Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-11-26
A BOY WHO WAS WANTED.

nOJ, Qucb1s
what is that?" she asked.
THAT there are great many boys in
the world"
Didn't you know that before?"
Partly; but ! didn't know there
were SO many more than are wanted.
what makes you think SOP"
because I've been round and round
till am worn out, trying to find place
to work. Wherever go there are more
boys than places. Doesn't that show
that there are too many boys?''
mot exactly" said his mother, with
a smile. at depends entirely on the
kind of boy. A good boy is always
wanted somewhere"
well, if I'm good boy, wish
knew where I'm wanted"
Patience, patience, my boy. In
such great world as this is, with so
many places and so many boys, 1t is no
wonder some of them do not find their
places at once. But be very sure, dear, y
as she laid very caressing hand on his
arm. that every boy who wants a
chance to do fair, honest work will find
| it."
That's the kind of work I want to
do" said Jack. 81 don't want any
bodys money for nothing. Let me see
what have l got to offer? All the
schooling and all the wits I've been
able to get up in thirteen years, good
stout hands, and civil tongue"
"And mind and heart set on doing
faithful duty" suggested his mother
II hope so,' said Jack. II remem-
Der father used TO say: Just as soon as
you undertake to work for anyone,
you must bear in mind that you have
sold yourself to him for the given time.
Your time, your strength, your energy
are his, and your best efforts to seek
his interest in every way are his due +"
The earnest tone in which the boy
spoke seemed to give an assurance that
he would pay good heed to the words of
the father whose counsel could no
more reach him.
For two or three days longer, Jack
had reason to hold his opinion that
there were more boys than the world
wanted. at the end of which time he
met business man. who, questioning
him closely, said:
There are great many applica-
tons for the place, but the greater
number of the boys come and stay q
short time, and then leave If they
think they can do little better. When
boy gets used to our routes and GUS
toners, we want him to stay. If you
will agree to stay at least three years,
we will agree to pay you three dollars
a week as errand boy
"That is just What wanted to do.
sir, said Jack, eagerly. So he was in
stalled, and proud enough he was at
bringing his wages home every Satur-
day night, and realizing that, small as
they were, the regular help was of
great value to his mother.
1t is not to be wondered at that the
faithful carrying out his fathers adj
monition after awhile attracted the at
tention not only of his employers, but
of others with whom he was brought
into contact in the pursuit of his duties
One day he was asked into the Office of
Mr.. Lang, gentleman to whom he
frequently carried parcels of value.
Have you ever thought of changing
your situation?" asked Mr.. Lang
mo, SIR" said Jack.
Perhaps you could do BETTER" said
the other. II want boy who is quick
and intelligent, and who can be relied
on, and from what see of you, think
you are that sort Of boy. want you
to drive delivery wagon. and l will |
pay you five dollars week.
Jacks eyes opened wide.
ut is wonderfully good pay, sir. for
a boy like me, I'm sure. But l prom
ised to keep on with Mr. Hill for three |
years, and the second year is only just
begun"
well, have you signed regular
agreement with Mr.. Hip"
mo, sir: told him l would stay"
you have a mother to assist, you
told me. Couldn't you tell Mr.. Hill
that you feel obliged to do better when
you have chance?"
II don't believe ] could" said Jack,
looking with This straight frank gaze
INTO the gentlemans face.
"You see, sir, if / broke my word
with him should MT be the kind of boy
70 be relied on that you want
81 guess you are about right" said
Mr.. Lang, with a laugh. "come and
zee me when your time is out; dare
Jay / shall want you then"
Jack went home very much stirred
nv what had been said to him.
After all, could it be wrong to 90
where he could do so much better?
Was it not really his duty to obtain it,
Ind to drive wagon instead of trudp-
ng YEARLY along the streets. They
lever felt so hot and dusty as they did
ust now, when he might escape from
he tiresome routine. Night, but howe
By the sacrifice of his pledged word.
By selling his truth and his 4, or. So
strongly did the reflection force itself
lpon him that when he told his mother
4 the offer he had received, he merely
ldded:
ut would be grand good thing if /
'ould take it; wouldn't it mother?"
"Yes. it would"
Some boys NO change without
linking of letting promise stand in