The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1858-12-01
MISCELLANEOUS.
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME

AN ANEcDoTE FOR PERSONS SEEKING THEIR
FORTUNE.
This caution is applicable to all, but
more especially to young men and the
incident we are about to relate is one of
SO forcible character that we think it
will be productive of good.
Two young clerks in large Ameri-
can and French house, were particularly
intimate so much so, that although
they boarded in different houses, yet
they were constantly together during
the hours of recreation from business.
One of them bad been presented with
little 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 wit
messed his persevering efforts to make
"Grotto" bring his handkerchief, catch
pennies. stand upon his hind legs, and
do many other trifing but amusing
tricks. At length he got tired of be-
ing locker on at so much waste Of
time, and whilst his friend was being the
tutor of "Grotto," he himself would
be pupil to French teacher, and en-
dcavor to master the French language
by the time "Grotto's' education was
completed.
Without saying word to his friend,
he commenced his studies, and being
diligent, fast acquired knowledge Of
the language +; he also improved from
hearing good deal of French spoken
IN the store. though he carefully avoid
ed uttering word. AT length "Grot-
10" was finished, and had very truly ac-
quired knowledge of an infinite num-
Der of amusing games, and his owner
prided himself no little on his acquire
ments.
The owner of 'Grotto' was little the
senior in the store, of the other, and Of
course ranked him in promotion. One
morningh he came out Of the private room
of the principal member Of the firm,
and looking very much downcast, APP
preached his friend.
Tom said he, 'the firm wants to
send one of the clerks this summer to
France to buy goods. aud they have Of
tered the chance to me, providing !
could speak French; but as 'Oui' is
about the extent of my French, it's no
20 for this child. What a fool l was
Tor not studying it when was boy!'
Well, said Tom, whose chance is
uext?'
why. yours, of course. Ha, ha, ha |!
They will put the question all round.
GU. of politeness. and as none of US can
parlez vous.-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 glow
ing terms were the advantages set forth.
if he could speak the language Of tie
country they wished him to 60 to-
Tom listened with delight, and inward
ly 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
DC.
WELL said Tom, it can't be helped,
and there is no time. Isuppose, to study
now, SO must just do the best | can.
Mr.. Toutetee. shall you and l have a
little chat, and perhaps ! may pass mus
ter
Mr.. Toutetee and Tom entered into
an animated conversation, very much
to tho surprise of all present. which
having been kept up in double quick
time for some fifteen minutes, Mr.. Tou-
tetee very candidly told his partners
that Tom was fully competent for the
place.
Tom was great favorite. and the
firm was heartily glad that he was Ca
pable of holding the situation. and he
was instructed to prepare himself for
departure by the next steamer, with the
privilege Of peeping into the World's
Fair.
Tom now returned to his friend, who
met him with right good Ha, ha,
ha! We'll. Tom. no use. l told you
SO
'Ah ]! replied Tom. you are out this
time. Ny French has been approved
Of, and / am done here, | sail in the
next steamer
You don't say SO? But, Tom, when
did you learn French ?
When you were teaching 'Grot
to-
A new light flashed across the vision
Of .Grotso's' master. What ! said he
whilst was fooling over that dog. were
you studying
Just 80 /; and you know with wha'
success our time has been reward
ed
By the judicious disposal Of time, one
Young man is on the high road to mer-
camille fame and fortune; whilst by
throwing away time. another, equal in
abilities, is doomed to drudgery and
clsrkship perhaps all his days.