The Farmington times. [volume] (Farmington, Mo.) 1874-1902, 1899-11-30

fore Thanksgiving, he had bad attack
IF rheumatism, and was too III 70
work.
what are VIC going TO do. motherV
Charlie asked, in troubled tone when
everything possible had been done for
his father, and Jesse and Jamie, the
two younger children, were quiet for
the might. "It'G as much aA we can do
TO make both ends meet, anyway, and
now there'l be no money coming In.
s'Ohi We can manage that Tor little
while" hia mother answered. Il
shouldn't worry bit II could only
be sure your father wouldn't lose his
position"
81 never thought of that" exclaimed
Charlie, in dismay, suddenly remsEaber-
ing how very strict the company wHs.
"Wcll, let us hope for the best" his
mother said. trying 10. speak cheer
fully.
Bat Charlie could not be content with
hoping; he wanted 10 he doing. He
thought of several ways In which he
could earn small sums OF money, but to
get enough for the support Of the fam
lily was another matter, and he pom
aered over Il. and continued 20 ponder.
siil long after he was abed. just before
midnight he suddenly started up. why
didn't think Of that beforc7" he nut
tered, and then stole softly downstairs
for the little alarm clock on the mantel.
In two minutes after he had wound Il
and placed 1t on the chair near hiH pill
low, he was faAt asleep.
when the alarm went OF, five hours
later. Charlie Eprang out OF bed and
was half dressed before the whirrinR
ceased. In the kitchen he found his
mother already up. She said that his
father had been In great pain all night,
aud had not slep; at all.
'I'm going 10 take his place on the
car, II they'll le: me-" said Charlie.
Mrs. Leslie looked doubtful. "I'm
afraid you are not old enough" she
said.
''It won't do any harm to try"
"Oh, not
"Ita vacation this week, too, md even
II had 10 stay out Of school month
could easily catch up, by studying
hard"
His mother said no more, but made
haste 90 prepare a warm breakfast, and
put up lunch for him. When Charlie
was ready TO start, he went In 20 see his
father minute and tell him what he
intended doing. ''Can wear your cap
and take your watchg" he asked.
'Soh. YEA, II you want to!" groaned
Mr.. Leslie; "but II will be OF no use:
they don't want hoys."
''we1l see" Charlie returned, with
attempted rheerfulness. The morning
was cold aud diaagreeable, and Char
lie raE all the way 60 the car stables.
AS he reached the place he saw man
coming, and hurried toward him.
~Arc you Mr.. Rawlipnoh, the supc-ln-
tendent9" he asked, breathie1sly.
"No: he Is away for a day or two.
am taking his place. Can do Hnything
for your"
Charlie stated his business In few
words.
''Come into the Office and let me have
q look at ycu.- said the man, unlocking
the door aS he spoke. When he had
turned on the electric light he gave
Charlie keen glance.
"wsil--l don't know he said, kindi,
hut hcsltatingly. -Yon ara pretty
young. Are you sure you could do II
all right7r
| al kna~ I conld." Charlie EnEwered.
| eagerly.
Tho man smiled. avery well; try IL
tor one day, and we'Il see bow you get
sfonf.S
.0h. thank ron. siyl" and Charlie.
who. seeing by the ofice ciock that II
| lacked only three minutes Of six. made
dash for his car. McEiroy, the motor
nnm. wns already at hin poss.
aHuslo, Charlie. he called. Thought
ia see you. Father can't come, can
| be -
NO; TN going instead"
-Youi We'll, ! rather Euess not. my
hoyt~
sDut l'vx got psrmiani1n fran the
- whss tshiae ~ sspsrint<ndsns's
p,nss's
1 .4It