Connecticut western news., 1883-02-14
VOL. XII.

"Can you swim?" Ralph looked up very much astonished. He was an expert swimmer, but he did not see how that would help him in trying to make some thing of himself. "
 "I can that" he answered emphati. cally.
 "Did you learn by having some one hold on to you all the time, keeping you out of deep water?"
 '''Guess fellow wouldn't. learn much that way. Had to go it myself"
 "Then why isn't it better to 'go it yourself in other things? Haven't you better chance than boy who has everything done for him, who is always, as far as possible, kept out of danger never allowed to make effort enough in any direction to tire him ?'
 "Never thought of that before" said Ralph.
 And while he thought of it his teacher thought of something else.
 "Will you carry note to MT. Scott for me ?" she asked.
 "Yes 'm," " answered Ralph, promptly. He had carried notes before and had 8 pleasant remembrance of bright nickels and brighter dimes that found their way into his pocket on these occasions. So the note was written and carried, and while MT. Scott read it, Ralph looked earnestly out of the window at huge pile of coal on the sidewalk.
 "Young man," said the trustee sud- denly, making Ralph start, "do you know the contents of this note P''
 'No, sir" said Ralph truthfully.
 "Your teacher tells me you are in want of work and recommends you for the vacant place of janitor in the Holly street building. Do you think you could manage to keep those rooms swept and dusted, to have them warm by school time, and see that everything is in order at night ?"
 ''I'd like to try" said Ralph.
 ''And be responsible for everything that is broken or stolen ?" the boys face heightened.
 "S'pose there's keys p
 "Plenty of them"
 "Reckon if Hooked up and left every thiug straight and burglars broke in, it wouldn't be any of my lookout.
 'tHow long do you suppose you will stick to it?'
 "Likely till find better work.
 "Well, sir. we will try you. Miss Lee offers to give you directions, and he hurriedly scratched off reply. Ralph took it, and hesitating little, asked the question of all importance to him:
 ''How much will get?"
 "Two dollars week through the fall and winter, and one through the warm weather. Does that suit you?''
 "'Yes, sir, much obliged. How often will I get paid? ?"
 ''We generally pay once month, but if you need the money, we can jet you have it every Saturday for while.'
 ''Thank ye," said Ralph; but there were five days before Saturday, and he was hungry already.
 "Want your coal put somewheres 9 he asked after moments pause.
 "Well, it is rather out of place on the sidewalk. Would you like the job ?''
 "Yes, sir, would that.
 "very we'll, deliver your note, and then come back and go to work" and the boy lost no time.
 As he handed the answer to Miss Lee, he told her of the waiting coal pile.
 That's good beginning she said smiling, and this will do for starting capital" and she laid in his hand, not a nickel, not dime, but 8 shining half dollar. ''And this," she continued. covering the coin with a dainty card, |" is motto to help you along"
 On the card Ralph read "God helps the man who helps himself" The boy looked, rather than spoke his thanks, but he did say, If I'm ever of any ac- count, Miss Lee, it will all be owing to you"
 A loaf of brown bread and slice of cheese took ten cents from the precious half dollar, but it gave the boy strength to handle 8 shovel well, and when he went to the school house to learn his new round of duty, another half dollar iingled with the four dimes in his pocket. How rich he felt as he went down the street to lay out part of his wealth in something for the table at home. A peck of cornmeal, 8 good-sized soup bone, another loaf of bread, larger this time, and pint of milk in a fve-cent bucket. Mush and milk for supper, bread and soup for dinner tomorrow. Hurrah! Believe I have chance after all."
 That was the beginning. Ralph is { man now, prosperous and respected His mother, hopeful ard happy, lookt after the pleasant home, of her son's providing; his father, quiet and sober makes the little garden spot bring fortl its best for the always well-filled table and over the mantel in Ralph's owl room hangs in a tasteful frame tn motto that, has directed and encourage, his efforts since the morning when h discovered wherein lay his chance fo making 8 man of himself. Baptis Family Magazine.
 A Passport.