The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1878-08-15
All About a Brick.

we'll 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 prepar-
ing to go down town, when the servant
informed 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 man of tall stature and ro
bust appearance, calling me by name,
requested assistance, saying that he had
a large family, wife in delicate health,
and no means to procure food for them.
you appear to be strong and healthy
why don't you work p asked l. Simply,
sir for the reason that cannot procure
work"
Not having any work to give him, l
thought would test the sincerity of his
intentions. "If l give you work, what
pay do you want?' "Anythipg, sir, you
choose to give me, so long as l can obtain
means for the support of my suffering
family"
Very WELL" said 1; Il will give you
% cents an hour if you will carry brick
on your arm around the block for five
hours without stopping" Thank you
l found brick, placed it on the man S
arm, started him on his walks, and then
went down town to my business.
Not having the least faith in the man
promise, l thought but little more of it,
yet as | knew l should go back within
five hours | deterciined 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 Fourth avenue car to be back
within the five hours.
AS approached the corner of the street
where | reside | found great crowd of
persons gathered-two fre-engines, a
hose-cart, and a hook and-ladder- truck.
Upon inquiring where the fire was, was
informed that it was a false alarm, and
that what brought the people together
and occasioned the agitation was the
spectacle of tall man carrying a brick
on his arm around the block 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" AS he
interfered with no one, he was allowed to
walk on undjsturbed. There. you can
see him at the other end of the block
walking with his head down" remarked
one of the spectators.
H He was Just about turning the corner,
circuit, then, taking him quietly by the
arm marched him to my house, follow
ed by lot of boys. In the meantime,
the firemen, engines, and hose cart rat
tied off The man was thoroughly tired
out when | took him into my hall and
seated him on a chair, while my servant
went for little wine and something to
eat. paid him forthwith a dollar and
half He informed me that, while max
ing one of his turns, a lady came out Of a
| house and inquired why he was carrying
that brick, and on giving her the reasons
he received IA dollar The object soon
became known, for as he passed the hous-
es small sums were given to him by diff
| ferent persons, and he was we'll satisfied
with his days work.
But" said he, what shall do tomor-
row ?" why" l 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 report to me-" The following at
ternoon he informed me that he had been
! sent to German, who kept pork es-
tablishment in Third avenue, and who
wanted clerk to keep his books. He
was to get S. per week if his work proved
satisfactory, and his duties began on the
asked for the brick which had brought
him such good luck and l gave it to him.
Within the year l ascertained that the
man had been transferred to larger es-
tabishment of the same kind, with
salary of 900.
Three or four years after this l was
riding in street car, when a 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 p
He informed me that he was doing
prosperous business on his own account,
had laid up money, and expected soon to
build himself house up town.
What became of the brick ?" l in
quired.
That brick, sir, has always occupied a
place on our mantelpiece. and we value it
as the most precious of our little posses
sions 1t has made our fortune. ."-L New
York Evening Post.
New rector to clerk-"Do you think
the church fills as well as formerly
Jones? ?? Jones, anxious to piease-"O
bless you, sir, the other gent could not
Il, H..