The Lincoln County herald., 1870-03-17

now TO BE 4 NAN.

No. long since boy Of sorne seven.
tscn yesvs Of age called on merchan
doing u largo bueinss, in New York
Being busily employed at the time, th'
boy had 10 wait little before eating aI
oppos, soity for an interview. Occasion
ally the merchant cast o glance at him Of
he stood respectfully at short distance
lie was rather poorly clad, and rhowet
evidences Of pretty hard work but hi
f1ccindicsted honesty and common sense
with 6rm aud energetic mauliness. an
der the somewhat rude cxtesios. A prao
sicai business man requi,cs but brief ex
summation Of n boy to declare as to BIZ
weight and worth Of character. o.
When at liberty, the merchant said:
well, my young friend, what can l dc
for your
II called, sir" he replied, "to ask you
for a situation as an engineer. I was
told you we're having q new engine built,
and I want you to give me the place. Id
like to run il f,r you"
"Are you an engineer ?" asked the
gentleman.
"No, sir; but can be-" he answered,
setting his lips firmly together, standing
.quarcly before the gentleman, and look
ing him full in tho face. II don't un.
derstand the business we'll know somee
thing Of it, though. Bus I can be an
eayinccr, and I will be, and I wish you
would give me chance"
Hs N Jdest but determined manner
pleased the msrchant, lie was having o
new engine built for certain department
Of his business, anl could, Of course,
have as many experienced operators as lie
desired II was no object for him to take
up on inexperienced boy and attempt to
train him; no object except to help the
boy. Such deeds he was noted for 4; a
fact which no doubt had encouraged the
boy to make his application.
"Whae are you doing now?" be in-
quircd.
working in machine shop, IN Brook
Iyn. l have beco fireman, and 1 often
worked the engine. think could get
along pretty we'll with one, If anybody
will have . little patience with me.
"What wages do you gct2"
"Fise dollars week, sir"
"What do you do with your money?"
"Give it to my mother, SIR"
Give it to your mother, ch? What
does your mother DO with it?'
"Weii, you see, there is mother, sister
and me and mother takes in sewing.
But i, goes pretty hard, you know; they
don't give much Tor sewing, and it's
prctty hard work, too; and then with che
other work she has to do, you know she
cannot get along very fast at shat rate,
SO l help her all car. II l could get
IN engineers place L could get more
wages, and it would mako it easier for
mother" 'n.
"How do you spend your evenings ?"
sskcd the gentleman.
7 attend the free schools at the Cooper
Institute, studying mechanics" he re.
piled. II spend oil the time | can get
studying. l know can be an engineer. /"
"Do you drink liqaor'"
Ho looked up with on expression Of
aston;shmcnt on his countenance that
such q question should be asked, but an.
swe,ed firmly: mo, SIR"
"Do you chew, or smoke, or 60 to the
theater ?" .... q ..
"Nevcr cant afford il. Mother needs
the money and IL she didn't could
make better use of il. I'd like to have
some books il I could only spare the
money to get them" =
10 you 70 70 cnurch Ut ouhuay
sekool.?"
lie held down bis head, pretending to
brush the dust Of the floor " ith his foot,
and replied: mo, sir"
"Why not p asked the mercbans, q
little sharply.
II havsst any e@ethes ct to wear" he
replied. 1T takes all tho money can
get for US to live; and can't hsye any
Clothes" He looked down At his coarse
und well.worn sui.. 1T didut sscd to
be 50 when father was iieAng. l was
brought up to 60 10 church and to Sunday
school. IF I can get TO Be engineer l
shall go again. l know ! eau run an
engine" " " D ''