The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1869-01-16
RtSrellanp.
THE TWO CLERKS.
A GOOD STORY FOR BOYS.

Of which was a black sign bearing in gilt letters
the name Of Benjamin Hudson. For many years
this crockery-ware store had been there, with the
great pitcher hanging in front for sign indeed,
when Mr.. Hudson first opened the store, some
forty wears previously, he was quite young
man. and the sign over his door was very bright
and handsome F.; but now his eyes had grown dim,
and the owner was called "Old Hudson" by all
the boys and girls of the city.
The windows of his store had great attractions
for all the children that passed that way. There
were beautiful vases, handsome China mugs,
with "Ellea,n Fanny" William" and lots of
ether names inscribed upon them; there were al
so plates, with pictures upon them, representing
Franklin's maxims; and funny clocks, shaped
like dogs, that would roll their eyeballs to and
fro every time they licked, and many other
things, curious and ornamental.
Mr.. Benjamin Hudson had grown rich in his
business for he had conducted it all himself, and
taken care that nothing should be wasted or lost
by neglect. He had made mistakes, to be sure,
as every man will make some blunders during a
lifetime, but by skillful management he quickly
recovered from them.
Sixty-fve years had begun to bend over Mr.
Hudson's shoulders, and dim the brightness Of
his eyes, and he found business more irksome
than it formerly had been.
81 must have partner" said he one day to
himself as he sat before cheerful fire. must
have some one interested in the business who IL
young and active, and will take the weight from
off my shoulders, for cannot do as used to-
Now, in Mr. Hudson's employ were two younp
men-Herbet Bond and Charles SEYMOUR. They
had been with him an equal length of time, and
had performed their duties faithfully and we'll.
Charles did his work quickly, and had more
quiet demeanor, and accomplished quite as much
without making great stir about it.
81 must have either Herbert or Charles for
partner" solloquized Mr.. Hudson (which can
not decide. They both do very well in the store,
but had ought to know something of them out
of the store, and am sorry to say that that il
point have never paid proper attention to. Ny
clerks come here in the morning and go away at
night; what becomes Of them ever night knew
not and yet ought to know. Neither of them
have parents in the city they live in aome Of the
numerous boarding-houses, and hope are steady
and we'll behaved. 1 must see them in their
homes, and then decide which shall be nv
partner.
The next day Mr.. Hudson ascertained the
boarding houses of his two clerks, without let
per, that evening, his wife and daughters were
somewhat astonished to sec him 90 to the hall
and put on his coat and hat.
"Where are you going papa ?" asked Lily, the
youngest daughter, who could hardly remember
She evening when her father had not remained
at home.
81 am going to make a call on two young men
OF my acquaintance, shall not be gone long," re-
piled Mr.. Hudson.
And bidding them all good night, he went
ont.
Herberts boarding place was the nearer of the
Two, and here Mr.. Hudson stopped first. 1t was
q neat looking house, in a very pleasant street
Mrs. Bantin, the landlady, opened the door when
Mr.. Hudson rang.
"Does young man named Herbert Bond live
here Z"
'He does. Walk in, sir, and will call him. "
II will go to his room, if you will show me
where ii is answered Mr.. Hudson. 81 presume
he is in it,
" think so, he is seldom out in the evening.
You can step up there If yoa like, sir go up two
flights, and the first one on the right is the one,
replied Mrs. Buntin.
Mr.. Hudson pulled up the stairs, and knocked
with his cane at the designated door. 1t was op-
eHed by Herbert, who looked very much amazed
when he saw his employer, and said:
"Why, Mr. Hudson, is there anything the mat
ter at the store Nothing happened ont Of the
way, hopef"
"No-nothing- nothing at all, said Mr. Hud-
son, walking in and taking char 81 took a
notion to CALL around and see how you were this
evening.
Bond expressed himself as being very glad to
see his employer; and while no took his hat
and cane, Mr.. Hudson glanced around the
chamber
1t was an attic room, with two dormer win.
dows; good fire was burning in an open CRATE /;
a book rack, filled with books, adorned one side
OF the room, while the center of tho floor was oc.
oupied by table, on which were writing ma.
terials.
'Iou look very cozy here, Herbert; bat why
40 you have an attic room Arc there none that
you can have below stairs 2"
80, yes, sir, but this room is a dollar week
cheaper, and have all the more money to send
to my father" replied Herbert.
"Isn't your father well off ?" INQUIRED Mr..
Hudson.
mot very, sir; he used to be pretty rich but
his busnesa was disastrous, and he lost great
deal Of money" said Bond.
"What do you find to do evenings ?-Doesn't
time hang hsavyi"
80, no, sir have books to read and lettsr.
to write. Tonight am writing home; thew
want me to make them visit bat write faith
er that it is busy time just now, but when it is
over shall ask you for few days absence" an.
swered Herbert
"You shall have it willingly" said Mr.. Hud
son; and then he added: 'Dses Charles ever
call upon you?'
mo, sir. l havo often asked him to do so, but
he has never called"
Are you oontented in this boarding house ?"
inquired Mr.. Hudson
1T is a very good boarding house, and Mrs.
Buntn treats me very kindly but often wish
that could live at home with nv father and
mother" answered Herbert.
"And why can't YOU? How far is IL from
here 7" asked his employer.
ut IS twenty-five miles, sir rather far to tray-