The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1885-03-19
The BROWN STONE Boy r

He reached in a comfortable way
for the bill of fare, among the bottles
of the caster, gave his order to the
waiter in a facetious, superior way,
and went on with his condolences. |
found that these were not drawn out
exclusively by me. He was of a nat
ural expansiveness of disposition, and
was amiably disposed to share them
with whoever would listen.
"1swas up to the post-office, and
there was the money order all ready
and waiting for me,n he continued. Il
didn't hardly expect it. Doubtful
things are pretty uncertain, and you
can't sometimes most always tell; but
the scheme this time has worked like
charm. i didn't ask her for any,
thing to get away from the islands,
you see, but told her l had fallen in
with a party who wanted to take me
into partnership with him in the beef
canning business. told her it was
the biggest thing that had ever hap
pened to me, and that | had got the
place all by myself, by my own unaid-
ed exertions, see? He wanted an act
i've young partner, | said, and | was
going to learn the business; and then
we were to put up a factory, some
place where cattle were plenty and
cheap. to can em. [ said | had saved
money of my own, and all [ wanted
was five hundred dollars more, TO
make the thing complete and secure the
interest | wanted. | didn't half sup
pose the old lady would catch on this
time, but, as | tell you,it has worked
like a charm y -
And there is no beef-canning pro-
jectP''
Y on bet your dear life there's a
beef-canning project. That's just
what there is,-a beef canning project.
I'm going to learn the business.
There's factories here where they car
ry it on, and I'm going around look
ing for place. Yes, sir: you'll. see
me with my little, overalls on. chop
ping up sausage-meat, or boiling down
soap-fat, or whatever they want. l
won't kick; it don't make any differ
ence what it is. I'm scorker, [ am. :"
eAnd the partner?" | asked in sur
prise, half impressed by his emphasis.
He looked at me with compass
sionate smile.
THAT was a blind for the old lady,"
he said. II have to do it sometimes.
But that's all over now: I've reform
ed. A fellow hadn't ought to be
spouting his clothes, beating his board
bill, and all that, you know" he added
philosophically. I've always had
good mother; that's what brings me
around all right. A mothers prayers
IS what you want every time, see?"
There was dangerous levity in
these remarks, and yet certain air of
sincerity, too. The method might
have been only his ideal of the manly
way of expressing himself.
# shouldn't wonder if there was
any quantity of wlll-power about me,
somewheres, still" he said. II had a
brother with more will-power-Lord,
what will-power he did haver'
He continued his remarks on virtue
at considerable length. His platitudes
about goodness and the exemplary in
huence of mother-whose heart, it
was plainly to be seen, such a Young
must often have wrung-
were curious glib parody Of sermons
one has heard preached on the ill-fat-
ed course of the prodigal. He had
not in the least the air Of a repentant |
prodigal, yet he continually gave him
self out, as has been said, for one who |
has at last seen the error of his ways,
and chosen the better part.
"Now I'll give you the whole bust |
ness straight" he said, treating fur
ther of his project. "It's the biggest
scheme out. I've had it on the brain
FOR some time; | heard parties talk Of
t in the islands. You snake your cat
lie right up to tie factory, and run
em through the canning machines
before they know where they are
The profits come in in having 'em
light on the ground where the factory
8, instead of way off here, with big
,ills to pay, first for transportin' the
took, and then for sendin' away the
tuf where it's wanted. Why, the
lides and horns alone'll more than
,ay all expenses. / anticipate four
hundred per cent profit the first year.
Anybody'll put up money for me, as
oon as I've learned the business. |
7ouldn't wonder if the old lady her
elf would, as soon as she knew l was S
ctually on the ground. Say! you'd
lake first-rate, solid old partner. | l
ont mind giving you half inter '
It" he said, with frank bon camerad- {
RE. "lt's big scheme, now, l tell l
ou. Say you and | go into it"
/ was obliged to decline this attract, (
e invitation. Previous engagements |
ould prevent me from entering into a
~ other business enterprises at pres
It. It was now Friday, and the s
boy promised to begin g