The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1890-10-08
dreams. Up he Jumped, although it

was just daylight and icy cold.
Goodbye, little mother, / hope to
bring you some good news for your
breakfast" he whispered, as he stole
past her room, then ran quickly down
the stairs.
" Halo, Phil" called Clarence How
ard, one of his classmates, what
brings you out at this unearthly hour?
have an engagement with old Banker
Dodge at seven, but don't go without
my breakfast"
Philips heart sank. What chanse
had he against Clarence Howard, who
was almost sixteen, and the brightest
boy in town? But choking back his
tears he answered little huskily, but
bravely enough, 81 am going there,
too, Clarence. Come, let us hurry, we
have Just time"
Not bit of it. l want cup of
coffee first" was the quick retort; "
know jolly place-coffee, cream and
rolls for almost nothing-come, I'll
stand treat; ten minutes won't make
any difference to the old fellow"
Philip hesitated moment. Hot cof-
fee was temptation that cold morn
ing, But I" tick, tick, tick, up to time,
up to time" whispered the trusty old
watch, cup to time"
"No, Clarence" answered Philip,
bravely, his hesitation gone, Il must
be on time, so goodbye if you won't
come with me-"
"Give the old fellow my compli-
ran off, and tell him I'll be around in
ten minutes or So" but Philip was al
ready out of sight; it lacked just five
minutes to seven as he knocked at
Mr.. Dodge's private door,
"On time" were the words that
greeted him as he entered. GA little
before rather-a fault in the right di-
rection. / am great on punctuality,"
continued the gruff, pompous voice !;
"that is the secret of my success in
life-keep up to time and the times
will keep up to you. Well, l don't say
shall keep you, young fellow, but l
am willing to give you fair trial
Hard work to get up so early, wasn't
it, now confess, that's my little joke,
ha, ha."
8" No, sir" replied Philip, meeting
the sharp gray eyes, frankly. " My
watch told me to get up, and | obeyed-
that wasn't hard, but" Here Philip
colored, for he remembered his temp
tation; "but something else was hard ,
but it would be harder yet not to obey
father when he speaks"
Very proper, very proper" said
old Mr.. Dodge, approvingly; " always
! obey your father when he speaks"
OF course he did not know that Philip
meant his watch.
every proper" he muttered again.
"Come tomorrow at ten, and We'll
talk business-on time-mind, on
timel and he scowled threateningly,
but Philip was so happy that he did not
mind anything.
Won't you take my arm, sir?" he
asked politely, as Mr.. Dodge limped
down the steps leading to the street.
AT that moment up rushed Clarence
Howard, painting and breathless.
came by appointment, sir" he
murmured nervously, taking off his cap
to Mr.. Dodge.
Behind time, young man, ten min
utes behind time; that will never do
for our business. Thank you, my
boy" he added, turning to Philip.
Mr. Dodge Hmpeu away, leaving
Philip radiant with happiness, while
poor Clarence could only look after the
retreating figure with open eyes and
mouth.
"Ob, mother, mother!" shouted
Philip, later on, as he rushed excit-
eddy into the dining-room, and gave his
mother big, honest kiss. 81 have
the place. Hurrah Fathers voice
no, mean the dear old watch's voice
saved me. l was tempted for a mo-
ment not to listen to it, but only for a
minute-hurrah for papa's watchW
And Philips mother, with proud
smile and tender eyes, echoed the
words in her tender voice, Hurrah
for papa's watchN'-By Louisa Br0g,
in NeU York Observer.