The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-06-27
TIE TWO FRIENDS.


A certain school in the vicinity of large
English city was visited by gentleman, who,
on looking round at the many faces, inquired
of she master;
Are there any boys about leaving you ?"
eyes, 1 have two who will leave at the
holidays"
care they old enough to enter an Officer"
eyes"
'"And bright enough ?"
"Quite."
(Which two are they
The master, pointing to Alan Burne and
Austin Compton, heartily hoped that his Wis
itor's choice would rest upon the former, as
he felt sure from the boys previous conduct
that he would prove of value to his employer,
and he added few words to that effect
But the gentleman only looked "on the
outward appearance, and after glancingfrom
one to the other, he decided on the taller Of
the two boys and the one with the brighter
face.
So, greatly to Austins delight, he was
called up to the masters desk, and the gen
tleman then and there made him the offer of
situation in his Office, an cffer which Austin
joyfully accepted, provided his mother ap-
proved Of his doing SO.
Though the schoOlmaater knew that Austin
was far from being steady boy, yet he
thought this piece of good fortune might be
the means of making him so; and, not wish
ing to stand in the boys light, he said moth
ing about his idleness and inatsentiOD, but
he wished the choice had fallen upon Alan.
Mrs. Compton was but too pleased to give
her consent, and, with great pleasure, she
talked to Mrs. Burne of Austin's future
prospects,
of youth will attend to these three
things" said Mrs. Compton, placing her
hand caressingly on her sons shoulders,
steadiness, honesty, and perseverance, he
will, by Gods help, do we'll when he has the
chances that my boy has. e"
And happy smile played over her face
as she listened, in all faith, to his well-sOund-
ing intentions of doing great wonders.
Alan Burne, while rejoicing at his friends
success, wished heartily that similar piece
Of good fortune might befall him.
But the days passed, and no one solicited
his services, and he saw but little chance of
realising his wish.
He could hesr of nothing in his native vii
lage, and the few advertisements that he had
answered had brought him no nearer to the
ful6lment of his desires.
But Alan was boy of resolution, and to
''will'' was to do" with him so one morning
he set out with the determination Of, if pcs
sible, obtaining situation that day.
Alan was boy of religious feelings, and
before starting on his journey. he sent forth
a petition that blessing would rest on his
days work.
Strengthened and cheere1, he wendell bis
steps toward the city, bat On arriving there,
he wandered on, not knowing which way to
turn or whittier to go, and the hustle and
noise somewhat confused hin.
At length, turning into Princes Street, he
came to large business looking place; be
had passed many such, but their imposing
appearance had deferred him from entering
them.
Hslting as-*e-doOr, DC g!
ebb, but doing battle wins
telling himself not TO be fooli5'
Walking up to a small co
which he saw to his RICH. -
please, sir, do yog;
wans to employ any
"Couldnt
sir?
The boy ea
look more part
with MS manner
what can y
"Tn DO anyt
Give me something 70 DO
Alan was not a strong ID Wcontra
~, ne was small and weakly looking, but his
earnestneao carried weight with it, and more
out of kindness than that he required or be-
Hevad in tie boys services, the gentleman
made some work for him, for looking round,
he said:
Go, and cord those packages"
There were a great number of then, and
Alan applied himself assidiou8ly to his task.
He worked in such business-hke style that
the gentleman told him to come again the
next day to see if some more work could be
found for him: and, punctual to the minute,