West-Jersey pioneer., 1876-05-11

had never done to my books, but the trial
then met and overcame served to make O
me that which it was the height of m
ambition to be-a true man.
A peep into the foundry was still fair
land to me, but the machine shop was
| little noisy at times, and the talk of fe,
rough fellows rather grating; but l triet
hard to keep my integrity free from tn
crime about me, which is harder thing t.
do, covered with dirt from morning til
night, than your nice, clean gentlefolks ma
think.
Mr.. Hall began to notice met is useles
to say did not see it, for did-and ON
day he proposed that should take off m
dirty clothes and go into the Office as
permanency.
Now this was a great temptation, 70
whenever Katie came to the works she o
course come only to her fathers office, and
if was there she might see that her ole
schoolmate was Ain short very amiable
young man.
1 hesitated and Mr. Hall said:
"It will be little more seemly occupa
tion for you, as 1 understand that you will
one day fall heir to large English pro
perty.'
81 came here to learn trade, sir,'
said respectfully, ''and not to be clerk -
AS regards my fortune, this is all look to-
holdipp ont NV rr;nov hands
To my astonishment, Mr.. Hall clapped
me on the back so heartily that he nearly
knocked the breath out of me, as he replied
'That's the talk, young fellow started
in life with the same resolution myself, and
I'll not forget you.''
knew he would keep his word, for a
master cannot forget his best man, and this
l strove to be. Whatever undertook 1
exerted all my powers upon, and if my fel-
low workmen were at times a little jealous,
they could not help, at least, respecting my
open conduct.
l was barely out of my time when was
made foremen over the whole works, and
had occasion to be frequently at Mr.. Halls
house. 1t was then that began to expert
ence the reward of my indefatigable labor,
for there / constantly met my little Katie,
with the sweet and modest eyes. We un-
derstood one another before long, though I
am sure don't know how; we seldom spoke
more than the most common place words,
but then Katie had wonderful eyes
1t was just in the midst of this pleasant
time that my father received mourning
letter from England announcing the sudden
death of my uncle, and stating that he had
left me twenty pounds, the remainder of
his property falling to his widow and infant
heir, he having secretly married his house.
keeper some eighteen months previously. =
My father swore-my mother wept, and I,
trying to look deeply concerned, gloried in
my trade.
A lawyers letter was despatched to the
wretched widow, and dark hints thrown
out, but it was no use; the woman had
been lawfully married to my uncle, and
her infant son was his heir.
My father spent the twenty pounds on
lawyers. When my darkened prospects
became known to Mr.. Hall, he suddenly
cut off my opportunities for going to his
house. All, the boiler shop was very, very
noisy just then
But l contrived meeting with Katie
one day when old Mr.. and Mrs. Hall had
gone in the country; when told her my
love, and vowed to accomplish unheard OF
feats in the way of obtaining riches, that
I might gain her from her hard father,
while the dear child promised to wait for
me forever.
Her parents, just like contrary people
came home long before they were wanted,
and found us talking together.
Mrs. Hall took away her daughter, and
Mr.. Hall took me to task, accusing me OF
loving little Katie, just as though any young
man in his senses could help doing that.
Unlike most criminals when charged,
plead guilty, and gently reminded him that
he had started in life as poor as I was.
The result of this interview was that
Katie and I were forbidden, under dire
threats, to hold any communication with
each other.
Invent to my work, and what between my
efforts to do my whole duty serenely and
my sore heart, the days dragged heavily
enough.
Although did not know it then, nor till
long afterwards, my little Katie dropped
like meek flower, and was at last laid on
a bed of sickness, but her parents still held
out, and only sent for me when they thought
her dying.
Thank God was enabled to carry some
of the same energy that caused me to excel
in my trade to that sick bed.
Katie got better and we were married,
with something Of a grudging consent from
the old folks, who, like so many others,
alas had outlived the sweet experience o.
their own youth.
I did not get rich by magic, but by stead,
adherence to my business, but now that
am old, I can very well afford to let some
one else be my uncle's heir.