The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05

aicp. 1t was flush with the sidewalk
nd upon the large window was painted
red letters,
MIR. DICK ROGERS,
CITY BILL POSTER.
"Mr. Dick Rogers" was himself seat.
IA behind the window, big cigar in
Is mouth, his feet resting upon the
onfused mass of papers which Uttered
lis desk, and his eyes fixed intently
ppon his morning newspaper.
From amid the stream of passing We
hicles handsome carriage drew up
Defore the door. Mr.. Rogers looked over
he top of his paper and watched a
gentleman step out upon the sidewalk,
followed by servant bearing in his
brms a huge package. This the serv-
ant placed upon the table, and re-
burned to the carriage.
II have come once more to employ
your services, you see, Mr.. Rogers,
Said the caller, in quiet, dignitied
voice.
Just so,' responded the bill poster,
with nod. $50 another year is up,
Ell? Mercy me! how time flies. I'm
cettin' TO gauge time by your visits,
Alr. Lawrence; you're as regular rs
elockwork. Let me see-this is the
sixth year, amt it?'
"Yes. this is the sixth year. How
MANY times more | shall be obliged to
come to you God only knows. l think
| should have already abandoned the
attempt were ii not for my poor wife's
sake
His voice tremblcd little and he
turned a rathef appealing and depreca-
tory glance upon the unmoyed face of
Mr. Rogers.
"Neyer say die. SIR remarked the
bill poster. cheerfully. Il 'spose you'd
| Ike EN- out right away?"
"If you please
scot a boy at liberty right now" He
walked to n rear door, opened it partly
and shouted:
"Scroggs."
"Ycp." answered clear voice.
"Bag, bucket and brush." roared Mr..
Rogers.
Right We are" came the reply. SEEM
,pgly from distant apartment
Mr.. Rogers closed the door and re-
turned to his chair.
'Scroggs1l do the job beautiful" he
remarked.
Are YOU sure he's reliable?" asked
Mr. Lawrence, anxiously. 81 am almost
afraid TO trust this TO mere boy"
That's Scroggs' strong point-he's
reliable Ilain't been with me quite
year. but Id trust him anywheres
Never neglects likely place, an never
Genes back till the last sheet is posted.
That kid'l make great man one @
these days. ] shall always give him
your job after this, for l know you'll
Ike his work."
Mr. Lawrence sighed at this intima-
ton Of the fruitlessness of his efforts,
and the two men sat silently until the
door was burst open and a boy of
about ten years entered. He wore a
bill posters white jacket and trousers,
very much spotted and soiled, a small
cap was set far back upon his curly
head, and in his hand he bore canvas
bag and fiat paste-bucltct with q
brush sticking out of the side.
Here v are, Dick" he announced.
Prompt as biscuit, amt he ?" asked
Ny. Rogers, casting an admirng look
a; his small assistant. "Now, Scroggs,
this gentleman is very particular about
his work. They're quarter-sheets an
easy handled, an they're to so in every
likely spot you can find"
Specials, eh?" said Scroggs. as he
stopped over the package, cut the cord
and began filling his canvas bag with
the sheets.
Very special, my boy" said Mr..
Lawrence, earnestly. you'll not neg
lect the work, will you?"
Scroggs Strengthened up and regard
ed him with IA look OF panied surprise.
Dye know what they calls me, sir?
Why, it's 'Scroggs, the Reliable! I'm
proud O. that. When / turns up my
toes, sir, I'm n-goin' to have this cut OIL
my tombstone: Here lies Scroggs. who
never missed stick! An 1 won't
neglec' your work, cause why? Cause
II would Spite the motter on the tomb
stone. Them air bil!s'll go up full count
an all right"
lie slung the bag over his shoulder
and the paste-pot upon his back. Then
he bobbed his head at the two gentle
men and passed out the door.
"a strange boy" said Mr.. Lawrence,
musingly, land very young for such
work. Are not those bills and the paste
loo heavy for him?"
Bless We, moi" replied Mr.. Rogers.
"Seroggs likes pastin'. lie stops so
often, you see, he don't mind the weight.
II were n lucky day for me when old
scroggs, the blind man, died, an got
that boy. I'd noticed him leadin' that
Old man around as keerful as kitten,
an | says to myself, kid ash take
that pains with his old dad has good
stuff in him--an' were right. He's
sharper'n chain lightnin' too"
Mr.. Lawrence settled his bill and re-
entered his carriage. The bill poster
relighted his cigar and watched the
equipage as it rolled away.
That ducks on reg'la wild goose