Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1898-10-06

D ICHARD PARMENTER, senior
member of the big mercantile
firm of Parmenter Bros, turned brisk
ly in his chair as the door of his pri-
vate office was quietly opened and a
slender youth stepped respectfully in
side.
''Well?"
The merchant asked the question
after brief but critical survey of the
figure before him.
II am Arson Hoover" answered the
youth, quietly.
1.-The son of Jerome Hoover?"
Eyes, sir, and your nephew, I be-
lieve."
'Um-m, yes, but why my sister ever
married that"
Il should prefer, sir, that you speak
more respectfully of my dead father"
The man of business WINGED under
the rebuff, SO coolly yet respectfully
given.
Dead. I didn't know And your
mother? You know we lost trace of
her after the unfortunate marriage,
though I did hear of your BIRTH
MY mother also died last week, sir, -
replied Arson, with a suppressed sob
In his voice.
Richard Parmenter turned abruptly
away, and gazed vacantly out of the
window, while softer expression
stole over his grizzled countenance.
Poor ANNIE" he murmured.
Then, reassuming his brusk man
ner, he turned again to the youth be-
fore him.
what was your business with me ?''
he asked.
81 have always wanted to go to col
1ege, SIR" Arson responded, with some
diffidence, land mother said you might
be willing to lend me aid"
what profession do you wish to fol-
low?"
.I believe that whatever talent !
have lies in mechanical line, SIR
Then an engineering course would
be best, probably. And you want me
TO lend you aid? What security can
you give me that shall ever be re-
paid?"
'None, sir, except the pledge of my
honor"
ST am not in the habit of loaning
money on such security" answered
Mr.. Parmenter. "Wait a moment" he
called, more kindly, as Arson was
turning away with an angry flush in
his cheeks.
The lad halted, and waited in silence
for his uncle to speak.
Though I cannot loan you any
money under the circumstances, do
not feel like turning you adrift in the
world. Are you willing to work?"
Eyes, indeed, sir"
"Then report tomorrow in the hard
ware and implement department, and
Mr.. Smith will put you in place where
YOU can earn good salary, though |
warn you that it will require hard
work"
Thank you, sir. I trust / shall prove
that I am not afraid of hard work,
Uncle -"
''In a business way I will be Mr..
Parmenter," interrupted the mer-
chant, turning to his desk as sign Of
dismissal.
Promptly at the appointed hour An
son reported to Mr.. Smith, the head
of the hardware and farming imple-
ment departments, and was at once in
itiated into the duties of his new posi-
ton. Here he found that his uncle's
predictions regarding hard work were
fully verified. "Parmenter Bros" were
located in Bellevue, a most lively little
city, surrounded by one of the richest
farming regions in the world. Thus
the trade in agricultural appliances
was very large, and competition was
sharp.
m
his new position, gradually becoming
Injured to the heavy work. His hands
hardened, and his muscles became like
bands of steel. He gained many smiles
of appreciation from Mr.. Smith, and
rendered valuable aid to that gentle
man in setting up" machinery, sort
of work in which he found great pleas
ure. Every Saturday night proper
ton of his wages was left on deposit,
for his plan of obtaining further edu-
cation was never once abandoned.
Had Arson known of a certain con-
versation which took place between
Mr.. Smith and his uncle, his heart
would have been filed with pleasure
and with hope.
'sHow is that boy making out in your
department., Mr.. Smith," Mr.. Parmen-
ter had asked.
Finely" answered the employe.
HE is willing to work, quick to learn,
and regular mechanical genius.
Often he is quicker than 1 myself to
see the construction of a new ma
chine"
The merchant rubbed his hands with
satisfaction.
Hes a fine lad" was his comment,
..and the experience will do him good"
It so happened that this summer
Parmenter Bros, undertook the intro
duction of a new tbreshing machine,
which was a radical change from the
regular style. When the first machine
arrived it attracted much attention,
and Arson Hoover was completely fas-
cinated with its details. All of his
spare time was utilized in studying the
principles upon which the action de-