The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-08-28
CHARLEY MAsoN,s WATCH WORD.
BY COUSIN NICELY.

CHARLEY MASONfS WATCH WORD.
BY COUSIN NICELY.
One frosty morning in autumn, as Mr..
Jones, the carpenter, was going with his
men to work in the town Of Ashley, he met
just at the entrance Of the town, pale faced,
thinly clothed boy. who, after looking at him
earnestly for a moment, asked,
Are you carpenter, aud do you wish
an apprentice 7"
Well. | don't know; what's your name
my lad" said the carpenter. with kind
smile.
Charley Mason was the answer.
And where is your home, Master Char
ley" continued Mr.. Jones.
Big tears came into the boys bright black
eyes, and his voice trembled, as ne said:
:" have no home my father and mother
both died before can remember"
Mr.. Jones thought Of his own dear bows,
and he placed his hand kindly on charley's
head, saying, Poor boy, where have you
lived 2"
With nv uncle, but left his house last
night. determined to stsrye before wou ID
be longer dependent on man who grudges
his dead brolher's child the bread he ate, z
and Charley's eyes burned with strange
light.
The good carpenter wiped away the tears
from his eyes with the back Of his hand. aud
asked:
"Do YOU think yOu can learn to be car
penter:"
II think | can try" said Charley. proud.
~ drawing himself up.
"Aye! like that and If that is 10 be
your watch-word, think you and ran get
on nicely; but suppose You've had no
breakfast" continued Mr.. Jones, " SO we
must send Tom back 10 show YOU the house,
where you will stay till We come to dinner,
and then we'll talk little about your being
carpenter"
Tom, little colored boy, who did errands
for Mr.. Jones, readily went back with Char
ley, taking himself the little bundle tied up
10 an old blue handkerchief. which contained
all Cbadey's earthly possessions. Mrs. Jones
proved as kind as her husband, and the poor,
tired, hungry boy was soon enjoying boun-
tiful breakfast.
When Mr.. Jones came home, he had a
long talk with Charley, who finany became
has apprentice. He vas 10 work -four year:
for his food and clothes, having besides the
privilege Of attending school four months in
each year.
That isn't much time for learning said
Charley 10 himself that night. " but guess
can get chance 10 learn something nut 81
school anyhow. can try And he did
try, and succeeded 20 well that Mr. Jones
said 70 him al the clase 81 the frst winter:
Wei, Charley. the Master says you are
one Of the best scholars in school, and he
thinks we'll make something Of you by and
By. with that waichword Of yours but, my
boy, do you think you will like work ss well
a. stBdyf'
"No. sir. but III work that may studs. =
was the answer.
All through the Spring. the Summer, and
the Autumn, Charley worked earnestly,
faithfully, and Al the close Of each day, tired
sshe vas, be always coniriyed to get little
time for study.
.ssy, Charley" said Willie Jones one
night, "sil The boys say you are dull sprig I;
whst makes you 30 soberi WY don't you
come oUt Of al evening and not stay moped
up in the house with book 81 the time I"
II must study said Charley grayely,
81 shall want to 20 70 college BY aud BY"
20 poh poh y laughed Willie, "thst's a
good one Why father cant send any one 81
" 70 college. and how are you ever going,
when yos don't have any BODY 10 help you p
Perhaps never can. but ! can Try"
al don't wonder father calls IL yosr watch.
word ; but do you ever expect 10 know
enough 20 20 70 college I"
Yes, u 1 live" said Charley seriously.
Bat what does carpenter want 10 70 10
college fOrF" persisted Willie - don't
see sny Use Of IT,"
"Willie.s said Charley, " you mustn't ask
me any more questions. but l'll tell you.
don't always mean 70 be carpenter
Week alter week, month after month.
year alter year, Charley Mason kept on hia
course never idle. never anfaithluI I; he vet
wsrked as though he had some higher object
10 siew, and night alter night found him
bending over his books. needless II TIE spsr,
IN which the boys tried TO maks him iain.
The fosr years came TO an end, sad Mr.
Jones now gave hin wages fgf his labor,
saving. /" I Know you'll b. s0fth t~o CON.
mon hands 70 me, Charley" AMI 80 be vas,
working and studying nov harder than ever,
iOr is vss fast reaching lhe pOiat al which
Ne aimed.
II was well known nov that Charley had
decided % b 3 minister. snd that be vas