The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1890-01-17
A BOY WHO WAS WANTED.

world
Didn't you know that before?'
Partly, but | didn't know there were so
many more than are wanted.
what makes you think SOP
Because I've been round and round
till I'm worn out, trying to find a place to
work. Wherever | go there ale more boys
than places. Doesn't that show that there
are too many boys?'
Not exactly asid his mother with a
smile. 1T depends entirely on the kind of
boy. A good boy is always wanted some
where
well, if I'm a good boy, l wish | knew
where I'm wanted
Patience, patience, my boy. In such a
great world as this, with SO many places
and so many boys, it is no wonder that
some of them do not find their place at
once. But be very sure, dear, as she laid
a caressing hand on his arm, that every
boy who wants a chance to do fair, honest
work, will find it,
"That's the kind of work l want to do
said Jack. 1 don't want anybody's mon-
ey for nothing. Let me see-what nave |
got to offer. All the schooling and all the
years, good, stout hands and feet and a
civil tongue
And a mind and heart set on doing
faithful duty suggested his mother.
ST hama CO rarl;al Iaot 8 ~ap4aunH ar
father used to say, Just as soon as you
undertake to work for any one you u
bear in mind that you have sold yourself
to him for a given time. Your time, your
strength, your energy are his, and your
best efforts to seek his interests in every
way are his due
The earnest one in which the boy spoke
seemed to give assurance that he would
pay good heed to the words of his father,
whose counsels could no more reach him.
For two or three days longer Jack had
reason to hold his own opinion that there
were more boys than the world wanted, at
the end of which time he met a business
man, who, after questioning him closely
said:
There are a great many applications for
the place, but the greater number of the
boys come and stay for a short time, and
then leave if they think they can do a little
better. When a boy gets used to our routes
and our customers we want him to stay.
If you will agree to remain with us at least
three years We will pay You three dollars
a week as errand boy
That is just what | want to do, sir,
said Jack, eagerly. So he was installed,
and proud enough he was at bringing his
wages home every Saturday night, and
realize that, small as they were, the regu-
lar help was of great value to his mother.
1t was not to be wondered at that the
| faithful carrying out of his fathers admo-
milton after awhile attracted the attention
not only of his employers, but of others
with whom he was brought in contact in
the pursuit of his duties.
One day he was asked into the Office of
Mr.. Lang, a gentleman to whom he fire.
quently carried parcels of value.
Have you ever thought of changing
your situation?:' asked Mr.. Lang.
No, sir, said Jack.
Perhaps you could do better said the
other. 4 want to get a boy who is quick
and intelligent and who can be relied on,
and from what l see of you,I think you are
that sort of a boy. I want you to drive a
delivery wagon, and will pay you five dol
lars a week
Jacks eyes opened wide.
It's wonderful good pay, sir, for a boy
like me, l am sure. But l promised to
keep on with Mr.. Hill for three years, and
the second year is only just begun
We'll, nave you signed a regular agree
ment with Mr.. Hip
No sir; I told him I'd stay
You have a mother to assist, you told
me. Couldn't you tell MI. Hill that you
felt obliged to do better when you have a
chance?!'
4 don't believe | could, said Jack, look
ing with his straight. frank gaze into the
gentleman's face. You see, sir, if l broke
my word to him, | shouldn't be the kind
of a boy to be relied on that you wanted.
4 guess you are right said Mr.. Lang,
with a laugh. Come and see me when
your time is out. dare say | shall watn
you then
Jack went home very much stirred up by
what has been said to him. After all,
could it be wrong to go where he could dc
so much better? Almost double the wages,
Was it not really his duty to his mother to
obtain it, and to drive a wagon, instead Of
trudging YEARLY along the Streets They
never had felt so hot and dusty as they did
now, when he might escape from the tire
some routine.
Might, but howe BY the sacrifice Of his
pledged word. By selling his honor. So
strongly did the reflection force itself upon
him, that VIXEN he told his mother of the
offer he had received he merely added:
1T would be a grand good thing il |
could take it, wouldn't it, mother?'
Yes, it would
Some boys would change without think.
ing OF letting = promise stand IN their way.
Yes, but that is the kind of a boy who,
sooner or later, is not wanted. 1t is be-
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