Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-12-07
L THRILLING ADVENTURE!

The adventure which am about to mar
"a ., occurred in the spring OF 1862 | had
just passed III, majority, ana with snail
capital, the result OF studied economy du-
ring my apprenticeship, bid adieu to the
oil shop and It's varied associations, and
stepped out-into the world, my own master,
and 10 be the architect of my own fortune.
had applied myself to my chosen pro
tession. with al the assiduity that love,
amounting to almost passion, for it, s,in
ula,ei, and | felt, therefore, Consciousness
Of superiority.
Among my shopmates was one Ned vii
son, pattern of that class of mechanics
who apply themselves only when being over
loaded, and are never particular how their
work is done. He had conceived deep
seated dislike to me, because of my rapid
progress in the mysteries Of my art, and
being consequently often the recipient of
concentrations from our employer. Often
times have | caught him gazing intentIy on
ne. his face wearing malicious smile and
lii up by vindictiveness hardly to be sup
posed capable OF, considering the usual mean
ingless expression it bore Although hav-
iuS no fear of him physically, yet | must
confess that when at such times | have de-
tsctei hun thus eyeing me, would feel an
u1ie6nei dread, as | could see below the
s1r.1ce,ani had there resolve to do me an
injury, assassin-like, it ever an opportunity
occurred Such we're my feelings when |
left the shop, and was glad to be fraed from
his c0upanionship.
Tune wore on, and by a judicious invest
m-Ht Of my little capital, had become pos
sess9r Of little shop and the necessary sur
rouai!Hgs peculiar 10 my business Gradu-
ally, but surely, was winning iny way TO
the front rank Of my profession.
One day about four years after l had bid
slieu 70 the old shop, was called upon to
make al estimate FOR painting the church
sa1 tower situated at B street. As /
kler that TO secure this job would te a fore
runner Of a profitable line of similar WORK,
became quite anxious to be the successful
bidder aud to such an extent had the con
temptation OF my securing 1t worked upon
NJ nervous system, that | became quite fe-
yarlsH and seated in my cosy parlor, my wife
ant cheru6 long since retired, | gave myself
Up to fancy sway, and many the airy cas-
les ;hat we're built, to be speedily dashed 10
atoms. | realized that through the kind
I1.er7cntIon Of friends | had secured the
coveted contract, and without unnecessary
e-ly entered upon It's COG pletion En-
lage"s were scarce, and as the agreement
required me to have all completed within a
gwen time, began now TO experience new
III that, by an inability to secure the re
e1.2;e help,I might blast all my contingent
hopes by failure TO comply with my con
t5at
Aal forgotten Wilson; in fact, since my
22"shueut on my own account, had
as'e- seen him; ami As time etfaces very
many OF the anim0sities which, under the
.--l-nee Of AZ hour, possess US, so, with
~ Ial the recollection of the i'll feeling
S''aeei towards me by him, given place to
A'eeAns o.: commisseration for, and lastly,
" i7rge,fuIness of him.
ohe dag, when almost in despair of COM
t.e'.ns the work in the required time for
'-A' OF Eorkmen, / was startled by the ap-
t--'aaee Of a man whose face wore IA
-.'.4T expression, and which | soon recalled
- De- H' other than Wilson. A long, per
sS'elt course Of dissipation had told sadly
W, Lih' aBd want spoke through the latter
e garments Of its rontinnous prssence He
'''a made known the object of his visit By
q aFphcatlOn for work. Under any other
'.anisiances an indignant refusal would
lave net this proposal; but saw in him
-ns TO assist me in the completion of the
--teA- and forgetful of his old malice, and
IA 70 the inward monitor that babe me hes
axe l engaged him to commence work for
- u the next day, taking occasion, howey-