Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-02-05

Amos, want you TO put In bid.
1t was almost like exploding torpedo
at the 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," rejoined
old Silas. "Ill help you"
Amos stared keenly at his companion,
as IL to fathom what it all meant.
Don't look at me in that queer way
the old gentleman said, with little
chuckle. ~ mean what say. can
help you, and l will. You have been
clever to me, and I want TO cancel the
obligation. IL ! wasn't profuse in my
thanks 1t was because that isn't my way.
Get the specifications and bring them
here. I'll figure on them, with fair
margin Of profit 1t may be the making
Of YOU"
There was no installing the old gen.
tleman's earnestness. He rubbed his
hands together in pl eased way, and a
genial glow came into his wrinkled
face.
"But I'll have to give security" Amos
said.
Yes"
And must have money to pay the
men,"
Yes. They will not work for moth
ing. know mine never did"
And where am to get the security
and the money!" asked Amos.
When / said I'd help you, l meant
that would help you all the way
through. III furnish the security and
the money"
Amos was almost dazed at the PROPOSE
ton.
"As said, it 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 l believe you
have both. I've been trained to making
estimates. Boys never know how close
ly old people read them. Get the speci-
fcations, 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. -
'I'm not of age" Amos hesitatingly
/
me have the specifications"
''They will at least allow you to make
copy of them. Will~you try?"
"Why, to be sure, sir" cried Amos, a
bright light in his eyes. ut is big
chance for me, and appreciate it, ] as
sure you. But, are you not taking great
risks?"
III am not afraid of my own Judgment,
Amos, and ] have great faith in YOU"
Mr.. Washburn said, kind look in his
eyes. IF help you indirectly, it will
be better than if helped you outright;
as IL handed you roll of money,
mean. IL will teach you self-reliance,
and you will feel more independent, for
you will be factor in the success. If
you get the contract it will be at least
$1,000 clear gain to you, sum not to be
despised by young beginner. But
there is one thing upon which l shall
insist"
what is that?" asked Amos, with
some misgivings.
II am to be kept in the background.
] am not to be known in the transact
ton"
|
"You must appear in it as my surety"
he slowly said.
Not necessarily" replied old Silas,
with wise shake of his head. 'I'll see
to that. Now be quick and discreet 1t
is very practical bit of advice"
Amos, TO his surprise, was allowed to
copy the specifications. He 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 ! hope you will not be
underbid."
The specifications were closely
scanned, the estimates were carefully
made, and a scaled bid filed with the
directors Of the school within the time
specified in the advertisement.
THE bids are to be opened in public,
and ] want you to be there" old Silas
said. And speak up for yourself, should
any body attempt to repress you. Come
here the day before, and I'll have the
securities ready"
When the bids were opened Amos Dor.
sey's were found to be the lowest.
"Who is Amos Dorsey?" asked the
president Of the board.
Il don't know" replied one of the di-
rectors. There Is boy living near the
village by that name, but, of course, II
Is not he"
''Mr. President, am that boy, and
am the successful bidder" Amos said, as
he rose to his feet, his voice strangely
steady. Every eye was fixed upon him,
and an exclamation of surprise went
round. A sneering look rested upon the
faces of the other bidders.
"Pass that bid and tsko up the next
lowest bid" said Doctor Bartram. lie
was one OF the directors, and was as
pompous as he was corpulent, and rather
peremptory in his manner. But the
president had been impressed by Amos
Dorscy's face, voice and bearing.
Excuse me, DOCTOR" he quietly said,
but / am not disposed to rule out the
bid in such summary manner. / take
IL that he Is entitled TO hearing.
notice that the bid has been made out
in remarkably clear and intelligent
manner"
He is a MINOR" remarked the doctor,
In tone which seeemed to add, land
that settles IT."
"But his surety may not be- rejoined
the president OF the hoard. master
Dorsey, have you security TO offer?"
III propose TO be my own security" re.
piled Amos.
The doctor grinned, the presidents
face fell, and litter went round
for most Of those present knew Amos
and his father, and their impoverished
circumstances.
II shall insist upon the contract being
awarded to me-" Amos said, with q
0ushad faco his tone ono that com.