Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1882-06-21

Young man. said the trustee sud-
denly, making Ralph start, Tdo you
know the contents ofthis note|
No. sir said Ralph, truthfally.
Your TEACHER tells me you are IN
want of work, and recommends YOU Tor
ianitor in the Holly street building. Do
you think you could manage to keep
those rooms swept and busted, to have
them warm by school time, and see
that everything is in order at night"
I'D like to try it, said Ralph.
And be responsible for everything
that's broken or stolen?' The boys
face heightened.
'Spose there's keys?'
Plenty Of them
Reckon if 1 locked up and LETT every
thing straight, and burglars broke IN,
'twouldn't be any Of my look out
How long do you suppose you will
stick 10 it?'
Likely till 1 find better work.
~ ell, sir, We will try you. Mss
Lee offers to give you directions.' And
be scratched of reply. Ralph took
il. and, hesitating a little, asked the
question all important to him.
How much will l gel!'
Two dollars week through the fal
and winter, and one through the warm
weather. Does that suit you?'
Yes sir, much Obliged. How often
will l got paid?'
we generally pay once a month";
but If you need the money, We can lei
YOU have it every Saturday for while.
Thank ye, said Ralph; but there
were FIVE days before Saturday and lie
was hungry already
want Your coal put somewhere !!
be asked, alter moments pause.
well, it is rather out of place on the
sidewalk. Would you like the job"
Yes, sir, would thal?'
VERY well, deliver your note and
come back aud go 10 work. aud the
boy lost no time.
AS be handed the answer to Miss
Lee, be told her OF the waiting coal
pile -.
That's a COOL beginning, she sale
smiling, and this will do for starting
capital and she laid in his hand not a
nickle. not a dime, but shining half
dollar. And this shs continued, COW
er,nr the coin with dainty card, IS a
motto 10 help you along
On the card Ralph read: God helps
the man who helps himself Tie boy
looked, rather than spoke, his thanks
but he did say, L! I'm ever OF any ac-
count. Miss Lee, it will be o|ing TO
you
A loaf of brown bread and a slice ol
cheese took ten cents from The precious
half dollar, but it gave the boy strength
TO handle his shovel well, and when he
went to the school-house to learn bis
new round of duty, another half dollar
iinoled with the four dimes IN his pocket
How rich he felt as he went down The
street to lay out a part OF his wealth IL
something for the table at home. a
peck of corn meal, good sized sour
bone. another loaf Of bread, larger this
time, and pint of milk in nve-cen
bucket, aud still there was money i1
his pocket. 'Mush and milk for supper
bread and soup for dinner tomorrow
Hurrah! Believe have chance ale
all
That was the beginning. Ralph Is
man now, prosperous and respected
His mother, hopeful and happy, looks
after the pleasant bone Of her SON.
providing; his father, quiet and sober
makes the little garden spot brln'
forth its best for the always we'll hlle'
table; and over the mantle, in Ralph
own room, hangs in tasteful iram'
tie motto that has dirocte and cncouI
aged his effort. sine. the morning VIII el
he discovered wherein lay hi, chance 10
making a man of himself.