The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1878-07-12
All About a Brick.

One bright morning in the month of
November, some years ago, was preparing
to go down town, when the servant inform
ed me that man was waiting at the front
door TO see me. "Tell him I'll be down in
moment" said l. On going to the door
Il man of tall stature and robust appear
ance, and calling me by name requested
assistance, saying that he had u large fam
| lily, wife in delicate health, and no means
| to procure food for them. "You appear to
be strong and healthy, why don't you
work ?"
"Simply, sir for the reason that can not
procure work"
Not having any work to give him, I
thought would test the sincerity of his
intention.
"If give you work what do you want2'
"Anything, sir, you choose to give me so
long as can obtain means for my suffering
family"
every WELL" said |, az will give you
brick on your arm around the block for
five hours without stopping"
"Thank you, sir; | will do it."
After hunting awhile / found brick,
placed it ON the mans ann, started him on
his walk, and then went down to my bust
ness.
Not having the least faith in the mans
promise, thought but little more of it, yet
as / knew | should be back within five
hours, determined to see if he performed
his work. My business kept me away
rather later than expected, so | had to
lorego my usual walk home, and took a
Fourth avenue car to be back within the
five hours. AS | approached the corner of
the street where | reside, | found Il great
crowd of persons gathered-two fire en-
gincs, hose cart and a hook and ladder
truck. Upon inquiring where the fire was,
| was informed that it was false alarm,
and that what brought the people together
and accustomed the agitation was the spec
tacle of tall man carrying brick on his
arm for nearly five hours. The neighbors
were looking at him from the windows and
doors as he passed along; some thought he
was crazy, but when spoken to his answer
was
Don't stop me-it's all right"
CAS- he intcrlered with no one, he was
allowed TO walk on undisturbed."
"Where is the man now 2" asked.
There, you can see him at the other end
of the block, walking with his head down."
was the answer
He was Just about turning the corner, and
| waited until he had performed his circuit;
then taking him quietly by the arm, /
marched him to my house, followed by
lot of boys. In the meantime the liremen,
engine, hose cart and truck ratified off,
The man was thoroughly tired out when |
took him into my hall and settled him on
nl,n, nnt npt In n 10
wine and something to cat. paid him
forthwith dollar and half He informed
me that while making one of his rounds,
lady came out of q house and inquired why
he was carrying that brick, and on his CIV
ing her his reason he received dollar
The object soon became known, for as he
passed the houses small sums were given
him by different persons, and he Gas well
satisfied with the days work.
But" said he, what shall / do to-mor-
row z"
"Why," replied, go early in the morn
ing 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 report
to me-"
The following afternoon he informed me
that he had been sent to "a German who
kept pork establishment on Third avenue,
and lie wanted II clerk to keep his books.
He was to get five dollars Il week if his
work proved satisfactory, and his duties
began on the following day. Before leav
ing me he asked for the brick which had
brought him such good luck, and | gave it
to him. Within the year asccrtained that
the man had been transferred to larger
establishment of the same kind, with sal
ary of one thousand dollars.
Three OF four years after this l was rid
ing in a street car, when well-dressed man
accosted me with smile, and asked me if
| knew him Seeing me hesitate, he said:
"Don't you remember the man who car
ried the brick p
lie then informed me that he was doing
Il prosperous business on his own account,
had laid up money, and expected soon to
build himself house up town.
"What became of the brick 2" | inquir-
ed.
"That brick, sir, has always occupied
place on our mantel-piece, and we value it
as much as the most precious of our little
possessions. 1t has made our fortune. -
EG6uing Post.