The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-07-17
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books and papers to the questloner,
stalvart man, about thirty years of age,
poor, but genteel, in appearance, and re-
spectful in manner and speech.
"Take chair" said the Judge, polite
ly, motioning to one near him.
ssNo, thank you, sir; Iprefer to stand,
if you please. The door was open and I
made bold to walk in. I knocked several
times on the door frame, but you didn't
hear me. came just to ask if you need
man to do any sort of work about your
place? If you do not, I'll not take up
any more of your time, as I see you're
busy. But 1 hope you do, sir; I need
work. badly"
''You are stranger in Pixley, are you
nots" asked the Judge, leaning back in
his chair.
"Partly so. I lived here years ago."
''Xour name2"
4: "John."
"Your surname?"
Twould like you to call me just John,
sir, if you please9"
'tDon't you know, my man, that with
holding your name is not good recon-
mendation, and very likely to make an
unfavorable impression3"
ii know it, sir, but if you'll only try
me, think you'll find that my faithful
ness and desire to do everything right
will make up for the rest of my name. |"
Something about the mans bearing
and appearance strongly impressed Judge
Parker, inspiring desire to know more
of him, and he said:
'sWell, I'll tell you candidly that I
like your appearance and manner, but
when man refuses to give his name,
there's always something wrong.
''There is something wrong, sir-I'n
be honest with you-there is something
wrong with the name, but not with me
not now. I could easily give you a false
name. Amt the fact that I don't give
one some sign of honesty, and won't you
please look at that as recommendation,
sir2"
cit is an indication, certainly, re-
spon6ed the Judge. "Now it just hap
pens that do need mnn about my
country place here: need one badly.
Summer is upon us, bringing great deal
of work to be done about the grounds. l
have a man for the stable and horses, so
the new hand would have to do the
rough work, moving the lawn, raling,
wedding, saving wood, keeping the
grounds in good order, running errands,
and so on. Would you be willing to do
that2"
"Certainly, sir" John hopefully re-
sponded. 'sI'n be only too glad ifyou'll
try me-"
ssBut you are an able bodied young
fellow who could make at some trade
much more than 1 could give you for the
work mentioned, and if mistake not
your appearance, you have had higher
aims than this sort of work"
'sThat is all true, sir; could make
more at other work, and I have had higher
aims, but you've seen how misfortune
steps in sometimes on our aims. But I'd
be glad to do such work as you said for
the summer, if you'll only give me a
trial.
"What are your termS!"
ssThat is not important, sir"
'Not important? Why, my man, it is
becoming plain to me that you have some
object other than this work; some plan
which such a position is to subserve.
Haven't you2"
''Not exactly plan, but I have rea-
son for coming to you that I'd rather not
tell, ifyou please. It's not wrong pur-
pose, and hope you won't refuse me the
work on its account"
'It gives rise to unfavorable suspic-
ions, though. An unusual number of
things are against you. You refuse to give
your name, you seek work plainly be-
meath your abilities, wages arc unimport-
snt, and lastly, the work is not your chief
object. You must certainly be aware
that these would be good grounds for
turning you away"
81 am aware of that, sir, and was
afraid that when came to you that I
would appear in bad light, but con-
cluded to be honest about it anyhow.
Try me, though, sir; you'll not regret it.
waat the place sorely; more than I dare
tell. I'm in distress. I have nothing
else to say. Ny appearance is my only
recommendation. If that won't do, I
must 60"
He looked pleadingly at the Judge,
who, rising, came from behind the desk,
and standing close to the applicant, said
"Well, John, let me tell you that your
candor and evident truthfulaess have i'm
pressed me very strongly in your favor,
despite the appearance against you. I'll
try you for q month, but you must not
complain if you are denied certain free
dom and privileges that would be ac-
corded to man who has proven himself
trustworthy, or if your actions are more
closely watched"
'I've seen those consequences, sir, and
it's all right. They are to be expected
under the circumstances, and I won't
complain. Do as you please with me till
you feel can be trusted. Show me the
work at once, sir, if you can. I couldn't
find word to thank you, sir, even if you
had time to hear them. My work must
show you how grateful I am"
Donning broad -brimmed straw hat,
Judge Parker conducted the new man
out over his spacious estate, indicating
what work would be expected of him,
and set him to do some wedding at a
spot in sight of his study windows.
He then returned to his papers and
books, but as the afternoon wore on, he