The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1891-11-11
( A BOY WHO WAS WANTED.

said Jack, as he came to his mother.
hot, tired and dusty.
''What is that?" she asked.
THAT there are a great many boys in
the world"
didn't you know that before?"
Partly; but l 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 60 there are more
boys than places. Doesn't that show
that there are too many boys?"
mot exactly" said his mother. with
smile. ut depends entirely on the
kind of boy. A good boy is always
wanted somewhere"
'..Well, if I'm good boy, l wish l
knew where I'm wanted"
Patience, patience, my boy. In
such great world as this is, with so
many places and so many boys, it is no
wonder some of them do not find their
places at once. But be very sure, DEAR"
as she laid very caressing hand on his
arm. that every boy who wants
chance to do fair, honest work will find
it."
''That's the kind OF work l want to
do" said Jack 81 don't want any
body's money for nothing. Let me see
what have 1 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.
81 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-
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 will agree to pay you three dollars
week as errand boy"
'"rhat is just what I wanted to do.
sir" said Jack, eagerly. So he was in.
stalled, and proud enough he was al
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 ad-
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, a 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. ~ want a 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 will
pay you five dollars week"
Jacks eyes opened wide.
ut is wonderfully good pay, sir, for
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"
We'll. have you signed regular
agreement with Mr.. Hill?"
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 'his straight, frank gaze
into the geltleman's face.
"You see, sir, if l broke my word
with him shouldn' be the kind of boy
TO be relied ON that you want"
II guess you are about right" said
Mr.. Lang, with laugh. "Come and
see me when your time is out; dare
say l shall want you then"
Jack went home very much stirred
by what had been said to him.
After all, could it be wrong to &c
where he could do so much better!
Was it not really his duty to obtain it
and to drive wagon instead of trudg
ing YEARLY along the streets. They
never felt so hot and dusty as they die
lust now, when he might escape from
the tiresone routine. Might, but how
Nv the sacrifice of his pledged word
BY selling his truth and his honor. Sc
strongly did the reflection force Itself
upon him that when he told his mother
of the offer he had received, he merely
added:
1t world be grand good thing if
could tale it; wouldn't it mother?"
Yes. it would"
"Some boys would change without
thinking of letting promise stand il
their way"
.'Yes, but that is the kind of boy