The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1892-04-01
A "BLAsTED FOOL"

The young man, peJuldHJlyi DuU lCS III
use talking, mother, I'm off this time,
drum 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, II don't want to be 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 and 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. l know
it all by heart. Heard it until I'm sick
of it. I'm not certain I'll live always,
of course, but don't get scared before
your hurt. | can't be killed but once,
even if the worst comes. Good-by"
and he hurridly kissed his mother and
turned from her sOrrOwful face to more
attractive scenes.
Mrs. Stuart went about her work that
forenoon with many sigh. Her heart
was heavy, and at times the scalding
tears flowed in spite of her efforts to re-
strain them, and she could not work.
At dinner she broke down entirely, and
as soon as the others had begun eating,
left the room.
Il s'pose Wilson's been talkin' about
bein' engineer again, has hep asked
Mr.. Stuart, half an hour later.
Its more than talk this time, father,
he's gone.
"Gone where?"
"Why, gone to D. to begin"
t,,E ot,ff anniYoI
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
inst gone to town and will be back some
time in the night, like common"
''No, 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 wo-
man broke out afresh.
"Well, well" said Stuart, testify, elf
that's the way he's goin' to act after alrs
been done for him, let him 60" He
wanted to say more, but out of Difference
to his wife's feelings restrained himself.
Hell 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 houls away, and
Mr.. Stuart was obliged to give it up.
His boy was gone.
Three days later two men walked
leisurely along the streets of a great
city. They were just leaving one of the
great railway centers, and were talking
earnestly. One of them, of massive
build, bright, piercing eyes and resolute
manner, appeared to lead the converse
ton.
YES" said he, It's lucky for you that
YOU ran across me or you wouldn't have
got to see what you've seen this mornin'.
By yerself, now, we 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"
"rm ever so much obliged for your
kindness in going with me-" replied the
other Il never shall forget the interest
you've taken in me, and the freedom
with which you have answered my
questions, showed me the engines, and
even allowed me to ride short distance
with you on your old Pet I'm sorry
though, that we can't see Mr.. Rother-
nell right now" and the speaker faced
about and stood looking at the shops
and the offices from which they had just
come, and listened to the ringing of
bells and the screaming of whistles in
the distance. He was fascinated with
the scene before him, and proud of the
opportunity which the friendship of his
companion had offererd to inspect in de-
tail the works upon which he looked.
So frank had been the manner of his
new friend during the past SO hours
which they had been together, and so
entertainingly 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
introduced him to The men, that the
young mans confidence was completely
won. st will be all right, though l am
sure, from what you say" he went OH,
land can go on with you as soon as
there is vacancy. l 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 small park where the
two were soon seated. The elder man
seemed thoughtful awhile and then
turning resolutely to the other asked:
"What business did We foller, Mr..
Stuart, when We was at homer"
The young man colOred as he an
swered, reluctantly; 81 was not engaged
in business, II was on farm"
so? Is yer father a farmer?'
Eyes, sir"
Gowns a farm, does hep
eyes, sir"
"a good one?"
"Well, don't know of many that are
better"
"How many children does he have?"
"Three.'
you're the oldest?''
mo, sir; have a married sister older
than myself, and little brother"
"Ye'll 'scuse me askin' so much, Mr..
Stuart, when ye remember that I've been
answering your questions for two days."
"Oh, certainly"
Chow much of farm does yonr
father have?"
about 120 acres"
"Takes lots of interest in the farm,
don't the old gentleman?''
"Well, l should say"
Works airly and late?''
Eyes, sir, but not like he did before he
made the last payment. Still he works
hard enough"
docs yer brother-in-law live on the
farm?"
HE lives on little place adjoining
and works part of the farm
SIS there land enough fer all We tc
work."
"Well, nearly. Plenty to rent, though
near by"
The old mans eyes flashed as he
brought his powerful fist down on the
| seat they occuDied and exclaimed