The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-08-17

Haven Weekly Guest.
.JUANTED INMRpIATRLY.-A strong active
w boy 10 do general work in my store.
ALIxAAnER RosAH.
ofthe many eyes that saw this little
paragraph, one bright pair belonged
10 Aaron Dyke, n tall, afheletic boy OF
fifteen. II you could have looked at
him as he held the newspaper in his
hand, I think you would have pro-
nounced his face a striking one. It's
usual sad and stern expression un-
natural TO one Of his age-was gone,
and his features were handsome and
luminous with hope.
Wanted immediately-a strong,
active boy" He read the words over
and over. Surely there was chance
for him, or there wonld be if--and then
cloud took the place Of sunshine again.
Aaron Dykes smile changed to def
ant frown.
"what's tho use of my trying to get
situation2' he said to himself, Bit
tarly. "Mr. Roman won't take me.
Everybody says I'm the worst boy in
the village, and no matter how hard /
try. I can never mike any thing"
Dyke flung down the paper, and
stood for some minutes gloomily re.
aecting, Then, asif impelled by some
desperate resolution, he turned and
walked rapidly down the village street.
In fifteen minutes he had reached Mr..
Romans store.
"Is Mr.. Roman infD he inquired Of
the clerk.
"No, he has just gone over to his
house for something And thither
Aaron Immediately followed.
Aaron found the merchant at home,
showing some dress.patternst TO his wife
and children. Did you wish to see
me2" said he, kindly.
eyes, sir. ] am Aaron Dyke. Ino-'
ticed your advertisement for o boy, and
thought perhaps / could suit you"
"Have you ever worked in q store?n
inquired Mr.. Roman. "a.
"No, sir, I know nothing about II,
but I am sure could soon learn"
"Are you willing to work hard ?"
"Yes, sir; 1cxpect to work hard.
lam used to that" answered Aaron,
promptly.
"What have you been doingap
tive been on n farm for little over
year-till-till lately"
nAh, whose farm did you work on ?"
Aaron looked embarrassed. He col.
ored and hesitated, but finally an
swered, "Simon Pinkham's, sir" and
then he began to say something else,
but stopped.
On Che whole, his appearance i'm.
pressed Mr.. Roman fayornbly. 81
think you will answer my purpose"
Raid the merchant, "but / cannot say
decidedly that i will take you. I will
find out and let you know BY this even
ing or Monday noon. I will leave
line at the Post.oftlce for you"
Very soon after the boys departure
Jasper Newland called. he was cousin
Of Mrs. Roman, and lived mile or so
out Of the center OF the town.
"Do you know anything Of q boy
named Aaron Dyke?" asked Mr.. Roman
during their conversation.
"Yes, / know him. Hos one OF the
worst boys anywhere about" said Mr..
Newland.
"fam sorry to hear that. I was
thinking OF hiring him Tor o store boy.
What has he done2 2'
&c, o little of most everything. 1
can't exactly tell what, only he has o
very bad name. The universal voice Is
against his. He's o black sheep and
you'd better not have him round your
store. 'Taint safe"
"The boy Is bright and good.look.
ing, Jasper" interpreted Mrs. Roman,
gently. =
"Yes, he looks we'll enough, and
knows enough, but Iguess all that is
said against him is pretty true, replied
Mr.. Newland "He lived with Simon
Pinkham awhile, and he had him up
before Justice Clark for stealing. Al
exander don't want any such boy to
work Tor him."
"Certainly not" answered Mr.. Ro-
nan "but ] am really surprised 10
hear SO Ill Of him. / was much pleased
with his appearance" la0i. r.
"He wanted to work in my shop, but
Iwouldn't have him u he would give
me his work." said Mr.. Newland,
emphatically.
After tea Mr.. Roman and his two
daughters, Alice and Rowena, rode over
10 Wellington, aneighboring town, and
on their return stopped to water the
horse at Oh old.fashioned farmhouse
well. @sl l... ..ffu I
Awhite.haired old man came out Of
the house, bringing . pail. "Thank
Won. kindly.n said the merchant, and
he filled the pail out Of the old oaken
bucket, and carried the water to his
thirsty horse.
Don't know as can call you by
name," the old man said.
stMy name is Ronan-Alexander Ro-
nan. Ihaye only been in town about
two months: ! keep store now in
Waldo's Block"
"Ahp Wal, I'm Simon Pinkham.
You've heard OF Simon Pinkhafn, may
10, yes. BY the way, I am told you
hada boy named Aaron Dyke living
with you last year. What sort Of a'boy
Is hep ~ lP -
"wel, . drawled out old Simon, ',he
haint got no father nor mother, and I
rally don't want TO say nothin' ngin
him" Hn
aHe wants TO come into my store,
aud II you ktotc any Ill Of hin, it's
right that should hear II, said Mr..
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