The Grenada gazette. (Grenada, Miss.) 1885-18??, 1889-12-27

-No, ~ IVY ulu III MAKE HI
own estimates. I'm an old contractor
and builder"
"Oh, you are.' exclaimed Amos,
pleased to hear him say that.
1--WE handled operations that involved
, millions of dollars and never made a
grave blunder. I hear they intend to
build a large school-house over in the
village"
Yes, Mr.. Washburn. 1t will prob
ably cost $50, O00."
Have they advertised for bids?"
"ies," replied Amos. 1.-The contract
Is to be awarded in two weeks"
Silas Washburn stared absently across
the landscape, and Their suddenly said:
Amos, | want you to put in a bid"
1t was almost like exploding a torpedo
at the boys feet.
"I-put in a-a-bid!" he gasped. I'D
be the laughing-stock of the ncighbor-
hood"
Let those laugh who win," reioined
old Silas. "Ill help you."
Amos stared keenly at his companion,
as if to fathom what it all meant.
Don't look at me in that queer way"
the old gentleman said, with a little
chuckle. 81 mean what | say. ! can
help you, and | will. You have been
clever to me, and ! want to cancel the
obligation. If | wasn't profuse in nv
thanks it was because that isn't my way.
Get the specifications and bring them
here. I'll figure IN them, with a fair
margin of profit. 1t may be the making
Of you"
There was no installing tho old gen
tleman's carncstness. lie rubbed his
hands together in a pl eased way, and a
genial glow came into his wrinkled
face.
but III have to give security" Amos
said.
Yes"
And must have money to pay the
men,"
Yes. They will not work for moth
ing. | know mine never did"
And where am | to get the security
and the money!" asked Amos.
when said I'd help you, | meant
that | would help you all the way |
through. I'll furnish the security and
the money"
Amos was almost dazed at the PROPOSE
ton.
"As said, it will be the making of
you" continued his companion. "You
will be a master builder, and that is a
long stride toward wealth and prefer
ment, for one who has a cool head and
keen d~iscernment, and | believe you
have both. I've been trained to making
estimates. Boys never know how close
ly old people read them. Get the speci-
tications, and We will spend an evening
or two in figuring on them. You are
better posted than l I'm about the prices
of labor and materials in this section"
I'm not Of age" Amos hesitatingly
said. "'The directors may refuse to let
me have the specifications"
They will at least allow you to make
a copy of them. Will you try?"
why, to be sure. sir!' cried Amos, a
bright light in his eyes. SIT is a big
chance for me. and appreciate it, | as
sure you. But, are you not taking great
{
81 am not afraid of my own Judgment, s
and have great faith in YOU" t
Washburn said, a kind look in his I
eyes. 'lf help you indirectly, it will J
be better than if helped you outright;
II | handed you a roll of money, ]
mean. 1t will teach you self-reliance,
you will feel more Independent, for
you will be a factor in the success. If /
get the contract it will be at least
5000 clear gain to you, a sum not to be
by a young beginner. But c
here is one thing upon which | shall S
What is that?" asked Amos, with
ONE misgivings.
81 am to be kept in the background. d
I'm not to be known in the transac- {
t
The situation puzzled Amos. d
"You must appear in it as my surety" |,
le slowly said.
mot necessarily" replied old Silas, d
nth a wise shake OF his head. III see c.
0 that. Now be quick and discreet. 1t s.
) a very practical bit Of advice" a
Amos, to his surprise, was allowed to
opy the specifications. He was also Il
to have the drawings over n
ight-the ground plan, and the views /;
I The front and side elevations. d
"A splendid looking structure and Ct
lost excellent drawings" Mr.. Washburn
lid, his face beaming with an old build E
enthusiasm. "a capital card for p
gu, my boy, and | hope you will not be a
pderbid."
The specifications were closely nj
the estimates were carefully fe
.ade, and a scaled bid filed with the m
of the school within the time et
in the advertisement. nj
"The bids are to be opened in public, nj
I'd / want you to be there" old Silas IL
id. ''And speak up for yourself, should
~ body attempt to repress you. Come al
ere the day before, and I'll have the tn
curities ready" sh
When the bids were opened Amos Dor al
US were found to be the lowest.
"Who is Amos Dorsey?" asked the Sc
esident of the board. W,
81 don't know replied one OF the di. all
There is a boy living near the al
llage by that name, but, Of course, 1T eli
not he" tic
'Mr. President, ! am that boy, and I tic
q the successful bidder" Amos said, As a
rose TO his feet, his voice strangely In
sady. Every eye was fixed upon him, d.