The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-04-20
GOOD AND BAD PREFERENCES.
Why Charley Failed to Secure Very De-
sirable Place.

Why Charley Failed to Secure Very De-
sirable Place.
Charley was whistling q merry tune
as he came down the road, with his
hands in his pockets. his cap pushed
buck on his head, and a general air of
good fellowship with the world. He
was on his way to apply for position
i'll a stationer' store that he was very
anxious to obtain, and in his pocket
were the best of references concerning
his character for willingness and hon
esty. He felt sure that there would not
be much doubt of his obtaining the
place when he presented these creden-
tials.
A few drops of rain fell, as the
bright sky was overcast with clouds,
and he began to wish that he had
brought an umbrella. From a house
just d little way before him two little
children were starting out FOR school,
and the mother stood in the door smil-
ing approval as the boy raised the UNI
brella and took the little sister under
its shelter in q manly fashion.
Charley was great tease, and, like
most boys who indulge in teasing or
rough practical jokes, he always took
care to select for his victim some one
weaker or younger than himself.
'Ill have some fun with those chill
dren," he said to himself; and before
tbo,, bod nona yop1r fa, 1ou, tho ro,d
he crept up behind them, and suatchcd
the umbrella out of the boys hands.
In vain the little fellow pleaded with him
to return it. Charley took malicious
delight in pretending that he was going
to break it or throw it over the fence;
and as the rain had stopped, he amused
himself in this way for some distance,
making the children run after him and
plead with him tearfully for their UNI
brella.
Tired of this sport at last, he relin-
pushed the umbrella as q carriage APP
preached, and, leaving the children to
dry their tears, went ON toward the
store.
Mr.. Mercer was not in, so Charley
sat down on the steps TO wait for him.
An old gray cat was basking in the
sun, and Charley amused himself by
pinching the poor animals tail till
she mewed pitifully and struggled to
escape.
While he was enjoying this sport, Mr.
Mercer drove Up in his carriage, and
passed Charley on his way into the
store. The boy released the cat, and,
following the gentleman in, respect
fully presented his references.
These do very WE'LL" Mr.. Mercer
said, returning the papers to Charley.
IF had not seen some of your other
references, l might have engaged
you"
"Other reference? What do you
mean, sir?" asked Charley in aston
ishment.
Il drove past you this morning
when you were on your way here, and
saw you diverting yourself by teasing
two little children. A little later dog
passed you, and you cut him with the
switch you had in your hand. You
SHE'D a stone at bird, and just now
you were delighting yourself in tor
menting another defenseless animal.
These are the references that have de-
cidcd me to have nothing to do with
you don't want cruel boy about
me-"
As Charley turned away, crestfallen
over his disappointment, he determined
that wanton cruelty, even though it
seemed to him to be only "fun,"
should not cost him another good place.
NNirnin u IL IL, 9 G Hi,n,nr