Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-12

struggle to provide for mother and the
girls and to keep me at school SO long. His
department chief in the railroad office has
offered me clerkship. but it isn't at all to
my taste; in fact. Mr.. Wilder" continued
Paul hesitatingly, II want to do newspaper
work. and have come up to see II you can
give me any encouragement"
Paul blushed as he finished his speech,
realizing that his ambition might appear
extravagant to the man OF ripened expert
ence whom he addressed. Still, as he in
wardly reflected. even Mr.. Wilder had to
have beginning, and perhaps he might re-
member this fact.
The editor pulled thoughtfully at his
nustache before replying. Then he said:
II don't know any better crude material in
the city, my boy, for a future good news
paper man than yourself. But are YOU sure
you have fully considered what you wish !?
Remember, reporters life is not all roses.
The pay Is small, the snubs are many and
there Is no such thing as riches or fame
awaiting even him who does his work thor
ouShly and conscientiously, as / am sure
would De the case with you. Better aim
Tor the presidents chair in that railroad
company, and II will bring you more glory
and a fuller purse that the editorial man
asement OF the biggest newspaper in Chi
cago."
Paul smiled. but shook his head. II know
that money is a mighty good thing 10 have
but assure you. sir. / wasn't cut out for a
rich man; you know 1t isn't in our blood"
he added with pleasant laugh. II hon est
~ believe can fit myself for the newspaper
profession and hope to attain u moderate
success in it's ranks. AS for the Snubs, l
am ready to take my share, but i should
think If a fellow behaved himself he might
expect decent treatment in return"
SO he might, so he might" returned the
editor heartily, and it's not nearly SO
bad now as when / was a youngSter. Well,
] md you are determined to break in on US.
% / will do all i can to help you along.
Let me see, Paul. how old are your
Il shall be seventeen next month, SIR
Pretty young yet to start in, my son. i
nate to see you buckle down In earnest
without first having a glimpse of the out
side world. After once fairly in harness it
Is hard to get away. and one draws to man.
hood and assumes its responsibilities al
most before one realizes what has happen
ed. My advice is to roam around a bit be-
fore plunging into the stern realities of life.
1t would be an experience of even far more
value than college training in the calling
you wish to follow"
Il feel that you are right, Mr.. Wilder;
indeed, have often wished that / could be
In the position of those wealthy young Eng
Eshmen who are sent abroad to make the
grand tour after finishing their studies at
home; but OF course that sort of a trip is
out OF the question. / can't even afford the
economical tramps afoot such as Bayard
Taylor took But do you know, Mr.. Will
der, continued Paul, in his chatty conf
DENTAL way. Il have had serious thoughts
at times at starting out to see something of
the world. regardless of money or prospects
] actually believe / could leave Chicago with
Just few dollars in my pocket and circle
clear around the globe If 1 only had the
nerve to make a start. Do you think L
could Succeed?'
The editor laughed grimly. II believe if
any one could. you could. Paul. but it is a
more serious undertaking than l should
care TO essay at my age With your activ-
fty and pluck. however. 1 guess you would
pull through all right, though I'm not ad-
Vising It's attempt, mind Just think over
what have told you, and come back to see
me next week Meantime. I'll ask the city
editor to bear your application in mind"
Paul had the good sense to see that the
interview was at an end, so, picking up his
hat. he thanked Mr.. Wilder warmly for his
interest. and. with a CHEEKY good afternoon,
withdrew.
He was unusually quiet that evening and
when his sisters attempted to rally him he
let their banter pass almost unheeded.
When his mother kissed him good night she
drew her hand caressingiy over her boys
face and tenderly inquired IL his head
ached. but when Paul fondly returned the
kiss and assured his mother that nothing
allied him physically her heart told her that
the lad was wrestling with some problem
which would undoubtedly be revealed in
good season.
Father. l want to walk down town with
you. said Paul next morning at the break
IAN right. my son: shall be delighted.
Have you decided to take that clerkship
after ALP
NO, sir: but 1 want to have a talk with
you, Then, seeing the looks Of curiosity
depicted on the faces of his sisters, he