American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-07-03

others in a Bible class taught by-Mr. Williams
himself! feeling of friendship sprung up
between Mr.. w. and Arthur on other grounds
than that of employer and apprentice
Mr.. w. had seen Indications Of the character
and habits of Bill, and had spoken to him in
reference to his course He urged him to unite
with the Bible class of which Arthur was a
member, and this was the occasion which led
to his contemptuous contrast of I" Your master
and my employer! !" .I.,HgsF
Arthur had noticed Mr. Williams talking
with Bill, and he naturally enough asked him
what they were talking about. An account of
the conversation was given, when Arthur tried
4 to persuade his shopmate to do as Mr.. w. ad-
1vised But itwas out of the question. There
was no sympathy between Bill and his en-
1 ployer in these matters, and he felt that he
was not quite in his element in Mr.. WIS shop,
so he declared that he g would not put up with
it," and said he would look for another place
Arthur urged all the reasons he could why he
should not do SO. He told him he could not
expect very soon to get so good situation, and
that he "would be sorry for it, Bill had made
up his mind, and as he knew pretty well how
to saw and plane, and could do some things
with moderate accuracy, he guessed he "would
try his luck somewhere else"
There are hundreds like Bill to-day: appren-
tices who are learning trade, and as soon as
they know how to handle plane or a pair
of shears, or sledge, or rule or a press bar
or a pattern mould, think they can turn out
into. the labor Market and get work at two
thirds, or even almost journeymen's wages
especially if they can curl few furry hairs on
their chins, or alongside of the tobacco-box
they make of their cheeks. They leave their
places, and after spending some time in hunt
ing upa situation, they get work at +" two
thirds" and think that because they arc making
four or five dollars week they can afford an
extra drink, or they can 60 to the theatre oft
ener; or-shame and infamy of scarlet dye
they persuade some young female to become a
companion, and pay their expenses at u home
of the abandoned. They have often bitter
experience, but that does not fully visit them
till they are too far gone for recovery. nv 5
Bill became restless and uneasy. He wanted
an excuse to quit, and having no 'sindentures, y
he was under no such legal restrictions as would
l prevent his going. But he knew not how tc
| get away. He could give no good reason 70,
i quitting. Besides his disinclination to bs
watched over by Mr.. Williams, he had been tolt
| that he could do ''twice as good" if he woulo
| go to another shop, and work for " two-thirds.
At last finding no other way, he purposely
spoiled piece of work, and on being reproyei
gave his employer an insulting and provoking
answer Mr.. w. maintained his temper, bu
told him that he must either be more careful
and respectful, or he must find work somewhere
else This was just what Bill wanted. He re
torted by another reckless reply, and Mr.. w
told him that he would settle with him on Satur
day night He would have time to bethinl
himself, and if he determined to be faithful h,
might remain; if not, he should be at perfect
liberty to go. u........ -.. 81,
eff I'm to go Mt ALL Pll go now," said Bill, as
he looked in defying manner at Mr. Williams
81 may as well go one time as another
"There's the door, said Mr. Williams, sit is
not locked"
Bill was his own master. He took off his
apron, rolled it up, put on his hat and coat, and
as he walked out of the door he slammed it to
with great force, as much as to say: "Who
cares for you ?"-and just as though he had not
taken the second great step in n career which
would lead him to disgrace and ruin .e.
He went from one shop to another, but work
was "dull," or the "shop was full" and Bill
began to think that this was a new feature in
the performance he had not thought of. At last
when his self-interest and disappointment be-
gan to make him think that it might after all
be better to stay with "Pappy" Williams, q
sign thrust out into the street from the side of
building led him to inquire for work at the
shop in the rear Some of the employers he
had called upon wanted a journeyman "who
understood his business; another wanted an
apprentice who would stick to his trade" but
Bill did not answer the description, and he was
obliged to go to other shops. Here, at last, he
found his place. The owner wanted boy who
was neither a new beginner, nor a finished
workman-but half-and- -half-who just about
knew what Bill knew and no more, nor ,cas
likely TO learn any more. The prospect was not
the best, but Bill took the offer, and thought
he might do better by -aud-by.
| # To be continued