River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-11-15

other, and still no word from Harry.
Steve Parker, who had gone with him,
had written home twice, begging for
money, but did not mention Harry's
name.
Young Flsxlnan." the people said,
when they met in the market, " had more
pluck than that Parker. He'd starve before
he'd give up"
When Steve aud Harry landed in New
York, il was on bright morning, and no
millionaire trod the streets with more
secure pride in his future than they did
as they strutted up Broadway.
"Stephen Girard had but two shillings
to begin his career, and Ben Franklin a
sixpence,n said Harry, and We have three
dollars, Steve"
eyes; and they were old fogies. We
make business spin to different fashion
nowadays. Look at Jim Fisk. Began as
a peddler. bet you I've got some tricks
in the business that go ahead of any ped
der"
Harry did not boast, but he marched
rather than walked the streets,
&" wen go up to Clements and tell him
that we have come TO town. He'll be de-
lighted said Steve.
They found the clothing store with diff
fcultv. "Clementsl" SAID the proprie-
tor. "Oh, there had been runner em-
ployed by the firm of that name, but he
had been discharged long ago. Did he
want clerk9 No, nor shop-boy," laugh
ing. Nobody in New York wanted new
hands this winter. The obiect was TO get
rid of half the old ones"
"Old idiot" said Steve. as they walked
away. 1t was growing dark. The boys
found cheap hotel, but by the time they
had paid for supper, bed and breakfast,
the larger part of their three dollars was
gone. The next two days were spent
in answering advertisements. They
began trying for positions as book
keepers, and came rapidly down to err
and boys.
"Only give me footing" Harry said
thousand times, "and Iii make my
way"
The third day his tones were not so bold.
though his words were the same. He had
breakfasted on dry bread, and slept on the
steps of church.
Their last essay brought them 10
an intelligence office, kept by colored
man.
mo sitooations for white folks heah, y
he said. The boys skunk out but stopped
seeing that the man followed them. He
had kindly grave face.
"Look -a-heah, boys. You's from de
country, ehl My advice to you is to go
back dab soon as you kin. De man or boy
who kin earn bread and butter in de
country is fool if he leaves it to come to
town dis winter"
They walked on and sat down in a door
way.
That's good advice" said Steve, and
began to whimper.
81 have ten cents Ieft,n said Harry
III not give up" but his lips began to
COX blue and his jaws lean.
The three weeks had passed. One
Monday morning gaunt, ragged boy
stood on one of the ferry boats, with
half-dozen morning papers under his arm.
"Here's your Times, 'Erald TTiJuner' he
called
Nobody bought.
Sir" he said, pulling gentleman by
the sleeve, 'buy from me. haven't eat
en- a mouthful since yesterday noon"
BAH The man pushed him aside.
Harry staggered against the railing,and
looked down into the dark rushing river.
A month ago, he would have been
busy in the snug little office. or studying
at the medical books which had begun to
interest him; well fed, we'll clothed, and
with a happy, comfortable home and
fond mother waiting tor him.
Now
AT the thought of his mother, the hot
tears chased each other down his cheeks.
"Hello, youngster" said rough voice
beside him.
Harry started and stammered-
"Mr. Mr.. Clements!'
~ es it's me. Under the weather, as
you see" slapping his shabby coat and
dirty, in which still sparkled the dia-
mond.
at must be paste, or he would have
sold it." thought Harry, sharpened by his
month of town life.
Eyes, I'm out of work. Tried betting,
turning the cards-all sorts of luck.
Going in for honesty new. Going TO the
country tomorrow, to answer this adver-
tisement. Snug little birth, l judge.
Your place, by the way"
He pulled out an Oldborough Weekly.
Star. DR. Harley advertised for an office
boy.
"Yes," said Harry; it is a snug
BERTH
He handed Clements back the paper.
When they reached the pier, he went
ashore, and stood stunned ana bewildered
- e. 4 Il
must son have felt as | do when he wished
for the husks which the swine did eat, he
thought "He went back to his father,
and said, / have sinned.'
Some DAYS later, one of his occasional
patients hailed the doctor on the sire ct,
didn't / see that young reprobate
Flaxman, sneaking into town last night
-miserably dirty and ragged-posr,
wretchT
"Harryl Here he is in the buggy with
me-" drawing back so as to show Harry in
his ST. lay suit, which he had left behind.
mot N amy rags here-ehl But Harry
has had enough of the city. | shall find
him a more useful, studious boy than ever
before
1t is often good thing for a bright,
capable boy TO seek a situation in the city.
The most successful business men usually
come to the city from country homes;
but the boy who estimates city
opportu mites by the flashy dress and as
suming airs of specializing adventures,
will be apt to be as much disappointed
as was our friend Harry Flaxman.-
Youths Companion.