The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-03-24
TOMS FAlTHFULNESS.
The Spring That Closed the Door of the
Safe.

kindly declared Tom Sperry. Il can
get my own supper just as well as not.
Now, you see, can broil a piece of
steak, make cup of tea toast slice
of bread, handy as an old cook in a
hunters camp"
You are good boy. feel pretty
well used up to-day" said Mrs. Sperry,
who, closely bundled up in her big red
shawl and nursing a rheumatic atfec-
ton, occupied a rocking chair before
the fire.
Not a word, mother, not word"
said the obliging Tom.
Soon the steak was broiled, the bread
toasted, the tea made. All the dishes
We're on the table, and Tom was seated
before them, happy as any office-boy
eating his supper could be.
''Sakes!" suddenly exclaimed voice
as the door opened and old Miss Bart
lett entered. How comfortable you
do look in here!'
Come in, come inr' cried Tom
mother, glad to have caller who
could help her while away half hour.
And, Tommy! what good time
you are having, eating your support"
exclaimed Miss Bartlett.
YES, yes" replied Tom, promptly,
charging away with knife and fork
on that beefsteak, like knight with
sword and lance on a trophy in the
forest.
He had to get his supper himself,
hi
Don't call this boy poor!" said Tom,
cheerfully. II think he is doing first
rate.
BLESS him! I say" exclaime old
Miss Bartlett, admiringly. Tom was
great favorite with the old lady.
How does Tommy like his place at
Dodlins' P" she now inquired.
"Splendidn' declared Tom. "And
Dodlins trusts me, too. He leaves a
lot of money near me; leaves the safe
door open"
Yes" said his mother, "but he
seems to look out and see that the door
can be closed pretty quick. He has
got a spring under his desk"
Not real bilin' spring." said old
Miss Bartlett That's handy if you
are thirsty"
"Ohn' explained Tom, ct spring
to put your foot on, you know, of steel;
and that connects with the safe door,
and shuts it all of sudden-thats in
case any body came in and wanted to
be up to mischief, and run off with
what is in the safe; take money, you
know. That spring will do the bust
ness, you know, pretty quick"
Il should think it would. main
quick" declared the old neighbour
What progressive world we do live
in! Things was different when l was
boy-girl, l mean"
Yes" said Tom, wisely and with
the air of one who has seen both Bos-
ton and the tip of the north pole; eyes,
it is a go-ahead age"
"Dodlins is smart" affirmed Miss
Bartlett LAS for that matter, his
father before him, Simon Dodlins, was
smart in his day. He is a lively old
man still. You ever see him?'
mo, ma am"
''He will give you call one day
He is a fussy old Teller. but a good
man, if | do say it. He has notions,
you know What he wants now is
somebody he can trust, so he says; yes
somebody he can trust"
He might take our Tommy"
thought Mrs. Sperry, but modcstly did
not express her opinion. 'If Tommy
could get more wages it would not 90
bad at all.
The next day Tom was on duty in
the office of William Dodlins. 1t was
noon. Said Toms employer: 81 have
plenty of time, and l will run home
for bite; if you need me use the tcle-
phone; / will be back in time to close
up"
"All right, SIR" replied Tom.
Leaving the safe door open, William
Dodlins adjourned to his house for "a
bite"-a good many of them.
1t was very still in the Office. The
open fire cracked in the CRATE. A fly
came out of his hiding-place and buzzed
in the sunshine flooding the window.
just two sounds herer' thought
Tom.
Hark! A third sound was audible on
the stairway leading to the Office door,
and in walked man somewhere on
the farther side of sixty. Three things
were very prominent: an immense red
handkerchief swathing his neck, very
keen eyes behind his iron-bowed spec
tacles, and a cane with crooked head.
With this cane he pompously pounded
on the floor, and, looking at Tom, said:
"Eh. ell, young MANI
"Yes, SIR said Tom; lean do any
thing for youP"
II dunno. Where is your masterp"
eat dinner, sir.
"At dinner! Well. we can do with
out him. l just want to get at his
safe"