The Plymouth Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1869-1941, 1870-04-28
"I CAN'T.o

TOMMY was a New England boy, the
eldest son of widow living in humble
circumstances near Boston. Naturally
bright and active, he was much beloved
and INDUCED at home by his mother and
sisters. In fact, they had got into the habit
Of doing nearly everything for him. until
he thought that he could not bring pail
Of water from the cistern 10 the house, or
black his boots, himself One evening an
uncle, who was usually appealed to by
Tommv's mother whenever she needed
some advice in the conduct Of her affairs,
came TO the house, and in the course of
conversation said: "Bv the way, sister,
it is time that bOv of yours was doing
something for himself Hemust be fifteen
years old now, and that is about the right
age for a lad TO get n good clerkship."
" Yes, I know it, William" faltered the
lady, "but I'm afraid he's hardly strong
enough to take and keep an errand-boy's
place. You know his constitution has
always been delicate-besideg. we can't
think of parting with him yet"
Tut, tut, the boys as strong and hearty
as nine-tenths Of those of his ace now in
stores earning good wages. He's been
home too much, and needs some Of the
outer worlds discipline to develop and
II something IS not done soon, he'll be
spoiled, and amount to nothing"
"Well, brother" said the widow, with
a half sob, "vOu know best about these
things, but do try to get poor Tommy a
good, easy place-I wouldn't have him
knocked about for the world"
The prudent uncle found place for his
nephew in the Office Of a friend, Mr..
Shaw. of Boston, and the anxious mother,
after fitting Tommy ont in the best style
her narrow circurn stances afforded. ac-
cOmpanied him to the city and called on
the gentleman. After Introducing herself
and Tommy, she said: / hope, sir, that
the work my son win have to Go here may
not prove too much for his strength"
"Do not trouble yourself on that ac-
count, dear madam said Ir. Shaw, who
at once appreciated the condition Of
things; "my requirements viii not be
severe, ard besides, l viii promise you
that whatever he cant do, III do for
him"
After some further talk the widow de-
parted, well satisfied with her sons en-
ployer At the close Of the dav. when Is
was time to leave the oflice, Mr.. Shaw said
to Tommy, Il want you to behere bright
and early TO morrow morning, % open the
Office, make the fire, and sweep out, and
have everything shining by tie time l
show myself"
Yes, sir," answered Tommy.
When hIr. Shaw showed himself the
next morning, nothing had been done.
There was no fire, and the litter Of yes
terdav still cnn bered the floor, while
Tommy stood in the midst, looking help
less and fearful.
"How is this, Tommy" he said; "why
have you not done as I requested?"
ooh, can't, sir; can't
"Wel, don't cry about H." said Mr..
Shaw. q told your mother. you know.
that what YOU c0m}af DO, Td for YOU
And Rfr Shaw went 10 work. and in a
iitIy had a bright Ere cracking in the
crate, and things cleaned NJ 50 that the
Office looked cheerful and attractive.
Ton,~,zr co-1cl11s sla8 shot ho h11 found q
eplondid situation.
at night, vhen they we're leaving, Mr..
Shaw said, "Now, my boy, let me see
what you can DO tomorrow morning
toward cleaning MP and fixing things
The next day, however, the same pro-
cramme was repeated, the clerk doing
nothing more than looking on. while the
master put the Office iii oIdeT for business.
Then at NIGHT Mr. Shaw said: Tommy,
EfNU lllttSt nave iLl4aiEtl t1N taAic t-4tAt INV
t. make the fire, dus' and sweep out. To-
morrow morning / intend 60 take horse
baclz-ride after breakfast, and VIII not be
down SIS early as usual Can you rot
promise to hage everything ino-lcr when
come :"
"I guess so" answered Tommy. But
the next morning Mr. Shaw made lis ap-
pearance, riding whip n hand. on scene
scarcely different from that Of the two
previous mornings.
Here, Tommy, take this" said .Ir.
Shaw in a pleasant tone, extending the
whip to him, "and siTe yourself good
trouncing."
ooh, | can't, sir; can't" whined
Tommy.
wei, don't CRY, my bog. told your
mother. as you remember, that what you
couldn't DO, Td 90 for you
So Sir Shaw did for Tommy what
Tommy couldn't 70 for himself and doubt
less did it wei, for Tommy never said
Il can't to him again, AID found him.
self quite equal 70 the task of making
good fire and swceping the Office in the
morning before Gr. Shaw entered 1t
PtrsaoIogic& .Ionrnal-