The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-12-27

how could it be otherwise, was gloomy
enough. He could not think of returning
home TO tell his mother Of his failures.
No, his ambition was too great for that.
He would rather have starved, died
with a cObblestone for his pillow, than
that. And his prospects for the future
were far from being anything bright.
But he had started from the first with
the determination Of realizing his fond
hopes or never more returning to the
old home. And, indeed, it appears at
this point OF Arthur's failures that he
was to receive the latter named for his
destiny
1t would be though that one with
Arthur's qualities, Of truth. kindness
and energy, such a thing as fail was
not the thing that would crown their
efforts, but he was laboring in the
midst of a delusive problem which is the
fate of all who do not understand them
selves, therefore his fate was a common
fate and failure his destiny.
However, our subject finally reached
the seaboard-landed there penniless,
helpless, hopeless and homeless, and
like the "SOn of man." nowhere to lay
his head. and no food. His clothing was
Of the substantial sort. yet it would
not last long. But in this condition Ar
thur was not greatly, if at ALL despond-
ent or dOwnCast, but sought diligently
for employment. Only a small bit Of
work was here and there TO be found,
and finally he took to sweeping the
streets. and at this did he work as in
tently as If it had been the occupation
Of his choice. One morning he was in
vited by the head proprietor OF a large
firm 10 run an errand for him. When
the task was finished the proprietor gave
him coin and said: Get your dinner;
if you care you can return at l o'clock
prompt and do us another favor" He
then turned and again resumed as be-
fore Arthur proceeded 90 take a meal
at the nearest restaurant and while
there refreshing himself became en-
gagged in conversation with a neighbOr
who seemed to be of a familiar type.
After several passing remarks Arthur
finished his meal, and finding he had
almost an hour TO spend before his ap-
pointed hour of business, he stopped
in a reading room that happened to be
on his way to Write & Co.'S office, for
that was the place he was TO do work
in the evening. While here enjoying
himself with the literature of the day
the familiar man entered and again COM
menced conversation, and followed Ar
thur from the room when he was leaV-
ing. Arthur finished his work in the
evening and was invited back for the
next day, for there seemed to be a sup
ply Of such work: and for several days
did he work at the office of Write 6, Co,
each day receiving his money for a din
ner and having the familiar neighbor
for company. one day the familiar man
did not hesitate to ask young Arthur to
have a friendly glass with him, as the
day was cool. Thank you" replied Ar
thur, nothing stronger than coffee
agrees with me, or rather l with it,"
After hesitating a moment he added, II
have made other resolves and 1 thank
you" The man seemed to vince a little
at this, but passed quietly on.
Iax
awaiting Arthur, more money was
earned by him, and the familiar man re-
manned his right-hand neighbor at the
eating house most all the time. At an
other time this man proposed to Arthur
TO have game of pool, but Arthur de-
clined. saying, II have never learned to
play such game; besides, I am deeply
interested at present in a late work OF
my hearts most loved author" Again
the familiar man was turned away by
Arthur's decided answer His answers
to such questions as these were always
slightly abrupt. but had in them the gist
of decision. He could not but like this
man, but yet was he to be tempted in
every way by him. The conversation at
the eating house was kind and enter
tanning. and Arthur at times thought the
man was a little prying, but vet his
gOOd-natured ways caused Arthur TO
overlook the bad and take him as he best
TO lead Arthur astray? was the problem
our hero was curious to solve. and yet
he could not. However, Arthur worked
steadily on, earning himself a living. and
that was about all. The employers had
not paid him as regular as formerly and
his wages were not as much as at first,
but this was nothing strange for Arthur
so he steadily labOred on.
Things went on this way with Young
Arthur for near four weeks. He was
making good use Of his time, by making
a living and laying up a little store Of
knowledge at odd moments, when one
evening the manager said to him as he
was about to depart for the day:
Arthur, you may call at this Office at s
in the morning. I wish to speak TO you
about some matters" Arthur hardly
knew what this meant, but something
worse than a discharge was impending
this time and the words rang in his ears.
However, he was at the office at prOmp
s ready to receive whatever was i'm store
for him, and one can imagine his spirits
were little dOwncast and feeling some
what discouraged in general when the
door opened and the manager added
pleasantly: Good morning, Arthur;
come in and have a seat and we will
talk to you presently" Arthur had not
waited many minutes when to his sur
prise the familiar man of the eating
house made his appearance and greeted
him pleasantly with a good morning.
He seated himself before the fire that
burned cheerfully on the CRATE, for the
morning was damp And after attending
to some office matters resumed his seat
again and commenced:
"Well, my young man, what do you
intend to follow for a life's occupation?
have talked with you at the boarding
house about various things, but never
have asked you what you were going to
do for the world and mankind
He stopped at this point TO give
Arthur a chance to add something. but
he was so surprised at this agreeable
introduction that he hardly knew how
to commence, but presently added:
so far as having a particular occu-
patton to follow, / have not this. but L
intend TO be Of all the good TO myself
and humanity possible. let IL be in what
ever line offers itself"
That's good" replied the questiouer;
now, how would you like TO give us a
little help in our Office work?' he re-
sumed.
One can well imagine how Arthur
spirit raised and how his heart throbbed
with delight when he heard this offer.
WELL" rejoined Arthur, Il am ready