The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1892-10-05

HOW CHARLEY BEGAN.
An Act of Kindness the starting Point Of
Prosperous Man.

An Act of Kindness the Starting Point Of a
Prosperous Man.
Hiram Winwright, architect and
builder, of Chicago, had come down to
the town of Tramfield on business con-
nected with some buildings to be erect
ed in the town. The day was warm,
and he sat on weather-beaten chair,
just outside of hardware store, and
famed himself vigorously with palm
leaf fan.
While sitting thus, little incident
in the street attracted his attention.
A small boy was passing by, drawing
little wagon, containing a paper sack,
filled with potatoes, a parcel Of soap
and some other articles, and the frail
vehicle had given way somewhere and
broken down, scattering its contents
right and left.
A mum Der of larger boys had gathered
around and were laughing, jeering and
shouting:
"Train off the track" Wreck on
the roadT Railroad disaster."
But there was one boy present who
did not laugh or shout.
He began at once to pick up the scat
tered potatoes and speak comforting
words to the owner of the unfortunate
wagon, who stood by, weeping piteous-
ly.
Having picked up the potatoes and
gathered the other articles together, he
proceeded to examine the wagon.
1t was with an amused yet admiring
smile that Mr.. Winwright observed the
grave, business-like manner in which
he did this.
Don't cry, Jimmie" said he, after
looking at the wagon few moments;
''this can be mended so as to look like
new. If Mr.. Major will lend us ham,
mer and give us few nails can fix it
for you in short time"
Mr.. Major, tn hardware merchant
readily supplied the hammer and nails,
and in a few minutes the owner of the
wagon, little Jimmie Catcher, son of a
poor widow, who had sent him to take
home some clothes she had washed and
bring back some articles from the gro
GERS, was trundling it down the street.
with heart made light and happy by
the kindness that had been shown him.
and feeling of profound gratitude to
the boy who had assisted him.
While the wagon mending was pro-
ceeding, Mr.. Winwright said to Mr..
Major:
That boy would make carpenter II
he had chance
II reckon he would" replied Mr.. Ma
lor. Charley Trenton is born carpen-
ter. He will work day for me gladly,
when he has the time, for few nails
and an old box to tear up and make in
to something. What other boys would
spend for marbles and such trifles, he
spends for nails and screws. And he
worked like Trojan for me last win
ter. to pay for little saw and ham,
mer"
''rhe boy ought to have chance"
said Mr.. Winwright, thoughtfully,
running his fingers through his hair
and pushing it up off his moist fore
head.
Presently Charley came in to return
the hammer and the nails which were
left. and, thanking Mr.. Major politely,
was turning to leave the store, when
Mr.. Winwright said:
my boy, would you like to be car
penter?'
Eyes, sir. i'd rather be a carpenter
than anything" answered Charley, his
eyes shining. IF I could jest be such
d, ,,,Dantar Mr. Cfadmun-v
''You shall be better carpenter
than Mr.. Stedman ever was, or ever
will be, if you want to-" assured Mr..
Winwright.
And then, to Charley's amazement
and delight, he proceeded to make him
an offer, which seemed most generous
one to the boy, but which was really
only fair chance to learn the carpen
GERS trade, and pay by honest, hare
work for the instruction received, fol
Mr.. Winwright thought it better for a
boy to have to pay for what he got.
Now, will you go with me?" asked
he, when he had made known hi
terms.
Indeed ! will, if my uncle does no
object" said Charley.
'And If he should object, wouldn'
you go, anyway" smiled Mr.. Win
wright.
mo, SIR" replied Charlie, his face
falling at the thought of such disap
pointment my uncle has kept M
ever since was a little chap four year
old, and will not do anything agains
his wishes-till l am twenty-one, any
way"
Mr.. Winwright was more please'
with the boy than ever when he hear
him express himself in this honest way
Quite right, my boy" approved he
heartily; but trust he will not OF
ject You run home now, and ask him
and l will call around myself afte
while and see him"
Charley fastened home to acquain
his uncle with the offer that had bee
made him, and, as he disappeared dow
the street. Mr.. Wainwright remarked:
That boy has the right stuff in him.
s.Inla1I he hae " r.