Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-05-11
TOMS COPY.

governess had been called out, and they
were left on honor.
Jack Dalton had not written a stroke
since the summons came, and by the
time his teacher was beyond the door
had drawn, from his pocket, treasures
in the shape of marbles, alleys, fishing
lines and knife.
''Tom,' he called, to his cousin, and
added emphasis with well-aimed paper
ball, "whatll you give in cash for this
stockp"
Don't want it at any price, an.
swered Tom, without looking up.
.'But Pm hard up, and viii sell at a
sacrifice continued Jack; "besides, ]
want to get something else''
II want to get something, too,' Tom
replied, "but not that trash.''
Jack looked over at his cousin curious
", but he was intent upon his copy.
He had been laboring steadily at the
letters, and was halfway down the
page, when the thought dawned in his
mind that they might mean something.
This was the copy: g Industry need
not aOish." All! what did not Tom
wish? That very morning he had been
wishing to buy story-paper and some
fruit for his invalid sister. Then he had
heard his mother wish their little garden
could be cultivated, and he felt sure he
could do it if he only had tools to work
with. And when it came to his own
wants, they were really without num-
Der, and here, right before his ewes, if
there were truth in his copy, was a
remedy.
Jack" he said, "listen, and tell me
hot of T..
not wish.
go, bother!' returned Jack. 81
think nothing of it. It's good practice
on the lettering; but as for the senti-
ment, it means no more than if it said:
Jack and Gill went up the hill!'' -
''But Benjamin Franklin said it,
argued Tom. cit must mean some
thing
ooh, it don't follow" returned his
cousin. ''He gaineda great reputation,
and after that everything he said was
accounted wise. My own private opin-
ion is that he said a great many stupid
things"
''But if this should be true, Jack, Just
think of all the things we could have
without wishing
81 thought something was up re-
piled Jack, impatiently. ssYou'v been
sitting like deacon ever since Miss Ray
went out. Your copy-book has struck
in, suppose. For my own part, I'm
not so stupid as to pin my faith on old
proverbs"
But to Tom, who was poor, and being
educated by his uncle, it seemed worth
trying.
81 will begin this very afternoon" he
thought. II wish most for the papers
for Amy, and will see if can earn
them"
His enthusiasm almost overcame his
appetite, and, his hastily eaten dinner
over, he set off in quest of work.
Right near his own home, and on one
of the main thoroughfares of the town,
was the quaint old residence of Eben
Underhill. He was so old an inhabit-
ant that everybody called him Uncle.
For sixty years he had lived in the same
farmhouse. Modern i'm
provements had branched out around
him, and stately store-houses reared
their French roofs far above the lowly
dwelling; but they only seemed to make
a protection, shutting out the busy
world, while the quiet, old-time life
within kept its monotonous course.
The place always had charm to
Tom, and many rides had he enjoyed in
Uncle Eben's spring cart, as he took his
daily journey to the distant pasture and
wood-lot.
To-day he paused at the gate, wonder
ing if he might not find work there.
But how he hated to ask, when it came
to the point!
TTooI, Than xroc MN, n, n. fr<,,,, +bo bo,.~,
with basket of corn-cobs. In another
minute he would be in the house, and
Tom was sure he would never have
courage to knock at the door and make
known his wish before the women of
the house. His resolution carried him
and he reached the porch as
Uncle Eben had his hand on the door
latch.
Have you any work for boy to
do?'' he inquired, eagerly.
swell, l don't know" the old man
replied. ''If the right boy happened
along, might give him job.''
"Would / dop' asked Tom.
"Your clothes don't look much like
it, said Uncle Eben, doubtingly. "It's
sorting potatoes.
ct can do that" said Tom, eff you'll
Just start me.
1--WE mind to try you. and will pay
thirty cents for the rest of the after
noon, but you'll have to put on my
and kiver up your fine Clothes"
Uncle Eben was stout and tall, and
little of Tom was visible when encased
IN them. They were turned up six
inches at the bottom, and when they
reached his arm-pits Uncle Eben tied
hem with a piece of clothes-line, while
he remaining length fell over in a ruff
lie. When new they had been brown
N color, but frequent washings had
turned them a light yellow, and they
we're ornamented with patches of lime
and plaster.
Now said Uncle Eben, with
to save your coat-sleeves,
you'll be ready for work.
And he brought out a pair of blue
and-white butchers sleeves.
When these were drawn on. Tom