Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-05-11
ONE ROAD TO FORTUNE.

90, FATHER! help the widow and Or
phans Thou wilt not forget those who
suffer, and we are lost but for Theer'
These were the words that Henry heard
as he woke in the night, thinking it would
rain; but the sound he mistook for the
wind in the pines was his mothers voice
He held his breath and listened, but all
was quiet now except the breathing of his
brothers and sisters in the next room
After that one cry for help the widow was
silent, and soon Henry heard her go to
bed.
He could not sleep. "Poor mother %
he thought; {" if | could only help her. !"
He knew that the flour was almost gone,
and that his mother had worn a thin dress
all the cold winter, and had put the fire
out early and sent the children all to bed
because she could not buy wood. He had
perfect faith in the Father to whom his
mother had called, but he was panied to
hear her cry of distress, for he haG never
seen her anything but perfectly cheerful.
But sleep did not linger long from his
healthy eyes, though they did not close
until half-formed resolve had filled him
with hope.
In the morning he gave his usual help
| in household matters, and then started for
| school. Little groups Of children he met on
| the way, and one and another tried to chat
with him of their childish sports, but he
walked on with bent head, hardly answer
ing when spoken to.
whats the matter with Daddy Hall
this morning?'' asked one.
His sober ways had gained that nick
name for him among the bsys.
He's thinking how to make his
fortune" declared another merry bare,
foot boy, as he splashed through a puddle.
Yes, that's just what Pm doing" re-
piled Henry, but more than that he
refused to say.
When he came home that afternoon he
found his mother putting in patch in
Mary's dress.
Mother, 1 want to go down to the new
hotel to live.'
"Why, Henryn'
Yes, mother, dear. think I could
earn little money, and I'm old enough
now to help you.'
But want you to 60 to school. You
never can be a useful man unless you are
educated"
ooh! could study in the evening; and
besides, mother, [ want to begin to make
my fortune"
The mother looked up quickly to see
whether her boy was really ambitious of
gain, or whether he was merely using his
petting manner to persuade her to let him
help. One glance in his face showed her
his affection, but she could not bear to
think of his giving up study, as she feared
he would have to do.
You had better stay and study, Henry,
and when you are man you can take care
of me and make your fortune too"
There's more than one road to for
tune, " replied Henry; and after consider
able more talk it was decided that he
should go down to the new hotel and see
if he could get anything to do.
The " Pavilion" was situated in a glen
about mile from where Henry lived, and
nearly eight miles from another hotel
larger and more famous, though the
scenery was fine in the glen. 1t would
probably be merely a quiet resting place
for weary passengers, and so Henry would
escape many Of the temptations he might
meet in larger place. The next morn
ing, instead of going to school, hewalked
over to the "Pavilion" and asked the
proprietor if he did not want boy.
Eyes. Do you know of some one?"
81 would like to come, sir"
You are too small. How old are
you?''
"Fourteen, sir; and Pm very strong"
Henry stood up so straight and firmly
waited, though his face showed his
anxiety and disappointment, that Mr.
Green was attracted to him.
"What can you do?"
81 don't know, sir I've always lived
at home, but I'll try and do anything you
want me to-"
We'll, that is promising. Most boys
would have said they could do anything.
l will try you a day. Go around into the
kitchen and see if they want you
Henry felt strange as he went into the
new kitchen with its bright pans and
many things which he had never seen;
but he thought Of his mother, and instant
ly there was something TODD, for the cook
was taking great loaves of bread out of |
the oven, and the table was full Of other |
things, so she had no place to set them.
Henry cleared spot, emptied pan of
dirty water that stood by, and taking the
knife some one had dropped, went on
peeling the potatoes.
'Well, you're mighty handyr' ex-
claimed the cook as she COY cred the
read.
Il used to help mother sometimes, . re-
piled Henry.
care you the new boy?"
eyes, ma'am"