The Van Buren press., 1899-11-25

iaON III
fore Thanksgiving, he had bad attack
of rheumatism, and was too i'll 10
work.
What are we going TO do, mother!
Charlie asked, in troubled tone, wheh
everything possible had been done for
his father, and Jesse and jamie, the
two younger children, were quiet for
the night. IT'S as much as we can DO
10 make both ends meet, anyway, and
now there'll be no money coming IN.
.Oh. we can manage that for little
while,n his mother answered. Il
shouldn't worry bit if could only
be sure your father wouldn't lose his
position"
81 never thought of that, exclaimed
Charlie, in dismay, suddenly remember
ing how very strict the company was.
"Well, let us hope for the best" his
mother said trying to speak cheer
fully.
But Charlie could not be content with
hoping he wanted to be 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
dered over il, and continued 10 ponder,
till long after he was abed. just before
midnight he suddenly started up. "Why
didn't think of that before?" he NUT
tered, and then stole softly downstairs
for the little alarm clock on the mantel.
T.. l. l..,l -
and placed ii on the chair near his pill
low, he was fast asleep.
When the alarm went off, five hours
later, Charlie sprang out of bed and
was half dressed before the whrring
ceased. In the kitchen he found his
mother already up. She said that his
father had been in great pain all night,
and had lot slept at all.
I'm going 10 take his place on the
car, if they'll let me-" said Charlie.
Mrs. Leslie looked doubtful. I'm
afraid you are not old enough" she
said.
at won't do any harm TO try"
"Oh. mol"
TITS vacation this week. too. and even
If | had TO stay out of school month
| could easily catch up. by studying
hard"
His mother said no more, but made
haste to prepare warm breakfast, and
put up lunch for him. When Charlie
was ready to start, he went in to see his
father minute and tell him what he
,,,4. \
and take your watch ?" he asked.
"0h. yes, if you want to-" groaned
Mr.. Leslie; "but ii will be of no use:
they don't want boys"
"We'll see" Charlie returned. with
attempted cheerfulness. The morning
was cold and disagreeable, and Char
lie ran all the way to the ear stables.
As he reached the place he saw man
coming. and hurried toward him.
Are you Mr.. Rawlinson, the superin-
tendent2" he asked. breathlessly.
No; he is away for day or two. l
am taking his place. Can | do anything
for you?"
Charlie stated his business in a few
words.
Come into the Office and let me have
leok at YOU" said the man, unlocking
he door as he spoke. When he had
turned on the electric light he gave
Charlie a keen glance.
"WellI don't know" he said, kindly
but hesitatingly. you are pretty
young. Are you sure you could do il
II right?"
Il know could" Charlie answered,
eagerly.
The ~ b, smiled Every well: try il
=. '..r day, and we'll see how you get
along"
~Oh. thank you. sir" and Charlie.
who. seeing by the office clock that it
lacked only three minutes of six, made
a dash for his ear. McElroy, the motor
.nan. was already at his post.
"Hullo. Charlie, he called. Thought
I'd see you. Father can't come, can
he?'
No; I'm going instead"
YOU Well. rather guess not, my
hsy,"
~Bui I'VE got permission from the
iaau WHO'S tak,1g the superintendent's
b'sce."