple pleasures of his work. He reveled in the satisfaction of a job well done, the sense of accomplishment that came with each successful chimney sweep. And though he may have lacked formal education, Tom possessed a keen intellect and a curious nature, often observing the world around him with a childlike wonder.

As the years passed, Tom's skills and reputation grew, and he became known as one of the best chimney-sweeps in the town. His master, recognizing his value, treated him well and ensured that he had a comfortable place to live and enough food to sustain him.

Yet, despite his success, Tom remained humble and content with his lot in life. He was grateful for the opportunities that had been afforded to him, and he carried out his work with a sense of purpose and pride that was admired by all who knew him.

In the end, Tom's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of hard work to overcome even the most daunting of circumstances. His life may have been humble, but it was a testament to the enduring spirit of the human condition and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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