Morris tribune., 1886-03-24
AN AMBITIOUS BOY.
BY FRANK H. STAUFFER.

, branch road to E.. Between the
former and the latter were two small
towns, Barneston and Shenstone, both
IF which made strenuous efforts to have
the branch line pass through their
place. Shenstone was the larger and
wealthier of the two; the business men
subscribed literally to the stock, and
were in great glee when the surveyors
made their appearance in the town.
The inhabitants of Barneston We're
disappointed, and gave
up the fight. But, much to their amaze
ment, their village was finally selected
and Shenstone left in the lurch; and
they were still further amazed when
they learned that it had been brought
about by boy to whom they had neV-
er eiyen much credit either for shrewd-
ness or tenacity.
His name was Fred Sedgwick, and he
was not more than IA years old. lie
was an observant fellow, however, and
generally arrived at correct conclu-
sions. An idea had seized him, in con-
nection with the rivalry between the
two towns; it was practical idea, and
he determined to make the most OF 1t.
A gentleman stopped at the only ho-
tel in the place, one hot summer after
noon. His name was Lynch, and he
was the chief engineer of the survey
ing party. When Fred heard of his ar
rival he concluded to call upon him,
and found him seated upon one OF the
porches of the hotel.
81 wish to talk to you about the pro-
posed railroad, sir,' Fred said, remoV-
ING his hat, his tone and attitude re-
spectful.
The surveyor was genial man, and
was especially partial to boys. lie
glanced into Fred's honest face, and
said, with an encouraging smile:
"It is to be an interview, eh? Well,
consider me at your leisure. p"
II believe it has been decided to run
the road through Shenstone," remark
ed Fred, without any preliminary skir-
mishing.
Yes" replied Mr.. Lynch. 'The
people have agreed to take $4,000
worth of stock, and have offered to pre-
sent us with a lot of ground for sta
ton. They have even promised to fur
nish the stone to build it. Barneston's S
a sleepy old place, you see. )"
s'Well, may be it is" tardily assent
ed Fred. THAT is all the more reason
why it ought to be wakened up. Won't
it cost great deal to take the road to
Shenstone? In the way of deep cuts
and trestle-work, mean?"
"a great deal, my boy" replied the
surveyor.
..More than it would to bring it
along that ridge, yonder?" asked Fred,
pointing.
Considerably more, sir"
'.More than the $4,000 subscribed
by the people of Shenstone?" persisted
Fred.
cat least as much" was the answer
he received.
He was silent for a minute, an in
tensely thoughtful look upon his face.
MIR. Lynch watched him, impressed
with his appearance and his direct way
of getting at thing
There will be awater station?" ask
ed Fred.
ssOh, yes; we must have water. We
can get it from the mill pond"
"By forcing it up the hillP"
"Yes."
THAT will cost great deal, won't
it?''
''The plant will"
'The plant?" replied Fred, a trifle
puzzled.
s"The machinery, my boy. The
tanks, stationary engine, pumps and SO
on.n
s.There must be man to run the en-
gine." suggested Fred.
yes
Suppose there was big spring on
the hill yonder?" Fred asked repress-
ing his excitement. Suppose the wa
ter could be brought here by pipes, in a
natural flow, and no plant necessary?
Would that be worth considering?"
..Ehp" exclaimed Mr.. Lynch, sud-
denly interested, and surprised at the
boys brightness. SIS there such a
spring."
.'There isl declared Fred. 'tAnd
the water can be brought here by its
own -gravitation.
what you say is indeed worth TAX
ing into consideration" Mr.. Lynch
said, as he stared directly in front of
him. ''That, and the less expensive
character of the route, would more than
offset what the Shenstone' people have
to offer"
s.Suppose we subscribed $50, 900 here
at BarnestonP" Fred asked, his eyes
sparkling. THAT ought to bring us
the road, don't you thinkp'
"It would at least reopen the hear
ing," admitted Mr.. Lynch.
He laughed softly over the pronouns
we and us which Fred had used. 1t
was declaration of citizenship; an in
timation that he was bound to be iden-
titled with the progress of the town.
"Can the spring be boughtP' the
surveyor asked.
II am afraid not, replied Fred. 'It
can be leased, however"
"For 999 yearsp"
'.Is that the way it's donep"
"Yes."
"Why don't they make it the even
thousandp"
"It wouldn't do to seem too grasp
ing" replied Mr.. Lynch, laughing.
..Now, my boy, as you have presented
an idea that looks eminently practical,
] do not purpose to allow anybody to
deprive you of the credit of it. / will
be here one week from to-day, when
you can report progress.
The immensely of the undertaking
confused Fred. He hadn't thought of
carrying the heavy end of it.
s.What am I'expected to do between
now and thenp' he asked.
"You are to secure lease of the
spring and raise the $4,000.
"All right" cried Fred. s'I'll do it.
I am much obliged to.you for giving
me your attention.
He lifted his hat and started off.