Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-01-09
From sarsenrs School Monlhyl
THE REWARD OF COURTESY.

lrIpni sAIHth's ctnop nOntInysl
THE REWARD OF COURTESY.
A few years since, on Q radiant spring after
noon, two men, who, from their conversation ap-
peared to he foreigners, stopped before the gate
OF one of the large workshops in Philade lphia
for the manufacture Of locomotive engines. En-.
tcrng small Office, the elder Of the two men
inquired of tho superintendent in attendance il
he would permit them TO inspect the works.
You can pass in and look about if you please" 4"
said the superintendent, vcxcd, apparently, at
being interrupted in the perusal or his newspa-
per, lie then scanned the two strangers more
closely They were respectfully but plainly clad,
and evidently made no pretension to official dig
nifty of any kind.
us there any one who can show us over the
establishment and explain matters to us ?" ask
ell MIR Wolf, the elder of the strangers.
ou must pick your own way, gentlemen, ~
replied the superintendent Eve are all too
busy to attend every party that comes along
I'LL thank you not to interrupt the workmen by
asking questions"
1t was not so much the matter as the manner
OF this reply that was offensive to Mr. Wolf and
his companion. 1t was spoken with certain
Official assumption of superiority. mingled with
contempt for the visitors, indicating naughty
and selfish temper on the part Of the speaker.-
81 think well not trouble YOU" said Mr. Wolf.
bowlng and taking his companions arm passed
out
"lt there is anything heartily dislike, il is
lnclvllity, SAID Mr. Wolf, when they were in the
street. ~ do not blame that man for not wish.
ing 10 show us over his establishment he is no
doubt annoyed and interrupted by many heed
less vlsltors hut he might have dism ssed us
with courtesy. He might have sen, us away
better content with gracious refusal than with
an ungracous consent"
"Perhaps" said the other STRANGER. TIVE shall
have better luck here :" and they s,opped before
another workshop of similar kind. They were
received by a brisk little man. the head clerk
apparently. who in reply to their request 10 be
shown over the establishment. answeted. 90.
YES come with mo con,Iomcn ,Tb;s wa, -,
So saving. he l,,r;, ,l,rr, nIn ~, ,iro,vu
with iron bars. broken and rusty wheels Of iron.
fragments of old boilers and cylinders. into the
principal workshop.
Here, without stoppinp TO exnIain any one
thing. he led the strangers alond. with the eyi.
dent intention of GETTING rid of them as soon as
possible. When hev paused at a place where
wDrkmen were riyetinr the EXTERNAL cas;no M n
boiler, the clerk looked At his watch. tanned his
right foot against an iron tube. and showed otb-
er signs of impatience vbereunon Mr. Wolf
remarked. "We will no, detain Won any ion,ar
sir" and then. with his friend tcok b;s loave
That man IS an imnroyemcn, on the other
said Mr. Wolf: "but all the ci,ili,v he has is on
the surface: j, does no, come from the heart -
We must look further" The STRANGERS walked
on for nearly half a mile in silence wben ono
Of them pointcd TO a humble sion. with a nict,,re
of A locomotive engine and \ train or oars urdor.
meath. II oyertopned a small hu;ld;nc No, more
than Ten feet in beiobt, commun;oa,;nr with a
ward and worksbon. ~ ook sa;d tho obsorvor
..Lorn - , ,,,.aL; -. II -. - -.
list"
"Probablv il was thought too small a concern
for our purpose" said his companion.
Nevertheless, let us try it," said Mr. Wolf.
They entered and found at the desk n middle
-r~A --~-, whose somewhat grimy aspect and
tue apron round his waist showed that he divid-
coununs-room' we want 10 Ioos over your
works, II you have no objection" said Mr. Wolf.
ut will give me great pleasure TO show vol
all there is T. bo seen" said the mechanic with
a pleased alacrity, ringing bell, and telling a
boy who entered 10 tpke charge of the office.
lie then led the way, aud explained to the
strangers the whole process of constructing To-
comusive engine. He showed them how the va
rous parts OF the machinery were manufactured
and patiently answered all their questions He
told them OF an improved mode Of tubing boil
ers, by which the power of generating steam was
increased, and showed with what care he pro-
vidcd for security from bursting.
Two hours passed rapidly away The stran-
gers were delighted with the intelligence dis
played by the mechanic, and with his frank, at.
tcntlve, and unsuspicious manners. Here is a
man who loves his profession so well, that he
takes pleasure in explaining its mysteries to al
who can understand them" thought Mr. Wolf
IL am afraid We have given you good dea
of trouble said the other stranger.
"lndecd, gentlemen, have e. 'joyed your Wis
it," said the mechanic land shall be glad to Sc,
you again"
perhaps you may" said Mr. Wolf; and tn,
strangers departed.
Five months aiterward as the mechanic. who's,
means were quite limited sat in his Office, med
itating how bard It was to get business by the sid,
loIsi INC TWO s''dhects eh'ereu' lie gave tneu