The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-07-04

saying but little, but thinking much.
The afternoon was more dreary than
the morning. He was left alone to do
as he pleased, and after exhausting his
few pleasures in the woods. he became
disconsolate and lonesome.
Idleness was something unsuited to
one of his restless nature, although it
was what he had been longing for
for weeks past. Now that he had it to
his hearts content, he wished for
some work that would kill the time
and Danish certain thoughts that
would worry him constantly, no mat
ter where he was.
''But this is lonesome, " he exclaimed
rather emphatically, late In the after
noon, raising himself from the soft,
grassy couch on which he had been
resting. Il do wish hadn't said any
thing to father bout work. / don't
know what ter do with myself, an
feel too mean fur anything when I'm
with him When can a Teller do
among these mountains without he
has workl l never thought of it be-
fore. 1t don't seem right ter be idle
nuther when everything is so bright
and busy. Them fishes and birds amt
idlin', I know. They're workin' to
get somethin' to eat. Poor thingsl an
they get caught every time they make
a mistake in their work, an niSble the
wrong food. I'll feed 'em now with
out tryin' to catch EN-"
For a brief instant Jim Poulder for
got his own lonesomeness in his en-
deavor to make the fishes in the stream
happy, and he leaned over the bright,
gurgling brook as he threw all of his
bait away, and watched it while it
was eagerly devoured by the creatures
of the water
He did not know that, in this
simple act, he was learning one of the
greatest lessons of life; that the best
panacea for ennui is to turn the mind
and energies towards the helping of
others, and thereby making the lot of
sufferers happier and more endurable
The next morning Jim Poulder was
up bright and early, but his father had
anticipated him, and had already fed
the animals. He could really do moth
ing before breakfast. and he returned
to the house a little disappointed,
though still strong In the resolution
that he had made the preceding day.
He had at last become thoroughly dis
gusted with himself, and he meant to
make his apology by actions as well as
by words
Father. l want to do my regular
work today" he said, boldly, as he
saw his father getting ready to leave
for the woods. Il am tired of idle
ness"
Mr.. Poulder looked at his son for a
brief instant, while a peculiar CLEAN
of satisfaction came iEts his dark eyes.
He did not answer for moment, but
let the boy have time to hide his blush
ing face from his gaze.
The other day you were tired of
work; now you're tired of play. Isn't
that rather contradictory, Jim2'
Yes, but l didn't know what
wanted then. l want to work now.
I've got to hev somethin' ter do. It's
too lonesome up here to loaf. 1t don't
agree with me-"
The impulsive boy blurted out the
sentences so forcibly that his father
could not doubt his earnestness, and
the two rode away to the woods to-
gether. It was clear summers day,
and the air was sweet with the scent
of the wild mountain flowers.
Similar days had been enjoyed be-
fore in the woods, but none seemed so
bright to Jim as this particular morn
ing, when he chopped the great trees
down by the side of his father, and
forgot all Of his complaints in his
work.
His two holidays had taught him a
lesson that he never forgot, for, after
all, he concluded that work was the
greatest blessing that is given to young
men on this earth.
His love and respect for his father
were also increased by this little Incl
dent in his monotonous life. Instead
of reproving him in violent words,
Mr.: Poulder had taught him the folly
of his wishes by letting him feel it
himself, which, after all, is the keen
est punishment that can be devised.
Jim was bright enough to see the sub
tlety of his fathers actions, and he
admired the scheme no less than the
originator of it.-George Ethelbert
Walsh IN Youths Companion.