The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1892-07-13
JIM, THE ERRAND BOY.
He Was Faithful and Trustworthy ant
Won Deserved Reward.

Won Deserved Reward.
Papa" said little Nellie Ward, climb
ing upon her fathers knee, what
pleases you so much to-day? You have
been smiling TO yourself all dinner
time"
Something has pleased me to-day,
Nellie, and if you and your mamma care
to hear the story l will tell you what
has made me happy"
IA story?" said Mrs. Ward, looking
up from her work.
well, Nellie, my story is about boy
about your age. He said he was twelve,
but he is larger and more robust look
ing than you, my little puss 1t is six
months since first saw him.
81 was busy one afternoon last win
ter, when saw little boy coming into
the store whose face attracted my atten-
tion at once. twas bright and honest
face, if ever | saw one. The boy was
poorly clad, but his clothes were clean
and whole.
May see the boss?' he asked.
"'I am the boss, ! answered; what
can do for your
$50 called to ask the price of first
rate sewing machine; not fancy one,
but a good, substantial one.
"'Forty dollars said I.
"'Can have one and work it out?'
he asked, earnestly. Il have every
afternoon from three until seven, and
| could run errands or do any work about
the store. You see sir, how it is, father
| died year ago. and mother wants me
| to stay at school two or three years
| longer; but she has to work awful to
| keep me there. Mother owns the little
house we live in and that is all. Some
times she keeps one or two boarders,
| and she sews some Tor other people. so
l thought would try and earn her a
sewing machine
''But it will take long time said l..
IF give you a dollar week it will
take forty weeks
"'Will you give so much? he asked,
his eyes fairly dancing.
"'Yes; and if you do well will let
you have the machine for little less
than retail price
"You see, Nellie. was interested in
the boy. and resolved if he was faith
full in his duties to help him along
Every day he came, punctual to the
minute. rain or shine. He was the
most prompt and willing errand boy
ever employed Little by little
the dollars rolled up on the az
count, until one evening, some tim,
ago, he came running after me as
was on my way home from the store
As he came up to me he handed me {
roll of bills which | thought safe in
my pocket.
81 found this, sir, under the coun
ter. Please see if it is all right.
81 counted the notes-threc hundred
dolars-and then taking out two tens
/ said:-
~ should have offered reward fol
this, jim, if you had not found it
81 am glad saved you that, sir he
answered, as he turned to leave me.
"'You have earned the reward
said, handing him the money.
"'Mine. all thatr he exclaimed, il
surprise. Please keep it toward tn,
machine You see, I'd have to tel
mother where got the money, and tn,
machine is to be a surprise
~ never spent twenty dollars will
so much pleasure in my life, Nellie
This was great lift on that machine
and this afternoon, when Jim came.
told him to select one for his mother.
"We selected frst-class machine
handsome, too-and promised him /
teacher should go and show his mothe
how to use it.
when it was on the cart, ready I,
go, invited myself to go with Jim {,
see it delivered. He asked me to writ
note telling his mother that il ha,
been honestly earned: but I told hin
that would tell her. So we went, an,
when we reached the little house jim
opened the door very softly, and the maj
carried the machine into the parlor.
''Then Jim led me into a small 81,
ting-room at the back of the house
where a pale woman in widow dres
sat busily sewing.
"She arose and offered me a chair
and told her | had come to see if
, could obtain Jim's services at five do
lars a week. You should have seen tn
boys eyes.
"'He can go to evening school,
!. said and / will see that he has som
l time to read and study. can not spar
him now, having had his services s
long
"'My afternoons and Saturday
mother Jim said, 4 told you | was nc
!. in mischief; wasearning you pre-
e ent Come and see.' And he fairl
S danced into the parlor, his mother an
l. following.
s ITS yours, he said, dancing aroun
: the machine; all paid for, and lessor
n on it, too. Amt it splendid|
h His mother was delighted, as he e
S pected, and that is saying a good dea
J. "'Oh, sir she said to me. he's be-
a gc,od son since his father died; evel