Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1873-06-12
HAMMERING 1T THROUGH.
PART 1.-THE TWO FRIENDS.
by r. +. ALLEE.

PART 1.-THE TWO FRIENDS.
EVER since the pronounced decree that
"by the sweat of q mans brow shall he
eat" there has been an unsupported effort
by the majority of mankind to shirk the
responsibility upon the shoulders of other
people. The desire to eat of the fat of the
land without physical labor is universal,
and upon this one desire [ find that the
general run of the human mind is en-
phatically unanimous. Furthermore,
riches alone can render that desire GER
tainty. Hence We see that he who tolls
the hardest is theipne who denies himself
the most He why is already far ahead on
the road to wealth. gradually loosens his
purse-strings at tie demand of luxury.
Gradually, | say that is, as the purse
fills, the opening slowly increases in di-
mension.
1t was this desire-inborn, as he be-
lieved-that led Matthew Bernard to aban-
don the halfpay of merchants clerk,
and seek for wealth in the earth; to be-
come an agriculturist in reality, a farmer
in deed. His experience will relate, that
it may assist some and decide others in
the course they choose to pursue for the
accumulation of money.
"Well, Mat, hear that you have thrown
up your position in Yardstick's store" re-
marked Harry Thomas to Bernard, on the
street.
eyes, have done so, and am now look
ing out for chance at something quite
different" answered Matthew.
what in particular have you in view?"
think shall 60 upon farm" was
the smiling answer
"Ha, ha that's good; decidedly the best
thing I've heard this long time. What!
Nat Bernard the good looking, white
handed measurer of calico, going to farm
ingr' jokingly laughed Harry, seeming to
think his friend was merely in sport.
"You may laugh as much as you please,
Harry, but that is the conclusion l have
reached" answered Bernard F.; and the look
of determination on his face convinced
Harry there was more truth than fiction
in his friends decisive words.
"Well, if that be so, then must say that
l wish you much comfort and pleasure
delving through the summers heat and
winters snow. But Mat-pardon me if
speak plainly-I can't help thinking you
are making fool of yourself"
"No apology, Harry. l know well
enough YOU mean right if you do indulge
in terse terms and as for being fool,
think j have sense enough to see that
can do better at twenty dollars per
month on farm than can at twenty-five
in a store"
"Probably So" answered Thomas, rather
doubtfully; possibly not. In mercantile
business one has q chance for advance
ment; but farmers man is only clod-
hopper all his life''
think you that HOrsford or Everson
are clod-hoppers?" asked Mat, as smile
passed over his countenance.
"Oh, no! they are rich, and hire all their
work done They spend their time as
gentlemen, making farming mere pas
time"
Sand yet heard Everson say, few
days since, that he commenced as boy
at five dollars a month and worked his
way up" calmly answered Bernard.
"Then your mind is set Oh that line of
business, while mine is bent on going
through the one am now in. Perhaps
may have to stand at the counter all my
life; but we will see about that some othei
time," said Thomas.
"When?" asked Mat.
IF we both live, meet me in five
years to compare notes." answered HART.
"Well, five years hence we will cast tne
balance, but remain friends as of old, b
the Interim
Certainly; good day."
"Good day." answered Bernard. Aad
the two friends entered upon their divGg-
ing roads to wealth, each with a hfpe
and desire to excel the others balance
sheet.
Matthew Bernard was an orphan, de-
pendent upon his own energies for sup.
port. Harrison Thomas could boaf Of
parents in Independent circumstances but
not wealthy They moved in good society,
and had their sphere of social influence.
PART H.-HARRY THOMAS FIVE YEARS.
The days heightened into weeks, the
weeks ran through months; and II tomas