Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1890-01-14

Olu ollas was Schttu Outdlue VI MS CaUiu.
Iio welcomed Amos graoiously. and
placed chair for him. He was more
neatly attired than usual. .conversed FREQ
| ly, and seemed TO have taken new
lease OF life.
slow arc you getting along at your
trader" he asked.
"oh, pretty fairly" replied Amos.
Haven't mastered II yet, ch?"
81 don't think ever will," replied
Amos dcbatingly.
"You moan by that, suppose, that
thoro Is always something TO learn" old
silas said, kcenly studying his young
friend. ut is tho right way OF looking
at II. Mono so wise but they may still
learn. Can you make estimates?"
II am afraid not, sir. Ihave had no
experience in that direction. Nor has
| father"
"You wouldn't contract TO build n
large house?"
Goodness, mol" cried Amos, with a
stare. ia got swamped. DO you in
tend 10 build large house?"
"No, my boy. II did I'd make my
own estimates I'm an old contractor
and builder"
"Oh, you arel" exclaimed Amos,
pleased 10 hear him say that.
"I've handled operations that involved
millions OF dollars and never made
grave blunder. hear they intend to
build large school-house oYer in the
village"
ayes, Mr.. washburn. II will prob
ably cost s3o0Oo."
Have they advertised for bids?"
"Yes," replied Amos. "The contract
Is 70 DO awarded In two weeks--
Silas Washburn stared absently across
the landscape. and then suddenly said:
"Amos, want you TO put in bid"
II was almost like exploding torpedo
at tho boys feet
"I-put in a-a-bid" he gasped. I'D
be the laughing.stock Of the neighbor-
hood"
'Let those laugh who win," rojoined
old Silas. 'I'll help you"
Amos stared keenly at his companion,
rs II TO fathom what II all meant
Don't look at me in that queer way"
the old gentleman said, with little
chucltlc. II mean what ] say. ] can
help you, and | will. You have been
clever 10 me, and want TO cancel the
obligation. II | wasn't profuse in my
thanks IL was because that isn't my way.
Get the specifications and bring them
| here. I'll figure on them, with q fair
margin Of profit 1t may he the making
Of you"
There was no mistaking the old gen.
tleman's earnestness. lie rubbed his
hands together In pl eased way, and .
genial glow came into his wrinltled
| face.
"But I'll have to give security" Amos
said.
"Yos."
"And must have money to pay the
men"
eyes. They will not work for moth
ing. know mine nevcr did"
And whore am 10 get the security
and the money!" asked Amos.
"whon l said I'd help you, meant
that 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, IL will be the making Of
you." continued his companion. "You
| will be . master builder, and that Is a
long stride toward wealth and prefer
ment, for one who has cool head and
keen discernment, and ] believe you
have both. I've been trained to making
estimates. Boys never know how close
| ly old people road them. Get the speci-
| ncations, and we will spend an evening
or two in figuring on them. You are
better posted than am about the prices
Of labor and materials in this section"
"l'm not OF agc,r Amos hesitatingly
said. The directors may refuse to let
me have the specifications"
"They will at least allow you to make
q copy OF them. VIII you try?"
"Why. to bo sure, sir!" cried Amos,
bright light In his eyes. at is big
chance for me, and appreciate II, as
sure you. But arc you not taking great
| risks?"
~ am not afraid OF my own Judgment,
Amos, and have great faith in you."
Mr.. Washburn said, kind look In his
eyes. "lf help you indirectly, IL will
be better than II helped you outright;
as II handed you roll OF money,
mean. II will teach you solf-reliance,
and you will feel moro independent, for
you will be factor In tho success. II
you get tho contract 1t will be at least
$4,000 clear gain TO you, sum not to be
despised by young beginner. But
therc Is ono thing upon which / shall
insist"
"what is thatp" asked Amos, with
some misgivings.
~ am to be kopt In the background.
am not to be known in the transac-
tion."
The situation puzzled Amos.
'You must appear in 1t as my surety"
no slowly said.
"Not necessarily" replied old silas,
with wise shake OF his head. "Tll see
to that. Now bc quick and discreet. 1t
is n very practical bit OF advice"
Amos, TO his surprise, was allowed to
copy the specifications. lie was also
permitted TO have the drawings over
night--the ground plan, and the views
OF the front and side elevations.
"A splendid-looking structure and
most excellent drawings" Mr.. Washburn
said, his face beaming with an old build
er's enthusiasm. "A capital card for
you, my boy, and l hope you will not be
undorbid."
Tho specifications. were closely
scanned, tho estimates were carefully
mado, and scaled bid filed with the
directors Of tho school within the time
specified III the advertisement.
THE Lids arc to bo opened in public,
and l wan, you to be there" old Silas
said. "And speak up for yourself, should
any body attempt TO repress you. Como
here the day before, and I'll have the
securities ready"
whea the bids worc opened Amos Dor
sey's ere found to bc the lowest.
'sWho Is Amos Dorsey?" asked the
president offhe board.
III don't know" replied ono Of the a
roctors. .'Ihere Is boy living near the
rlllagc by that name, but, Of course, i,
ia not hen