The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-06-27
NUMBER %.
DICK sTANFORp,s SUCCESS,

DICK sTANFORD's SUCCESS,
"Dick, if you will look after the bab,
| will lie down a few minutes; my sid
troubles me more than usual to-day"
Dick was seated IN the door studyinj
the advertisements in the morning paper
He had just come to "Boy Wanted, "anC
was about to call to his mother whel
she spoke to him. He jumped up quick
ly; the sight of her flushed face was
enough for him, he knew that she wal
suffering.
"Yes mother, l will do it," came
cheerfully.
Baby Jessie was restless; she had moi
had her midday nap, and she soon tired
of blocks and making houses. Then hC
romped with her so still that his mother
did not hear him, and at last he took
her in his arms and walked up and dowr
the floor singing in low voice, and thus
winning sleep.
Now for the paper, and Dicks eyes
danced. Yes, boy was wanted in the
great silk house of Miner & Fawcet. He
knew just where it was and he was sure
his mother would like him to try
Glancing at the bed, he saw that his
mother was asleep, and so was the baby.
The next thing was to brush his clothes
and put on the white collar and cuffs be
wore Sundays. Young as Dick was he
was accustomed to neatness and order
and his Sabbath-school lessons were not
alone well studied, but we'll understood
He was building up his manhood upon
the principles of the Bible, and what.
ever he did he understood that he must
be faithful and honest il he would sue.
coed. When his mother awoke he was
smiling and happy.
"Look, mother y showing the adver-
tisement I; "if l can get this it will be
better than running errands for Mrs.
Miles, the milliner, and your sickness
trouble you. You must rest and | must
do more, don't you think can ,mother?'
He looked 80 bright and hopeful, this
boy of hers, that tears started in spite of
herself. Instantly his face clouded.
"Why, mother, thought you would
like it, and here you are crying"
1.-The place is not yours yet :" | was
fearful you would be disappointed. was
her reply.
~ know, mother, but l may try -
looking around for his cap.
She brushed his curls with hot hands
and kissed him goodbye.
Don't feel badly, mother; if / don't
get this l will get something; l mean to
keep trying. You know what il says. y
He did not finish, But she knew that
he was thinking that God would, in
some way, help him, if he rightly asked
for help.
Independent of patches, he looked
neat, and his bright face was likely to
make a good impression. But he was
young, only eleven, and small of his age.
She looked after him until a spasm of
pain sent her to a chair. She was thank
ful that she had been able 20 keep her
children tidy in appearance but how
much longer could she do this, if she did
not get better of her cough
AS the lad approached the mammoth
establishment of Miner & Fawcet, two
tall awkward looking laddies were ccm-
ing down the steps.
"Its no use, if yer going to see old
Money bags" they called out. "He's
only foolin'; sez he's had forty-nine
boys all wanting place, an he don't
want any of EN-"
The swagger OF these boys was ludi-
crous, and their loud talk frightened
him. They were still on the steps, and
he was obliged to brush by them.
81 say, you'll be sorry If you go in a
regular old graybeard, he'll eat you up, u
was said with mocking laugh,
Dick advanced with cap in hand. His
manner was free and easy, but polite.
II heard that boy was wanted" he
said, respectfully.
"a boy, yes; walk this way" was re-
turned in the same respectfully manner
1t was a small room, or office, with
but two gentlemen, and one of these a
grayhaired man, was sitting at desk
partly hidden from sight to any one
coming in at the door, the other "a much
younger man, was apparently at leisure,
Dick made known his errand. There
was warm flush on his brown cheeks,
and his eyes were full of enthusiasm.
Have you been accustomed to this
kind of work p asked the gentleman,
with puzzled expression in his face.
Il have been doing whatever there
was to be done since my fathers death,
and thPt is almost two years."
Eleven. did you say ?" asked the gen.
tleman, land small for that age"
"Mother says look smaller than am,
because am so compact" throwing his
head back and breathing deeply.
Il wish you would try me. Father
had a hacking cough, and now mother
has it and she can't work as she used
to. Just try me, and will do it faith.
fully, pleaded Dick, almost passionately
A telegraphic glance passed between
the two men.
"Who sent you here ?" was asked.
81 saw your advertisement in the
morning paper. A woman near US knew
how much | wanted something, and she
has let me see her paper for several
days" was the reply.
Another telegraphic glance from the
man to the desk.
Possibly we can make an arrange
ment. Suppose you come in tomorrow,
say nine O'Clock" said the gentleman.
81 will come" came brightly.
How it was accomplished the lad new
er knew when he reached the street
door the gray haired man was there
more than this, he walked several blocks
with him, asking him numerous Ques.
tions with regard to his family, and es-
peCldlll dDOul Tue "OIh llo lnblueE was
accustomed to do likewise, her cough,
and the baby's name.
"Such kind, good man, mother,
said Dick, as he reached home, land
when he left me at the corner of Seven
teenth street, somebody shook hands
with him and called him Mr.. Miner. Do
you suppose, mother, it could be one OF
the firm-Miner and Faucet 2"
1T is possible, my boy
II hope it was"
Dick was silent long time. He had
told his mother everything said, save
about her cough, he did not like to talk
about this 1t reminded him of his father,
and the tears would come when he
thought of the possibility of losing his
mother.
The morning following, Dick was
prompt to meet his engagement. 1t was
the gray. haired man with whom he had