Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-05-05
Ill about a Brick.

All about a Brick.
To the Editor Of the New York Evening Post.
A Well-knOWn citizen living not many
blocks from Union Square relates an in
cident somewhat in this wise:
One bright morning in the month of
November, some years ago, was pre-
pairing to go down town, when the SER
want informed me that man was waiting
at the front door to see me. "Tell him
I'll be down in moment said |. On
going to the door man OF tall stature
and robust appearance, calling me by
name, requested assistance, saying that
ne had large family, wife in delicate
health, and no means to procure food tor
them. 'You appear to be strong and
healthy; why don't you work?" asked |.
Simply, sir, for the reason that cannot
procure work"
Not having work to give him, I
thought would test the sincerity OF his
intentions eff give yon work, what
pay do you want?' :" Anything, sir, you
choose to give me, SO long as can OBJ
tain means for my suffering family"
every WE'LL said l, " will give you 20
cents an hour if you will carry a brick
on your arm around the block for five
hours without stopping" "Thank you,
sir; will do it," After hunting while
found brick, placed it on the mans
arm, started him on his walk, and then
went down to my business.
Not having the least faith ia the mans
promise, thought but lite more Of IT.,
yet as knew | should be back within
five hours I determined to see if he per-
formed his work. My business kept me
away rather later than expected, SO had
to forego my usual walk home, and took a
Fourth avenue car tc be back within the
five hours.
AS I approached the corner Of the street
where I reside found q great crowd of
persons gathered two fire engines, a
hose-cart, and hook and-ladder truck.
Upon inquiring where the fire was, l was
informed that it was false alarm, and
that what brought the people together
and occasioncd the agitation was the
spectacle Of a tall man carrying a brick on
his arm abound the block for nearly five
hours. The neiyhbors were looking at him
form the windows and the doors as he
passed along; some thought he was crazy,
but when spoken to his answer was: do
not stop me it's all right" As he inter
fercd with no one, he was allowed to walk
on undisturbed ''Where is the man now?"
asked. "There, you can see him at the
other end of the block, walking with his
head down." was Che answer.
He was just about turning the corner,
and waited till he had performed the
circuit, then, taking him quietly by the
arm, marched him to my house, follow
ed 10y lot of boys. In the meantime, the
fremen, engines, and hose-cart ratified
off. The man was thoroughly tired out
when took him into my hall and seated
him on chair, while my servant went
for little wine and something to eat.
paid him forthwith dollar and a half.
He informed me that, while making one
Of his turns, a lady came out of q house
and inquired why he was carving that
brick, and on his giving her the reasons
he received dollar. The object sooa
became known, for as he passed the
houses small sums were given to him by
different persons, and he was we'll salts
fed with his days work. But SAID he
what shall do to morrow"
"Why," / replied, go early in. the
morning to the houses from which you
received the money and ask for work, and
no doubt you will find some one who will
put you in the way of getting it: then re-
port to me" The following afternoon he
informed me that he had been sent to a
German, who kept pork establishment
IN Third avenue, and who wanted clerk
to keep his books. He was to get S. a
week il his work proved satisfactory, and
his duties began on the following day.
Before leaving me he asked for the brick
which bad brought him such good luck.
| and I gave it to him. Within the year
| ascertained that the man had been trans
terred to larger Establishment of the
same kind, with a salary Of $1,000.
Three or four years after this was rid
ing in 8 street-car, when well-dressed
man accosted me with smile, and asked
me if knew him. Seeing me hesitate
he said: "Don't you recollect the man
who carried the brick?"
! He then informed me that he was doing
a prosperous business on his on account
had laid up money, and expected soon tt
build himself house up town.
! "What became of the brick?" I in.
| quired.
THAT brick, sir, has always occupied
place on our mante|piece, and we value
it as the most precious Of our little pos
sessions. It has made our fortune"