Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-03-07

ITS JUST My LUCK. tits Just nv
luck, mother. might have known I
shouldn't get place. for all it seemed as
though | was sure of it. Pm the most
nnlucky boy in The world, and l always
was, ever since can remember. There's
Osmond Grey, ne got the place, just as be
does everything. lie is no better scholar
'han am, but he always comes out
ahead"
This was said in n tone of mingled
impatience and regret, as the speaker, Il
lad of fourteen summers, looked earnestly
at his mother. That she was sadly
disappointed her face plainly revealed.
"lf Mr.. Bemis has taken Osmond Grey
into his counting house instead of you, he
had Il reason for it. If you fail rs often
as you complain you do. there is reason
for it, " responded Mrs. Cowley. Il have
been afraid for a good while, that you
would grow to be Il bad man."
That's the way you always talk,
mother. 1t seems AS though you blame
NE for eve' ythng that happens"
mo. don't. my son; love you too
well for that. Pm afraid l love you too
well for your own good"
"Nr, mother, you know you couldn't do
that. Uucle Jack says we belong to An
unlucky family. He says he always had
bad luck, and l suppose must expect to
have it,"
Your uncle has his own luck, my son.
He has Teen his own enemy. You are
not { Id enough yet to realize it, but he
reaps the reward OF his own doings; he
is kind hearted and generous; but lie is
apt 10 put of till Tomorrow what ought
10 be done to day, lie is never quite
ready to do anything tlat can be left for
another time. Then, he has spent IL small
fortune ior liquor and tobacco, and that is
the secret OF his luck. You are n good
deal like him, but it would break my
heart to have you grow up TO be such
man as be is"
why. mother, thought you loved
Uncle Jack! exclaimed Ned Cowlty,
II do love him. But know his faults,
and he knows them, too; though he says
it's too late for him 10 change. If you
would ask Mr.. Bemis why he gave the
place in his counting house to OsMond
Grey, instead Of you, think he would
tell you. | don't know how we can live,
now my health is so poor. unless you can
earn some money somewhere"
Mr.. Bemis was surprised at receiving
call from Ned Cowley. and still more
surprised when he was respectfully asked
the reason for his preference in the
selection of an under clerk. Il know it
is strange question for me to ask"
added the boy.
ut is strange; but as you asked it, l
will answer it," was the reply. Until
within fortnight, intended to give the
place to you. knew you were good
scholar, handsome writer, and quick
accountant. Then, | knew that your
mother needed the help of your wages.
But | heard some one say you were like
your Uncle Jack, and began to watch
you. saw you drink a glass OF beer at
the public house at the corner. and one
day saw you putting cigar That was
the way your Uncle Jack began, and
didn't dare to trust you "
Thank you. for telling me this, Mr..
Bemis." And, despite the tremor in his
voice, and the bushes which burned upon
his cheeks, the hoy did net shrink from
the earnest gaze OF his companion. ~
thought it was my lack. Now I've found
out it was my fault, and I'll change my
habits. If you will give me any kind Of
a chance to work, I'll do the best l can,
and see where the luck comes. SD.