Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1871-11-25
HOW JACK LOST HIS POSITION.
BY B. II. CARL.

"Wen, my little man, you are here
on time | see," said Mr.. Jones to
Jack Knowles as he stepped into his
store one morning; "that is good
beginning, and L hope You will al
ways be prompt in meeting every
engagement and energetic in attend
Ing to all your duties"
Il will try to be both, SIR" Jack
answered; and just at that moment
he thought nothing could tempt him
to neglect any part of his work.
"Come this way and l will tell you
what you will have to do"
Mr.. Jones then led him into his
counting room and kindly placed his
hand on his head while he said:
N.You know the bargain between
YOUR mother and myself is, that yOu
come into my family as my own
child. Do whatever Task you to do,
quickly and cheerfully, and try to
make yourself useful all the time
You will be expected TO run errands,
such as carrying small packages
home for customers, going to the
post office, delivering messages, and
assisting the clerks in whatever way
you can. In return expect to elOthe
and feed you, send you to school
during the wintor months, and if
YOU prove yourself worthy, l will
advance you in your position in the
store. Really / do not need q boy,
but do this for your mothers sake.
Do You agree to the terms?"
eyes sir; and l am very grateful
to you-indeed / am-and you shall
see by my work how much love my
mother and YOU" Jack spoke these
words earnestly. lie meant what he
said.
II believe you my boy, and viii do
all l can to help you Keep your good
resolutions"
"Thank you SIR"
"Your place will be in the sales
room; remember to help all you
can"
'T will sir. You may depend on
me-"
Mr.. Jones turned to his desk, and
Jack hastened TO do something to
show Mr.. Jones how desirOus he was
/ to please him, and how nicely he
would do his work.
! In an hour or two the room began
| TO fill with customers, and soon all
the clerks were busy as they could
be. Jack was nearly everywhere
with his pleasant ''let me help you,
please" and when night came all
were ready to praise the ''errand
boy" for good nature and willing as
sistance. That night Jack slept
sweetly. He had done his whole
duty. His employer approved hi;
conduct, but what was better thar
all, his own conscience whispered
peace; you've done right" The
sun was just peeping over the hill
when Jack rose next morning, anC
as soon as the store was opened h
was in his place. All day as the da!
. before, Jack was busy. When tn
store was closed he felt happy, bu
, his limbs were tired; the work h
had to perform was more than b
was accustomed to do, but he di
not complain.
, Thus matters went on; Jack grad
ualiy rose in the confidence of a
who knew him, and if q messag
was to be sent in haste, package d(
livered promptly or check cashe
at the bank, Jack was the boy to
it. His word was considered trut
itself. One day one of the CLERK
wished to send a package to the e1
press. Calling Jack he said: "TaE
this to the office quick, run, pleas
: want it to go out to-day and / al
afraid you viii be too late"
Away Jack bounded, but had NJ
2 gone far before he heard some Oh
: Shout: "HalloO! Jack Knowlesl wa
for fellow. am going that way,
~ can't Bill; L must hurry wit
this package"
\ "Wait till | catch up. am goiI
a that way" Bill fastened and can
i up with Jack, who never stopp6
Is until Bill Smith seized him by Il
shoulder saying, "Walk bit. Don
kill yourself. What is that you'I
got? Where you going? What
At the hurry?"
''It's Mir. Johnson's; am gOiI
to to the express office. 1 am afraid
le will be too late; if you go with n
!, YOU must rum" So saying he shoe
off Bnl's hand and sped away lea
ing his companion behind mutterir