Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1889-10-25
MiSCellantoM5.
A BOY WHO WAS WANTED.

"Well, I've found out one thing, "
said 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 2"
Partly, but | didn't know there wore
so many more than are wanted"
"What makes you think 80 ?"
because I've been round and round
till I'm worn out, trying to find place
to work. Wherever go there arc more
boys than places. Doesn't that show
that there are too many boys r ,.a..
"Not exactly" said his mother, with
a smile, "it depends entirely upon tho
kind of boy. A good boy is always
wanted somewhere"
"Well, if I'm good boy, wish
knew where I'm wanted"
"Patience, patience, my boy. In such
n great world as this, with so many
places and so many boys, it is no won
der that some Of them do not find their
places at once. But be sure dear" as
she laid caressing hand on his arm,
"that every boy who wants a chance to
do fair, honest work will find it,
That's the kind of work | want to
do, said Jack, II don't want anybody's
money for nothing let me sce-what
have got to offer? All tho schooling
and all the wits I've been able to get up
to thirteen years, good, stout hands and
feet, and a civil tongue
"And a mind and heart set on doing
faithful duty" suggested his mother.
IL hope so" replied Jack. ~ re-
member 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 to him for given time.
Your time, your strength, your energy
arc his, and your best efforts to seek
his interest in every way are his due. p"
The earnest tone in which the boy
spoke seemed to give assurance that he
would pay good heed to tho words of
his father, whose counsels could no more
reach him.
For two or 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 no met
with business man, who, after qucs-
tioning him closely, said:
There are great many applications
for the place, but the greater number Of
the boys come and stay for short time,
and then leave if they think they can do
a little better. When boy gets used
10 our routes and our customers we want
him to stay. If you will agree to re-
main for at least three years We will pay
you three dollars week as errand boy"
"That is just what want to DO, sir"
said Jack, eagerly. SO he was installed,
and proud enough he 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.
1t is not to be wondered at that the
faithful carrying out of his fathers ad-
monition after while attracted the atten-
ton not only Of his employers, but Of
others with whom he was brought into
contact in the pursuit of his duties
One day he was asked into the office
Of Mr.. Lang, gentleman TO whom he
frequently carried parcels of value.
Have you ever thought Of changing
your situation ?" asked Mr.. Lang.
"No, sir" said Jack.
Perhaps you could do BETTER" said
the other. 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 delivery wagon,
and will pay you five dollars week. "
Jacks eyes opened wide.
ITS wonderful good pay, sir for a
boy like me, aln sure But prom
ised to keep on with Mr. Hill for three
years, and the second year is only just
begun"
"Well, have you signed regular
agreement with Mr. Hillp
"No, sir; I told him I'd stay
"You have mother to assist, you
told me. Couldn't you tell Mr.. Hill
that you feel obliged to do better when
you have a chance 7"
II don't believe could" said Jack
looking with his straight. frank gazc
into the gentleman face. "You see
sir, if | broke my word TO him,
shouldn't be the kind of boy to be re-
lied on that you wanted"
Il guess you are about right, sai'
Mr.. Lang, with laugh. Come an
see me when your time is out, | dar
say shall want you then"