Morris tribune., 1883-03-10
HALF A CHANCE.
Ralph, the 15-minute bell is ringing.


had but half a breakfast, and.who was oat
atelbows and knees and toes? But the
father, who was more sober than usual
lounged around the door, reused himself
at the boys words.
mot going to school, Ell? How long
since You come to be your own master?
Ifthat's the way You appreciate your
privileges it's high time YOU lost them.
Might.'as we'll stop school anyway; you
don't learn auything.".
Reckon 1 could if I had half a
chance" said the boy, looking disconso-
lately at his rags.
a haven't another patch left to mend
your clothes WITH said hi mother, sad
".
''Oh, 1t isn't your fault; no one blame
you, mother" said Ralph, quickly.
II suppose that means that | am TO
blame for everything that oughtn'tto be
A boy Of Is ought to be able to earn
l;n2selfa suit of clothes, to say nothing
of has bread and butter"
Lots Of good it would do me t. earn
anything" muttered Ralph sullenly.
Usually he would not have dared to say
so much IN his fathers presence, but
this morning he hardly cared what he
did or what might follow. Usually, too,
he would have paid dearly for such a
speech, but now Mr.. Allen only said:
~ on are an impatient young rascal,
but seeing haven't done as we'll by You
as might III make bargain with YOU
Every cent you can earn you may have,
but not blt to eat nor a rag to wear be,
sides. Do you understand? New be of
and see what YOU are worth"
"All right" answered Ralph, picking
W his ragged hat.
Won MONT 20 ont Of town" said hi:
another anNiously, rs lie passed out.
No, not without letting Won know
he answered from outside the gate. From
simple force of habit, and without any
definite purpose, he took the road lead
ing to the school house and found him.
self at the door just as the noisy troop
were entering. might rs we'll 90 in
1oo," he said 10 himself, and he did.
But his books remained unopened, and
when is class was called he sat still in
his seat. His teacher was sure from his
looks that he was sick or in trouble, and
knowing something Of his home life
thought best 70 pay no attention ut the
time. At recess, however she went and
sat down beside him.
''No lesson to-day, Ralph?" she asked,
pleasantly.
Not coming to school any more
S'Why how Is that?'
Got to earn my own EVing.'
ooh work is it; we'll, that's not bah
excuse for 'eaving school. What are
you going to do?'
That's what I've got to find out.
Don't know yet"
Then the first thing is, what can you
do?" ~
Net much of anything; never had
half chance to learn" and he looked
obviously at Louie Hatten, who was
passing through the room-a boy Of his
own age, we'll dressed and we'll fed, We'll
furnished with all school-boy could
ask. Miss Lee followed the direction
of his glance.
'Why Ralph she said, II think you
have q better chance than Louie Of
making man of YOURSELF
Don't see how that can be"
Can you swim" Ralph looked up
very much astonished. He was an expert
swimmer, but he cid not see how that
would held him in trying to make some
thing of himself.
Il can that" he answered emphatic
ally.
did you learn by having some one
hold on to you al the time, keeping you
out of deep water"
Guess a fellow wouldn't learn much
shat way. Had to go it MYSELF
Then why isn't it better TO 60 it
yourself in other things? Haven't You
Il better chance than a boy who has
everything done for him, who is, always
IS far as possible, kept cut Of danger
never allowed tomake 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 Mr.. Scott for
me2' she asked.
"Yes'm," answered Raj phi promptly.
He had carried notes before and had a
pleasant remembrance Of bright nickles
and brighter dimes that found their way
into his pocket on these occasions. So
the note was written and carried, and
while Mr.. Scott read it, Ralph looked
earnestly out Of the window at huge
pile of coal On the sidewalk.
denly making Ralph start, "do you
know the contents of this note?"
''No, SIR" said Ralph I truthfully.
Your teacher tells me you are in
want of work, and recommends You for
the vacant place as janitor in the Holly
street building Doyou 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 nigft?''
"I'd like to try" said Ralph.
And be responsible for everything
that ls broken or stolen?" The boys
face lightened.
''S'pose there's keys?"
PLENTY of them"
Reckon if locked upand left every
thing straight and burglars broke in, it |
wouldn't be any of my lookout"
How long do you suppose you will
stick to it?" -.
Likely till l 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?"
1.-TWO dollars week through fall and |
winter, and onethrough the warm wealth
er. Does that suit your"
Eyes. sir; much obliged. How often
will get paid?'
1--WE generally pay once month. but
you need the money We can let you
have it every Saturday night, for
WHILE"
''Thank ye," said Ralph; but there was
five days before Saturday, and be was
hungry already.
'Want your coal put somewhere" he
asked. after moments pause.
''Well, it is rather out Of place on the
sidewalk Would you like the job?"
yes, sir; would that"
Every well; deliver your note and
then come back and go to work." and
the hoy lost no time.
AS he handed the note to Miss Lee he
told her of the waiting coal-pile.
That's good beginning" she said,
smiling, land this will do for starting
capital" and she laid in his hand, not
nickel, not dime, but a shining half
dollar. "And til s." size continued,
covering the coin with dainty card, lis
motto to help you along"
IN, {ha o,,l II l. - u j