The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-10-12
Select Sturg.
A BOY WHO WAS WANTED.

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Jack. as he came to his mother, hot, tired
and dusty.
What is that. she asked.
THAT there are great many boys in
the world
Didn't you know that before p
Partly, but | didn't know there were
so many more than are wanted.
What makes YOU think so 2?
Because I've been round and round
till I'm worn out, trying to find place to
work. Wherever | go there are more
boys than places. Doesn't that show that
there are too many boys p
Not exactly. said his mother, with a
smile, 1T depends entirely upon the
kind of boy. \ good boy is always wanted
somewhere.
well, if Tn a good boy, | wish |
knew xhere Tn wanted.
Patience. patience, my boy. In such
a great world as this, with 50 many places
aud 50 many boys, it Is no wonder that
some Of them do not End their places at
once. But be very sure dear, as she
laid earessing hand on his arm, ''that
every boy who wants chance to do fair,
honest work will find it. =
That's the kind Of work | want to do,
said Jack, Il don't want anybody's money
for nothing. Let me see--what have |
got TO ofFer2 Al the schooling and all
the wits We been able to get up to thirteen
wears, good, stout hands and feet, and
civil tongue
And mind and heart set on doing
faithful duty, suggested his mother,
Il hope 50, replied Jack. II remem-
her father used to say, Just as soon as
YOU undertake to work for any one you
must bear in mind that you have sold
yourself 10 him for a given time. Your
time, your strength, your energy are his,
and your best efforts to seek his interest
in every way are his due.
The earnest tone in which the boy spoke
seemed 10 give assurance that he would
nav GOOD heed to the words OF his father,
whose counsels could no more reach him.
For two OF three days longer Jack had
reason to hold to his opinion that there
were more BOYS than the world wanted,
at the end Of which time be met with
business 4aan, who, after questioning him
closely, said
There are great many applications
for the place, but the greater number Of
the boys come and stay for a short time,
and then leave if they think they can do
little better When boy gets used to
our routes aud our customers We want him
to stay. If you viii agree to remain for
at least three years We will pay you three
dollars a week as errand boy.
That is just what | want to do, sir,
said Jack, eagerly So he was installed,
and proud enough be was at bringing his
wages home every Saturday night, and
realizing that, small as they were, the
regular help was of great value TO his
mother.
II i not TO be wondered at that the
faithful carrying out of his fathers admo-
milton after awhile attracted the attention
not only of his employers, but of others
with whom be was brought into contact in
the pursuit of his duties.
One day he was asked into the office of
/ Mr.. Lang, a gentleman to whom he fire.
auentIy carried parcels of value.
Have YOU ever thought of changing
YOUR situation? ?" asked Mr.. Lang.
mo, sir, said Jack.
perhaps you could do better, said the
ether. Il want to get boy who is quick
and intelligent and who can be relied on,
and from what | see of you, | think you
are that sort of boy. want you to
drive a delivery wagon, and will pay you
FIVE dollars week.
Jacks eyes opened wide.
ats wonderful good pay, sir for boy
ike Inc, | am sure. But | promised tC
keep on with Mr.. Hill for three years, and
the second year is only just begun"
"Well, have you signed regular agree.
ment with Mr.. Hill p
NO, sir, | told him I'd stay"
"You have a mother to assist, you told
me. Couldn't you tell Mr.. Hill that you
feel obliged to do better when you have {
chance p
II don't believe | could" said Jack
looking with his straight, frank gaze int
the eentleman's face. "1ou see, sir, if
broke my word TO MN, shouluh DE tht
kind of boy to be relied on that you
wanted
II guess you are about right said Mr.
Lang, with laugh. Come and see IN,
when your time is out; | dare say | shall
want you then.
Jack went home very much stirred VI
by what had been said to him. After all
could it be wrong to go where he could DE-
so much better? Almost double the wages
Was it not really his duty to his mothe
to obtain it, and to drive a wagon, instea,
of trudging YEARLY along the streets
f They never had felt so hot and dusty a
they did Just now, when he might escap
from the tiresome routine.
Might, but how? By the sacrifice o
his pledged word. By selling his trutl
and his honor So strangely did tn