Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-08-13
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.


This caption is applicable to all, but more
especially to young men and the incident we
are about to relate is one Of so forcable a
character that we think it will be productive
of good
Two young clerks in a large American and
French house were particularly intmate so
much so, that although they boarded in diff
erent houses yet they we're constantly togeth-
or during the hours of recreation from busi-
ness.
One of them had been presented with lit
tie French poodle, and he at once set about
instructing it to perform all those little tricks
for which the breed is famed.
For some days his companion witnessed
his perseyering efforts to make "Grotto"
bring his handkerchief, catch pennies, stand
upon his hind legs, and do many other trihing
but amusing tricks. At length he got tired
of being looker-on at so much waste of
time. aud while his friend was being the tutor
of Grotto, he himself would be pupil to
French teacher and endeavor TO master the
French language by the time Grotto's educa-
ton was completed.
Without saying a word to his friend, he
commenced his studies, and being diligent,
fast acquired knowledge of the language
a
French spoken in the store, though he care
fully avoided uttcring a word At length
Grotto was finished, and had truly acquired
knowledge of an infinite number of anus
ing games. and his owner prided himself no
little on his requirements.
The owner of Grotto was little the sen
Tor in the store of the other, and of course.
ranked him in promotion. One morning he
came ont Of the private room of the princi-
pal member Of the firm, and looking very much
downcast, approached his friend.
Tom" said he, "the firm wants to send
one Of the clerks this summer to France to
buy goods, and they have offered the chance
to me, providing could speak French but
as 'Ou' is about the extent of my French
it's no use for this child What fool was
for not studying it when was boy %
"Well, said Tom, ''whose chance is next:'
"Why, yours, of course. Ha, ha, ha =
They will put the question all round, out of
politeness and as none of us can parley uotts
-ha, ha why, somebody will be engaged,
and all of us headed off,
In the course Of the morning, Tom was
called before the firm, and in glowing terms
were the advantages set forth, if he could
speak the language Of the country they wish
cd him to CO. Tom listened with delight and
inwardly chuckled at the surprise he would
give them.
"Of course said one of the firm, "you
should have the situation If you could only
speak French but as you cannot, we shall
have to employ some one else. Very sorry;
great pity" &c.
"Well," said Tom, sit can't be helped, and
there is no time, suppose, to study now, so
| must do just the best | can. Mr.. Toutette,
shall you and have little chat, and perhaps
| may pass muster"
Mr. Toutette and Tom entered into an ami
mated conversation, very much to the surprise
of all present, which having been kept up in
double quick time for some fifteen minutes,
Mr.. Toutettc very candidly told his partners
that Tom was fully competent for the place.
Tom was great favorite, and the firm were
heartily glad that he was capable of holding
the situation; and he was instructed to pre-
pare himself for departure by the next steam
or, with the privilege Of pecping into the
Worlds Fair.
Tom now returned to his friend, who met
him with right good ha, ha, ha "Well,
Tom, no use | told you so p
"Ah! replied Tom, ''you are out this time.
My French has been approved of, and | am
done here ] sail in the next steamer"
''You don't say SOL But, Tom, when did
you learn French y
"When you were teaching Grotto."
new light flashed across the vision of
Grotto's master. What" said he, whilst
| was fooling over that dog, were you study
ing;
"Just so and you know with what sue
cess our time has been regarded"
By the judicious disposal of time, one
young man is on the high road to mercantile
fame and fortune; whilst throwing away time,
another, equal in abilities, is doomed to druid
gerry and clerkship perhaps all his days.