The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-01-01
JOB BRADSHAW'S LUCK.
A NEW YEARS STORY.
BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
From the Boston Globe.


evening was far advanced; in fact it
wanted but Is minutes of 12--fifteen min
utes of the New Year, for this was the last
night of the old
There were two persons yet left in the
warehouse. These were. first, John Tower
himself, portly man, whose air indicated
clearly enough that he was one who was
accustomed to expect Difference from those
about him. The second and only other per-
son present was one of much less conse-
quence. Indeed, ought, perhaps, to apol-
ogize for introducing the shabby little
boolkkeeper in such proximity with John
Tower Esq. However, as they happened
to be together this evening, that must be
my apology.
Job Bradshaw was small man, partially
bald, with timid, retiring manner, who
looked as if perpetually on the point of
apologizing for his great hardihood in occu-
plying the little space which he filled in the
world. He had a very small amount of
self appreciation and very large amount
of reverence for others. He looked upon
his employer as a man of great consequence,
and though for the last twenty five years in
his service, had not yet got so as to feel
quite easy in his company.
"Well, Bradshaw, how does your last
column foot upp
"a hundred and eight, sir.H
That's what l make it, Now you may
go. l believe | have no more for you to do
tonight. What time is it,"
Job drew out large, old-fashioned silver
watch which had been bequeathed him by
his father forty years before, and which he
considered in spite of its antiquity quite a
paragon of a watch, and answered: at
lacks fifteen minutes to twelve, Mr.. Tower
'Ah, is it so later said the merchant in
differently.
In spite of the lateness of the hour, the
bookkeeper seemed in no hurry to go.
Slowly he withdrew his pen from its accus-
toned place behind his ear, and taking up
his hat began to strike it gently with his hand
kerchef. At the same time a nervous ex-
preston came over his face, as if he wanted
to say something, but had not the courage.
81 believe" he at length remarked,
coughing nervously as he did so. 81 be-
lieve, Mr. Tower, it is New Years eve"
"Eh' said the merchant, looking up for
a moment Yes, believe it is" said he,
nonchalantiy, a little surprised that his tact
turn bookkeeper should have vensured upon
an observation not demanded By the bust
ness.
He was mistaken, however. 1t was only
preliminary to a little business which Job
was nervous about introducing.
81 believe" continued Bradshaw, with
nervous rapidity Its five and thirty years
to-day, since | entered your employ, or,
rather, your fathers"
every likely" sad John Tower. "What's
the man driving atF' he thought to himself
'And during that time l have endeavored
to serve you to the best of my poor ability
continued Job, hurriedly.
"You have given us very good satisfac-
tion,n said the merchant, graciousiy.
He had reason to say so. 1t would have
been hard to find anywhere more faithful
servant than Job Bradshaw. A careful
book-keeper he was, thoroughly devoted to
the interests of the house, making them in
fact his own.
you say So" said Bradshaw, slightly rub
bling his hands, because it emboldens me
to ask you a favor"
"A favor2" echoed Mr. Tower. "WeIl,
what it it!n
1T is" said job humbly, that you will
add 800 to my salary"
add 500 to your salary" echoed the
merchant, who had supposed that it might
perhaps be, at the most, a request for a hol-
iday
you know, Mr.. Tower" said Job, hur-
riedly, that provisions have risen consider
ably within two or three years Flour costs
at least half more, and other things in
proportion. Then, too, my landlord has
raised the rent SO a quarter, and l assure
you that | find it hard to live on $500 year.
should never have ventured to say any
thing to you about this matter but really |
found it so hard to get along"
six hundred dollars" repeated the mer-
chant-whose annual expenses exceeded ten
times that amOunt--'it appears to me that
you ought to live or that amount. | am
afraid you are not economical"
'Indeed, sir, try to be, said Job. sub
missively, ''but somehow it's the little
things that count up Six hundred dollars
amt now what they were ten years ago.
at is all that have been accustomed to
give" said the merchant, coldly, land
really, Mr.. Bradshaw, / do not feel called
upon to increase it."
Job twirled his hat neryously in his hand,
and there was an acute pang of disappoint-
ment in his honest heart.
''Of course" said his employer, in the
same forbidding tone, ''if you nave a chance
to do better, / don't wish you to sacrifice
your prospects for the sake of remaining
with me"
Poor job! This was the most unlSnd cut
of all to him, who had devoted all the best
years of his life to his employers interests.
81 beg your pardon, Mr.. Tower,n he said.
in choking voice, "for asking what may
be an unreasonable favor. | shouldn't wish
Five and thirty years I've served your firm,
and somehow it wouldn't seem natural any
where else"
And so Job Bradshaw went out of the
merchants presence with the downcast look
of child who has been rebuked. y
perhaps it was unreasonable he
thought humbly. ~ wonder where found
courage to ask Mr.. Tower at all. Perhaps
he pays ME already all that am worth to
him, and yet il comes pretty close to live on
$500 year. However, must cut Off some
of my little extravagances.
Little indeed they must have been, for it
would have been hard to find household
where economy was more strictly studied
than in that of the bookkeeper
The merchant did not tarry long after
Job. He buttoned up his warm overcoat-
striking contrast, by the way, with the
old brown, faded surtout new ten years
since, which shielded his humble book
keeper.
''I'd like to buy some New Years presents
for Betsy and the children" thought Job,
as he wendell his homeward way, "but it
isn't to be thought of. It would be too
great an extravaganza for one in my cir
cumstancos."