St. Landry democrat., 1893-09-23
I'm EXPERIENCE WITH TRaDIPS.
BY J. J.. HARBOUR,

Perry Dakin had been eagerly scannin!
the "Hel p Wanted columns of the dali
papers for several days. He needed
something to do. His father had dice
after brief illness, leaving 10 property
and widow and two little girls, beside
Perry. The boy must care for them
He was seventeen years old, strong ant
active.
Perry faced the situation manfullv
He had intended TO 60 to college, bat b,
! gave up his high hopes without bemoan
! ing. He procured some good letter.
| from men who knew BIN well, vouch
ing for the sturdy character that he hai
proved.
He was ready to do any honest work
that boy Of his years and inexperience
could do to earn even small salary
One day he read this notice in a paper
published in the city where he lived:
WANTED.-A young man Of from eighteen
W to twenty years Of age for responsible
position a few miles rom the city. No pre-
vlous experience -requi' ed. Must come we'll
recommends a, to ch racter ;.nl be ready to
60 to work at once. Gail between nine and
eleven this morning at 269 Street, Room "A
Perry was at 269 B street. arme with
his letters, and standing at the door of
room IA at eight o'clock, where, by nine
twenty-five boys and men had formed in
line. Perry was third in the line.
At nine o'clock the door was opened
by an elderly man, who gave an excIama-
ton of surprise when he saw how many
were waiting. Then he said:
"Well, First come, first served. :"
Sorry l can't employ all Of you, but
need only one. LII talk with YOU"
He nodded toward tall young man at
the head of the line, who stepped briskly
into the room, and the door was closed.
The young man came cut five minutes
later looking little crestfalien. Then
the gentleman came to the door and said,
"NeXt."
The next young man came out, too.
and then it was Perry's turn.
He was asked regarding his age and
family, and his recommendations were
examined
"These are all good" said the gentle
man. "Now do you know whore Lake
Window is2'
Eyes, sir"
eff 1 engaged you, I would want
you to 60 out there aud stay until Octo-
ber."
Every we'll, sir"
''Have you ever been out therc?"
"4eh sir, | went out there to picnic
one day last summer"
There are picnic parties at the lake
nearly every day from the middle of May
to about the tenth of October. The
owners of the lake and grounds want
some one to 90 out there aud take
charge of the boats that are hired out oy
the hour to pleasure parties, and collect
the charges. There are some other things
to be done, but nothing that boy of
your age could not do. But | want to
tell you beforehand that you will have
lonely time of it at night"
Wouldn't there be any one else there
at night but myself?'
''No, you would be entirely alone.
There is a cafe there, and peanut stand
or two, and man who takes tiutypes.
But these people go to their homes in
Crofton, a town about a mile from the |
lake, at night. We should want you to
stay at the grove for several reasons. l |
think you'd be safe enough, but it would
be lonesome"
"Yes, suppose So" said Percy. Wis
ions of long, lonely nights passed through |
his mind; but his need of money was
urgent.
''Ill be glad to go if the pay suits
me" he said
.'Well, will give you ten dollars a
week and your board at the cafe and a
ticket on the railroad, so that you can
come to the city every Saturday night and
,tay until Monday morning.
Il was more than he expected. He
rad not hoped to receive more than seven
,r eight dollars week for anything an
inexperienced boy like himself could
10.
Thank you, sir, he said. 81 will
eport for duty tomorrow morning" |