The Press., 1889-10-17
BENEATH HIM.
"I would starve 6rstln

4 Uncle Adeniram Barney, e he was called by all who know him, had been having a se- rious conversation with his nephew Charles Charles had lost his temper entirely, and Uncle Adoniram had At last reached the ut- most limit of forbearance The question un- der discussion was the suitability of the young mans seeking some occupation in which he would be sure to earn his living
 Charles was 21, and his uncle up to this time had assisted him iu every possible man ner, but, strangely enough, though possessed of fine intellect, carefully cultivated, he had done nothing to earn his own living. He had been unwilling to study for a profession, and at this time had small prospect of ob- taining situation, and smaller prospect of keeping position If he found one.
 ssIf could only find where belong,s Charles began again. He had cooled down a little. and was disposed to argue the point a trife further. II can never make good clerk or bookkeeper, and you know as well as I do that am utterly lacking in mechanical ability"
 "And the worst of all Is, Charles, you are utterly lacking in the quality of application" Uncle Adoniram replied. 'tYou talk about your lacks as if they were something to be proud of. If you have got fair common sense and fair education you can make a good clerk or a good bookkeeper, and you could learn trade if you wanted to. It Is all bosh, every bit of it, and now that you have come to mans estate you ought to be ashamed of such childish balderdash have given you the best advice I could under the circumstances, and whether you follow it or. not is your own affair.""
 Decidedly" said Charles, rising in white heat "I always supposed you cared some thing about me; but when a fellows only relative, and that relative a rich man, cd- vises him to look out for situation as car conductor there can certainly be but one opinion about it
 'sYou are right, Charles" said Uncle Adoniram; ''there can be but one opinion decline, for your own good, to go on support ing you, and, taking into consideration your constant failures to support yourself, ad- wise you to try for car conductors position. You will learn to be accurate and attentive. You will know what it is to work for your bread; and this, in my opinion, you need to know more than anything else.
 Then you don't care for the humiliation. the social ostracism, that will be tho in- evitable results of such an occupationap the young man inquired as he nervously turned the knob of the door he had just opened 1afe
 Mot red cent, 2 Uncle Adoniram replied. "If man Is going to be cut by his friends for earning, in the only way that is open to him, an independent living, then social ostra- cism is the healthiest thing I can think of. The only thing that should humiliate an able bodied man is dependence upon others. You have become so accustomed, Charles to being looked out for that the alternative seems very undesirable to you"
 This was putting it hard, 1" as Uncle Ado hiram told himself afterwards; but the case was desperate and heroic treatment was the only kind that would answer. "Your charity shall not be further trespassed upon," was the proud answer. If I ever take relative@to bring fup,s Uncle Adoniram, will be still more generous, and refrain from twitting him with how much he has cost me Here is the money you gave mo- yesterday and which was mean enough to take" and the young man emptied the financial contents of his pockets on his uncle's desk. ''Since you have turned me out of doors, sir, prefer to go penniless. Good morning." h'.
 Uncle Adoniram was on the point of call ing his nephew back, but thought better of it and sat perfectly quiet as the angry man slammed the door and walked down the street.
 ''There was a good deal of temper about that last performance, D said Uncle Adoniram, e"but there was some honest pride as we'll don't just see how the boy is going to get along without money; but suppose he won't starve as long as his watch lasts"
 The old man was right. Charles pawned the watch which had been left him by his father, and then searched diligently for a job. He left nothing undone to secure what he considered suitable situation, but his efforts were useless There was call for mechanics and employment enough for pro fessional men, but for him there was abso- lutely nothing.
 There were a hundred clerks and book keepers to one situation, a gentleman to whom he applied told him, and with touch of pity for the evident Encouragement of his applicant asked him a few sensible question:
 ''Now, if you understood stenography,n he said, after a careful catechism, 1T could show you some court work which would be very remunerativen
 Charles shook hls head. His experiences were beginning to make him feel very small
 "I should be glad to help you" the gentle man went on kindly, "but really don't see any way to do 1t. l know of position you could have at once as car conductor, butn
 The young mans face was ablaze, and his eyes looked as if they would strike fire "But whata" he asked, as his companion did not finish the sentence.
 ''If you were relative of mine" the gen. tleman replied, land had tried for other posi- tions and failed as you tell me you have, should say, put your pride in your pocket and buckle to it. should tell you also to make use of every spare moment, and study stenogs raphy as If your life depended upon, it.n
 '.But when . man once takes such posi- Mon"-Charles began in feeble renionstrance. his face still scarlet.
 :.'He is always obliged to keep it. you were going to say" the gentleman. interrupted. 'sThat is stuff and nonsense. If you have the right pluck and ambition and application you can make your job a temporary affair, . bridge across stream; and if you are above accepting such position, or too indolent ana unambitious to work into something bettar if you do accept 1t, then you are not worth saving" and with this the gentleman turned away.
 z Charles had twenty-five cents of the watch money left in his pocket. This wns the sum total of his earthly possessions The way in. which this gentleman looked upon the pride which made him hesitate about accepting the position of car conductor. seemed the express sion of all business men from his uncle to the present one.
 ''Well, what do you sayf" the gentleman inquired, returning in moment to speak to him.
 If you will show me how to secure the situation you spoke of, ? Charles replied, with a lip which would quiver little in spite of all he could do, 'sI win go immediately and seeabout it."