The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1889-09-26
A Boy Who Was Wanted.
"Well, I've found ont one thing" said
Jack, as he came to his mother, hot, tired
and dusty.

LunI tuoiC alC q 3 ouL iAouJ poJo al
the world"
"Didn't you know that before7"
Partly, but didn't know there were
80 many more than are wanted"
"What makes you think so T"
because I've been round and round
till I'm worn out, trying to find q place
to work. Wherever 1 go there are more
boys than places. Doesn't that show
that there are too many boys?' ?''
"Not exactly" said his mother, with a
smile. "1t depends entirely upon the
kind ofboy. A good bog is always wsnt-
ed somewhere
"Well, if I'm good boy, wish knew
where I'm wanted"
Patience; patience, my boy. In. such
great world as this, With 60 many
places and SO many boys, it is no Rprder
that some of them do not find their
places at once. But be very sure my
DEAR" as she laid her caressing 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, ri don't want anybody's
money for nothing. Let me see-wbat
have I got to offer2 All the schooling
and all the wits I've been able to get up
to thirteen years, good, stout hands and
feet and 8 civil tongue"
"And mind and heart set on doing
faithful duty" suggested his mother.
IT hope so," replied Jack. "Iremem-
Der 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 are his,
and your best efforts to seek his interests
in every way are his due.'''
The earnest tone in which the boy
spoke seemed to give assurance that he
would pay good heed to the words of his
father, whose counsels could no more
reach him.
For two OF three deys longer Jack had
reason hold to bis opinion that there
were more boys than the world wanted,
at the end of which time he met With
business man, 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 short time,
and then leave ifthey think they can do
little better. When boy gets used to
our routes and our customers ne want
him to stay. Ifyou will agree to remain
for at least three years ne will pay you
three dollars a week as errand boy"
"That is just what I 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.
It is not to be wondered at that the
faithful carrying out of his fathers ad-
monition after awhile attracted the at
tention not only of his employers, but of
others with whom he was brought in
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 ofvalue.
"Have you ever thought of changing
your situation?" asked Mr.. Lang.
"No, sir" said Jack.
perhaps you could do BETTER said
the other. II want to get a boy who is
quick and intelligent and who can be
relied on, and from what seq ofyou, I
think you. are sort of q boy. ]. want
you to drive delivery wagon, and ! will
pay you FIVE dollars week."
Jacks eyes opened wide.
"Its wonderful good pay, sir, for boy
ike me, am sure. Butt promised to
keep on with Mr.. Hill for three years,
and the second year is only just begun" :"
"Well, have you signed q regular
agreement with Mr.. Hill?"
"No, sir; 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 chance? ?"
II don't believed could" said Jack,
looking with his straight, frank gaze
into the gentleman's face. "You see.
sir, if broke my word to him, I shouldn't
be the kind of boy to be relied on that
you wanted"
"I guess you are about right" said Mr.
Lang, with a laugh. "Come and see me
when your time is out I dare say / shall
want you then"
Jack went home very much stirred up
by what had been said to him. After
all, could it be wrong to go where he
could do 80 much better? Almost dou
BILE the wages! Was it not really hi
duty to his mother to obtain it, and tx
drive wagon, instead of ftrudgiDg wearil1
along the streets? They never had fel
so hot and dusty as they did just now
when be might escape from the tiresomt
routine.
"Might, but how? by the sacrifice o
his pledged word. BY selling his trutl
and his honor. So strongly did th'
reflection force itself upon him, tina
when he told his mother of the offer b,
had received he merely added:
"It would be grand good thing if
could'take it, wouldn't it mother ?"
eyes, it would"
"Some boys would change withou
thinking of letting promise stand il