The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1901-06-27


off to the seaside. Burglars had it all
to themselves. Lot O. empty houses
entered lately. Here's one place
where they even carried off the water
pipes an the chandyliers."
Don't go away until l finish this
letter." said the merchant. "pve got
something to say to you"
"All right" said the boy. "My times
yours"
In a few moments the letter was
finished and ready for posting. The
merchant looked at the big Office
clock. It was 6:30. All the employees
had gone save the porter, who was
waiting at the Office door to lock up.
The merchant closed his desk and
turned to the boy.
"Well," he said, abruptly, "who are
you and where are you from?"
Names Joshua Griscom," replied
the boy a. Griscom, Perrysburg.
Josh for short"
"And what brings you here?"
"Came up as freight" replied the
boy. SCOT tired of the farm, an
wanted to make my fortune. Hung
on to freight train and come to
town. Been at it for week. If some-
thin don't turn up tonight I'm goin'
back to the farm tomorrow"
Have you any references" in
quired the merchant.
Mop" replied the boy.
"Know anybody in town."
"Not a SOUL"
The merchant looked the boy over.
81 think you are an honest lad," he
said.
81 have the advantage of you there"
laughed the boy. 81 know it."
The merchant chuckled softly.
''You evidently don't lack for strong
recommendations from strictly per-
sonal source" he said. But come
with me. Patrick, you may lock up"
As they passed through the outer
door the merchant suddenly stopped.
Had any supper?" he asked.
"Yes," replied the boy. 1T was
my farewell meal. 1t took my last
cent"
"All right" said the merchant,
"come along. Now, listen. want a
care-taker for my house. My wife and
daughters have gone to the seaside
and taken all the servants with them.
AS you have just been reading, good
many unoccupied houses have been
robbed lately. l occasionally sleep at
home myself, but there are nights
when 1 want to stay downtown and
meet some of my business associates
at the hotels. l feel that I need a
care-taker at the home-a man to
watch the premises day as well as
night, and make himself generally
useful. You seem to have strong
arm and stout heart, my lad. What
do you say to taking the job?"
"Guess I wouldn't fancy it for q
steady job" replied the lad. "But I'll
do the best can, just the same"
The big house looked gloomy as the
merchant and the boy entered it. 81
want you to sleep downstairs" the
former said. "You can make up a
bed on this broad couch in the library
Now come with me and 1 will show
you about the house."
Everything seems to be in order
remarked the owner. "If they find
out somebody is in the house they will
leave it alone. You are not afraid to
sleep here, are you?"
.No," said the boy. 81 amt. was
afraid little while ago that ]
wouldn't have any place to sleep. This
don't scare me mite"
"Good," said the merchant. 'You
will find all the bed clothing you re
quire in the front chamber. And
here-look at this room off the din
ing-room. This is where my wife has
stored her choicest bric-s-brac an6
her fine china and linen. This is the
room that burglars would seek out
first of all. I've left it unlocked be
cause If it were locked the thieves
would be sure to ruin the door in ar
effort to get it open. There, you see
what it is. just big closet with q
ventilating slit in the outer wall in
stead of Q window. Ny wife had 9
spring put on the door as q warming
to the servants to keep it closed. l,
locks with a spring look, too. Don,
get caught inside It.. @
He paused ana Locked intentIy a,
the boy "Yous msy wonder why
trust you in this way. But I fancy
] know an honest face when Ises it.
and, besides, you look like 3 friend
less boy knew . good nAn4 yeasl
sgo."
.rm NOT doing any wondsring ssou'
thst," laughed the boy, f'byt there 4
enc thing I'd Ike to know" q
"And what is lthstr' sr-a 'A4
~Ths name of the man rm working
fer ~. svos .N H 4itt
NY name y Richard Oartse," ~
the nsesAanHs ssAnd thu house - "
1ast gAouros street." 3i)
AOnso more thing" ssid the, boy
>~doeseyeur trust in ne 80. 20 far .
2 quarter. n aAvsnoe on my vaEss
] may want bEsekfast. you know.
"Heret : dollar end lstchkey,
laughed the nerehsnt. % he turne'