The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1891-11-28
A " "BLASTED FOOL"
Thankful That He Was Told So
and Made to See 1t.

y
too"
''Oh, you've done enough" returned
the young man, petulantly; "but it's
no use talking, mother, I'm off this
time, sure I'm tired to death of this
humdrum life. I've got to get out and
see the world and be somebody" and
he stamped on the kitchen floor as he
said it. 81 don't want to be a farmer,
and there's no use trying to force me
to it. Now, mother, you needn't cry
1t won't do any good, I'm going, and
I'll get good chance to learn and soon
be good engineer, and I'll run down
to see you often" he added as he
glanced at his mothers face.
'You may not live to see me even
once more. You don't think of the
dangers" "There, now, mother, you
needn't read that chapter to me again.
/ know it all by heart Heard it till
I'm sick of it. I'm not certain I'll live
always, of course, but don't get scared
before you're hurt. 1 can't be killed but
once, even if the worst comes. Good
by!" and he hurriedly kissed his
mother and turned from her sorrowful
face to more attractive scenes. Mrs.
Stuart went about her work that fore
noon with many sigh. Her heart
was very heavy, and at times the
scalding tears flowed in spite of her
efforts to restrain them, and she could
not work At dinner she broke down
entirely, and as soon as the others had
begun eating, left the room.
II s'pose Wilson's been tallin' about
bein' engineer again, has he?" asked
Mr.. Stuart half an hour later.
''It's more than talk this time, father,
he's gone"
"Gone where?"
"Why, gone to D. to begin"
''Tut, tut! He can't run an engine!
Who'd give him an engine to run? He
didn't tell me anything about it this
morning. You needn't be scared. He's
Just gone to town and will be back
some time in the night, like common" !"
mo, father, he's gone. Didn't he see
you before he left? Oh dear L fixed
his clothes but he wouldn't take any
thing hardly" and then the poor woman
broke out afresh.
"Well, WELL" said Stuart testify, eff
that's the way he's goin to act after
all's been done for him, let him go. !"
He wanted to say more, but, out of defer
ence to his wife's feelings, restrained
himself. He'll be back in the mornin',
though, you'll see," and he went to his
work.
That was long afternoon at the
farm. The next day came, and the
next, and dragged their weary hours
away, and Mr.. Stuart was obliged to
nm His how xyac CrOna
Three days later two men walked leis-
urely along the streets of large city.
They were just leaving one of the great
railway centers, and were talking earn
estly. One of them, of massive build,
bright, piercing eyes and resolute man
ner, appeared to lead the conversation
eyes," he said, ''it's lucky for you that
you run across me or you wouldn't
have got to see what you've seen this
mornin'. BY yerself, now, ye wouldn't
have found out much in the shops nur
round houses, and like as not wouldn't
have been seen at all in the Offices"
'I'm ever so much obliged to you for
your kindness in going with me-" re-
piled the other. 81 shall never forget
the interest you have taken in me, and
the freedom with which you answered
my questions, and showed me the en-
gines, and even allowed me to ride a
short distance with you on your old
Pet Pm sorry, though, that we can't
see Mr.. Rothermell right now," and
the speaker faced about and stood look.
ing at the shops and offices from which
they had come, and listened to the
ringing of bells and the screaming of
whistles in the distance. He was fas-
cinated with the scene before him, and
proud of the opportunity which the
friendship of his companion had afford
ed to inspect in detail the works upon
which he looked. So frank had been
the manner of his new friend during
the past thirty-siX hours which they
had been together, and so entertain
ingly had he recited to him many of
his experiences on the road, in addition
to the readiness with which he showed
him the company's works and intro
duced him to the men, that the young
mans confidence was completely won.
sit will be all right though, am sure,
from what you say" he went on, land
can go on with you as soon as there
is vacancy. 1 hope that won't be
long, for I'm on expenses and must
find some other work until them" and
he turned to follow his friend who led
the way into Il small park whore the
two were soon seated. The older mar
seemed thoughtful awhile and then
turning resolutely to the other asked
What business did ye foller, Mr.
Stuart, when ye was at home2"
The young man colored as he an
swered. reluctantly: ~ was not en-
gagged in business. II was on a farm.
$50? Is yer father farmerP"
eyes, sir"
Gown farm, does he?"
Eyes, sir"
"a good one?"
swell, / don't know of many that
are better"
How many children does he have?'
"Three."
you're the oldest?"
''No, sir, l have a married sister
older than myself, and little brother