The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-02-28
his business.

Here. he said. was young fellow from
Northumberland. heir to a small and
pretty estate. but incumbered for three or
four years to come with a guardian
whose affection he appeared to have un
fortunately lost. so that it would be well
for both to remain apart. but he was
young gentleman of rowing tastes. who
would fain see little of the world. and
but this he whispered-a brave and bold
fellow
Mr. Silvertop regarded the lad atten
lively
Our writer's" he said solemnly. go
out on small salaries They seldom rise
above e400 or $500 year at the most
Yet - mark this young gentleman-so
great are their chances in India that thew
sometimes come home at 40. or even less
with e1OO 000-ay 100000 Think upon
that. boy So great thing it is to serve
this honorable company
The boys eyes showed no emotion. A
dull dog, indeed. he seemed to Mr. Silver
top. not to tremble at the mere mention of
so vast sum
Leave him here, my good friend, " said
Mr. Silvertop Il have business. but |
will return and speak with him again. He
can walk in the hall and wait"
Mr. Hetherington went his way and
Ralph waited
After an hour or so he saw Mr. Silver
top coming down the stairs again. He
was escorting. or leading to the door. OF
in some way behaving in respectful and
deferential fashion to a tall and splendid
gentleman. brave in scarlet. wearing
sash and a sword and gold laced hat AT
the foot of the stairs. Mr.. Silvertop bowed
low to this gentleman. who joined a little
group of gentlemen, some of them also in
scarlet He seemed to be the chief among
them, for they all behaved to him with
the greatest respect Then Mr. Silvertop
looked about in the crowd. and spying
Ralph. beckoned him to draw near and
speak with him
80" said Mr. Silvertop. you are the
lad Yes. | remember " Ralph thought
it strange that he should not remember
seeing that it was but an hour or two
since Mr. Silvertop had spoken last with
him You are recommended by nv
friend MIR Hetherington Well, know
not-we are pestered with applications for
our writerships Every runaway Ralph
blushed-''every out at elbows younger
son"-the great gentleman in scarlet
who was close at hand. here turned his
head and looked at the lad with a little
interest-'every poor curate's brat who
can read and cipher wants to be sent to
India.
You cannot, SIR" said the gentleman
in scarlet send too many Englishmen to
India would that the whole country
was ruled by Englishmen-yet not by
quill drivers
He added the last words IN a lower
voice. yet Ralph heard them
Mr.. Silyertop bowed low, and turned
again to the BOY
"A wrtership he continued. sis the
greatest gist that can be bestowed upon
a deserving lad Remember that. and II
but | cannot promise would oblige
my friend if coud-but will not under
take anything With my iniuence-yet
| do not say for certain. writership is
greater matter than you seem to think
might bring thy case before the direct
ors Is thy handwriting fair and thy
knowledge of figures absolute9"
Ralph blushed. because his handwriting
was short of the clerky standard
ii thank you. sir. " he said, but love
not writing | would rather carry
sword than a pen
TIA, ia ia. replied Mr. Silvertop
whose influence lay wholly in the mercan
tile department of the company I'VE
waste our time A swordl know
naught of swords Go thy ways. boy
go thy ways Is London city, think you
place for the carriage of swords Co.
take the kings shilling and join march
ing regiment warrant you enough of
swords and bayonets "
Ralph bowed and turned away sadly
The gentleman in scarlet. who had appar