Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1892-10-13
HOW CHARLEY BEGAN.
An Act of Kindness the Starting Point Of
ProsperOua Man.

An Act of Kindness the Starting Point of =
Prosperous Man.
Hiram wainwright, architect and
builder, of Chicago, had come down to
the town of Tramfield on business con-
nected with some buildings to he erect
ed in the town. The day was warm,
and he sat on weather-beaten chair,
just outside of a hardware store. and
famed himself vigorously with a palm
leaf fan.
While sitting thus, little incident
in the street attracted his attention.
A small boy was passing by drawing a
little wagon, containing 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 traclsio Wreck on
the road" 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-lille manner in which
he did this
Don't cry, Jimmie" said he, after
looking ut the wagon few moments;
this can be mendod SO as to look like
new. II Mr. Major will lend us a ham
mer and give us few nails, can fix il
for you in a short time"
Mr. Major, In hardware merchant,
readily supplied the hammer and nails,
and in few minutes the owner of the
wagon, little Jimmie Catcher, son of
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,
the boy who had assisted him
Wh'e the wagon mending was pro
ceeding, Mr. Winwright said to Mr.
Major:
THAT boy would make a carpenter if
he had chance"
Il reckon he would, replied Mr.. Ma
Tor. Charley Trenton is a 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 tritles. he
spends for nails and screws And he
worked like Trojan for me last win
ter, to pay for a little saw and ham
mer."
THE boy ought to have a chance, 8"
said Mr.. Winwright. thoughtfully,
running his fingers through his hair
and pushing il up off his moist fore
head.
Presently Charley came in To return
left, and, thanking Mr.. Major politely,
was turning to leave the store, when
Mr. Winwright said:
My boy, would you like to be a car
penter?"
Yes, sir. Id r sher be carpenter
than anything" answered Charley, his
eyes shining. IF l could Jest be such
a carpenter as Mr.. Stedman-"
You shall be better carpenter
than MIR Stedman ever was, or ever
will he, if you want to- assured MIR
Winwright
And hen, TO Charley's amazemcnt
and delight, he proceeded to make him
an offer, which seemed most generous
one 10 the boy, but which was really
only fair chance To learn the carpen-
ters' trade, and pay by honest, hard
work for the instruction received, fol
Alr. Winwright thought it better for a
boy to have to pay for what he got
Now, will You 20 with me?" asked
lie, when he had made known III
terms
Indeed viii, if my uncle does mo-
object, said Charley
And if he should object. wouldn't
You GO anyway" smiled Mr.. Win
wright
NO sir, replied Charlie, his fac,
falling at the thought Of such disap
pointmeut. My uncle has kept IN,
ever since ! was a little chap four year
old, and | will not do anything agains
his wishes-till am tweuty-oue. any
way.
Mr. Wainwright 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 win not ob
ject You run home now, and ask him
and ! viii call around myself afte
while and see him
Charley FASTENED home to acquajn
his uncle with the otfer Chat Had beer
made him, and, as hedisappeared dowr
the street, Mr. WiuWright remarked.
"lhat boy has the right stuff In him.
Indeed lie has. assenled Mr.. Major