Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1891-12-03
A eoY VIC VS. WANTED.


"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?'
Not exactly" said his mother with
smile lit depends entirely on the
kind of boy good boy is always
wanted somewhere"
well if I'm a good boy, | wish
knew whore I'm wanted.
Patience, patience, my boy. In
such a great world as this is, with so
many places and SO many boys, it is no
wonder some o. them do not find their
places at once But be very sure, dear, "
as she laid a very caressing hand on his
arm, that every boy who wants
chance to do fair honest work will find
il"
That's the Kind OF work | want to
do" said Jack Il don't want any
body's money for nothing Let me see
what have | got to offer2 All the
chooling and all the wits I've been
able TO get up in thirteen years, good
stout hands, and civil tongue.
And a mind and heart set on doing
faithful duty" suggested his mother
~ hope So" said Jack ~ 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-
tions for the place, but the greater
number of the boys come and stay a
short time, and then leave if they
think they can do little better. When
"a 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 win agree to pay you three dollars
a week as errand boy"
''rhat 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
tentiou 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
AIR Lang, a gentleman to whom he
frequently carried parcels of value,
Have YOU ever thought of changing
your situation2" 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 a delivery wagon, and will
pay you FIVE dollars a week"
Jacks eyes opened wide,
1T is wonderfully good pay, sir, for
boy like me, I'm sure But | prom
ised to keep on with Mr. Hin for three
years, and the second year is only just
begun.
well, have you signed a regular
agreement with Mr.. nill?"
NO. SIR told him would stay"
You have a mother to assist, you
told lie. Couldn't You tell Mr.. Hin
that you feel obliged to do better when
you have a chance?"
II don't believe | could, said Jack,
looking with lhis straight, frank gaze
into the gentleman's face
You see, sir if broke my word
with him | shouldn' be the kind of boy
to be relied on that YOU want
Il guess You are about right, said
Mr. Lang with laugh. . ONE and
see me when your time is out; dare
say shall want You then"
Jack went home very much stirred
by what had been said to him.
After all, could it be wrong to go
where he could do SO much better?
Was it not really his duty to obtain it.
d to drive a wagon instead of trudg-
ing YEARLY along the streets. They
never telt SO hot and dusty as they did
just now, when he might escape from
the tiresome routine. Might bat how?
BY the sacrifice Of his pledged word
BY selling his truth and his honor, So
strongly did the reflection force itself
upon him that when he told his mother
of the offer he had received, he merely
added:
1T would be grand good thing if
could take it; wouldn't it mother?"
Eyes. it would
"Some boys would change without
thinking of letting promise stand in
their way.