St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1890-02-08

friend. 1T is the right way of looking
at it. None % wise but they may still
learn. Can you make estimates?"
Il am afraid not, sir. l have had no
experience in that direction. Nor has
father"
"You wouldn't contract to build a
large house?"
Goodness, no." cried Amos, with q
stare. I'D get swampcd. DO you in
tend to build a large hOuse?"
mo. my boy. If did Id make my
own estimates. lin an old contractor
and builder"
.Oh, you are" exclaimed Amos.
pleased to hear him say that.
i've handled operations that involved
millions of dollars and never made q
grave blunder. ! hear they intend to
build a large schOol-hOuse over in the
village"
"Yes, Mr.. Washburn. 1t will prob
ably cost $50. O0O."
"liave they advertised for bids?"
"Yes," replied Amos. The contract
is to be awarded in two weeks"
Silas Washburn stared absently across
the landscape, and then 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. "Id
he the laughing-stock Of the neighbor-
hood"
Let those laugh who win," rejoined
old Silas. 'IIl 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. Il mean what l say. ] can
| help you, and l will. You have been
clever t me. and / want to cancel the
obligation. If I wasn't profuse in my
thanks it was because that isn't my way.
Get the specifications and bring them
here. I'll figure on them, with a fair
margin of profit. 1t may be the making
of you"
tleman's earnestness. He rubbed his
hands together in a pl eased way, and a
genial glow came into his wrinkled
face.
but I'll have to give security" Amos
said.
Yes"
"And I must have money to pay the
men,"
"Yes. They will not work for moth
ing. know mine never did"
And where am l to. get the security
and the money!" asked Amos.
when l said I'd help you. l meant
that l would help you all the way
through. I'll furnish the security and
the money"
Amos was almost dazed at the PROPOSE
ton.
.As I said, it will be the making of
you," continued his companion. "YOu
long stride toward wealth and prefer
ment, for one who has a cool head and
keen discernment, and l believe you
have both. I've been trained to making
estimates. Boys never know how close
ly old people read them. Get the speci-
fications. and we will spend an evening
or two in figuring on them. You are
better posted than I am about the prices
Of labor and materials in this section"
I'm not Of age" Amos hesitatingly
said. 1.-THE directors may refuse to let
me have the specifications"
''They will at least allow you to make
. copy of them. Will you try??'
''Why to be sure. sir" cried Amos. a
bright light in his eyes. 1T is a big
chance for me. and ] appreciate it. I as
sure you. But, are you not taking great
risks?'
II Am not afraid of my w judgment,
Amos, and | have great faith in you,"
Mr.. Washburn said. a kind look in his
eyes. IF l help you Indirectly. it will
be better than If l helped you outright;
as if l handed you a roll of money, !
mean. 1t will teach you self-reliance,
and you will feel more independent, for
you will be a factor in the success. II
you get the contract it will be at least
s 5000 clear gain to you. a sum not to be
despised by a young beginner. But
there is one thing upon which ! shall
insist"
.'What is that?' asked Amos, with
some misgivings.
l am not to be known in the ansao-
ton"
The situation puzzled Amos.
"You must appear in it as my surety"
he slowly said.
Not necessarily" replied old Silas,
with a wise shake of his head. iii see
to that. Now be quick and discreet. 1t
is a very practical bit of advice"
Amos, to his surprise, was allowed to
copy the specifications. He was also
permitted to have the drawings over
night-the ground plan, and the views
Of the front and side elevations.
IA splendid-looking structure and
most excellent drawings" Mr.. Washburn
said, his face beaming with an old build
ef's enthusiasm. "A capital card for
you. my boy, and hope you will not be
underbid."
The specifications were closely
scanned, the estimates were carefully
made, and a scaled bid fled with the
directors of the school within the time
specified in the advertisement.
THE bids are to be opened in public.
and l want you to be there" old Silas
said. "And speak up for yourself. should
my body attempt to repress you. Come
here the day before, and Ill have the
securities ready"
When the bids were opened Amos Der
sey's were found to be the lowest.
s.Who is Amos Dorsey" asked the
president of the board.
Il don't know" replied n OF the di-
rectors. There is a boy living near the
village by tina. name, but. of course, it
is not he"
"Mr. President, I Am that boy. n l