The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1883-11-29
TOM KILROY.

Romance is generally thought to
dwell in exceptions and extremes, but
everyday life has its full share of heroes,
of tragic or of chivalrous story. Tom
Kilroy's youth knew no exceptional cir
,cumstances. His father was master
mason, steady and Industrious; his
mother loved him with that sober, wise
affection which keeps strict guard over
lessons and clothing; he was, in short,
one of those numberless sons of respect
able mechanics who keep the public
schools busy in their youth, and are
kept busy by the world all their life af-
terward.
Tom had been destined almost from
his cradle to learn his fathers trade.
His elder brothers were carpenters and
builders. Mason-work would dovetail
naturally in with woodwork, and the
brothers would thus be enabled to throw
many q profitable job into each others
hands. There was no disposition in Tom
so quarrel with this destiny; the limit of
his ambition was to be a good trades
man, and marry the girl of his choice.
He had not even settled on the girl yet,
and the pleasing latitude and uncer-
tstluIf ut dllONCu Ill1lStI III ILLS
was the one bit of romance that leavened
Toms life at nineteen.
Evidently here was very common
lad in very common circumstances, and
yet there was even then in his posses
sion single advantage which might
disarrange the steadiest and most une-
ventful of plans: Tom was exceedingly
handsome-that is. he was going to be-
Just at that age he was freckled and
immature, managed his great frame
awkwardly, and was shy in conse-
quence.
But, after all, it was Toms inches,
and his bright, handsome face, crowned
with short brown curly hair, that pre-
vented him taking permanently to bricks
and mortar. Old kilroy had a job of
work to do for the great importing firm
of Scott & Donaldson. and one day
while Tom was laying bricks and whiS-
Ting with great deal of spirit 1.-The
Caro- of Old Gaul," Alexander Scott
took a liking to him.
Men do take these impulsive ikings
Just as readily as women do, and for the
most part they consider themselves at
liberty to indulge them. At any rate,
Mr.. Scott did. He had a talk with young
Tom, and liked him better still, and then
had talk with Toms father. which re-
suited in Toms throwing down the
trowel and taking desk in the outer
counting-room of the great firm.
The kilroys were modestly proud of
the change The elder boys going of
TO work with their tools and the younger
ones with their books were still very fine
fellows in the mother eyes; but Tom in
a stylish business suit, with kid gloves
on his hands, and a cigar in his mouth,
did them loftier kind of credit. All
of them felt this, and the carpenter re-
marked one morning, as they watched
him down the avenue block: "All
right, mother. 1t is a poor family that
cant have one gentleman-isn't it?'
< No one doubted that it was "all
right" Tom gradually became the
oracle of his fathers house. Why not?
He spent his days among grave, wealthy
men. among great interests and great
trusts. and unavoidabiy he got the air
and assumed the tone of the wealthy
classes. In the course of two years he
was cautiously promoted. but he was
trusted even beyond his position. MIR.
Scots liking, though progressing at a
careful rate, still kept steadily increas-
ing. He had said often during these
two years that Tom Kilroy was lit
tie uncommon. and Alexander Scott
was always ready to maintain what be
had once said.
In the method Incidental to a New
York business life time passes rapidly.
Toms life went on as the clock does
for the next four years, but in them
Time gave everything and took moth
ing from him. His splendid physical
beauty had matured, and his business
aptitudes had been thoroughly devel.
oped. Even John Donaldson, who had
always smiled at his partners fancy fol
the young mason" at length admit.
ted that 'Kilroy was fine fellow, and
would do the firm credit
1t was Just after this admission from
Mr.. Donaldson, and hot, glowing day
in early July, Tom, busy among sundry
bales and boxes, heard Mr.. Scott call
him. When he answered the summons,
he found the senior partner in very
anxious and peFplexed mood.
..Mr Kilroy," he said. hesitatingly,
81 can not go home, as i intended, to.
night, and it may even happen that ]
shall have to go 20 Liverpool by the