Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-01-23

about accepting the position of car con-
ductor seemed the expression of all
business men from his uncle to the pres
mt one.
'Well what do you say?" the gentle
man inquired, returning In moment to
speak to him.
IF you will show me how 70 secure the
situation you spoke of, =" Charles replied,
with a lip which would culver a little in
spite of all he could do, 4 will go i1nmedi-
ately and see about it.
Good for you'll said his companion.
Il will go with you. and the rich mer-
chant passed his arm through that of his
struggling, pOverty-stricken companion
and In this way they sought the office of
the great railroad company. A few brief
words and the ugly business was settled.
The young man would take his place next
morning at o'clock, with a small
but sufficient salary.
Il have the best works on shorthand
the gentleman told Charles as they were
about to part, and if you will step around
to the house with me I would be happy to
lend you the books. My daughter studied
stenography for fun. 1t took her one year
to learn the system, by studying a little
every day. You ought to be able to beat
girl at the business.
Charles smiled. Application? That
was what his uncle said he needed more
than any other quality. Should he take
this mans books, and promise to spend his
spare time in the study of stenography?
How strangely his affairs were taken out of
his hands. The young man had always
believed that the great business of the uni
verse was taken care of, but this was the
first time he had ever felt that his small
affairs We're In any way managed or di-
rected. Now it seemed to aim as if his
ways were in some incomprehensible man.
ner being ordered.
Of course there was neither generosity
nor justice in the matter, and everything
was all wrong, still some power outside of
himself was responsible, and he wondered,
as he looked over the strange characters
that evening In the book his new friend
had lent him, which struggling mark his
life was like. They all mean something,
that was one comfort-some letters; some
phrases; but the zigzag character which
stood for him would doubtless be the one
Of smallest account. 1t would be an in
terrogation point, he thought; surely no
one asked more questions or received less
answers.
He had had one meal that day. His re-
naming twenty-five cents must be saved
for breakfast the next morning. How he
was to manage for full week without any
money was physical and mathematical
problem which he was not equal to.
Sufficient unto the day." and Think
not of the morrow" were the last words
on his lips before going to sleep; and they
were repeated with so much reverence,
and such evident desire to get hold of the
faith which was dimly dawning upon him,
that his good angel must have felt COM
forted.
Promptly at clock next morning the
young man took his place on his car. The
first thing to do was to sweep it out
Charles Barney had never used broom in
his life, but he gave his mind to the work,
and succeeded In appearing much less awE-
ward than he felt There was a good
deal to learn, indeed much more than he
supposed, but he listened to the numerous
instructions with attention, and his new
work commenced.
It was not quite as dreadful as he had
supposed Still it was dreadful enough,
and the poor fellow wondered if he should
ever get used to it. At noon, on his re-
turn to the car station, he found letter
from his new friend, with an Enclosure of
S..
81 hadFan impression, it said, chat
you were entirely out of money | tried
once when | was about your age to live
without eating. 1t didn't work. [ am
sure it won't in your case. Come in and
see me some time when you have leisure
Keep up your courage, and stick to your
stenOgTaphy.
The first thought that went through the
young man. mind as he read and re-read
this kind letter was that this rich merchant
didn t feel himself above associating with
a car conductor. To do him justice he
recognized that this was a very mean con-
sideration. Then he wondered how long
it would be before he could return the
money, and concluded he could do it in
two weeks. Then, and not till then, would
he call on the gentleman.
Only an hour could be given to study in
the first twenty-four hours of his new life,
but this time was refreshment instead of
drag, and when he put away his book
for the sleep he must have it was with
real reluctance.
He had been employed about two months
when one morning Uncle Adoniram stepped
ON his car. His first impulse was to pull
his hat down over his eyes and avoid
recognition if possible, but Charles Bar
application, and he Immediately thought
better of it. The old man did not look up
when his nephew gave him his change,
but Charles said softly. "'Good morning
uncle, - and then he sprang to his feet
''Charlesr' he exclaimed grasping the
conductors hand. Charles, my boy, how
do you do?''
There was abundant love and heartiness
In Uncle Adoniram' S voice and manner,
and there was something more that was
new to Charles. He knew now that for
the first time his uncle really respected
him, and out of this a stronger courage
was born.
Il have been very lonely without you, "
the old man said, as he stood on the back
platform with his nephew; land | have
been worried about you, too Why have
you not been home, Charles?''
Because | wanted to see if | was really
going to keep my position, the young
man answered; and because | wanted to
rid myself of all feeling of humiliation
before | saw you again.
Where do you stand in the matter
now?" Uncle Adoniram inquired, as he
brushed tear from his cheek.
almost on my feet, - Charles replied.
Are you looking for anything else, my
boy:"
Il am studying stenography with all
my might, uncle, ana | am getting along
finely. By and by l shall have mastered
it, and then l can always find employ
ment.
Your discipline has made man of you,
CharleSI" said his uncle ~ knew II