The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1901-07-05

Enough for One Night.
He Thought II Too Bad to Disturb the
Police Just for Two Burglars.

II III RlSdU ASASA"Ao AoO"~
from his desk. A boy had en-
tered the office. He was a stout boy
of perhaps 10. A plainly dressed boy,
with big shoes and soft wool hat.
"Lookin' for place. said the boy.
The merchant shook his head.
"Willin' to do anythin' that's hon
orable-except sand the sugar. said
the boy.
The merchant slightly smiled.
"Sand is quite too expensive an in
gredient," he said with q little
chuckle. ''You'd be safe from any
such temptation here. At the same
time, we have no place for you. Good
night"
And he turned back to his writing.
mo objection to my sittin' here an
RESTING" inquired the boy.
NO." replied the merchant.
The boy dropped into a chair and
pulled a paper from his pocket. Pres
emily he gave low whistle.
"Well. swami" he said.
"Eh?' said the merchant, looking
up.
II didn't mean to disturb you,' said
the boy, "but I was just readin' here
how the police had couple O bur-
glars penned up in a vacant house an
then let 'em get away. Poor lot o
shoats, I guess"
"a vacant house," the mercha Mt re-
peated.
eyes" said the boy. "Family gone
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 chandeliers"
Don't go away until I finish this
letter." said the merchant. "1've got
something to say to you"
"All right" said the boy. "My times
yours
In few moments the letter was
finished and ready for posting. The
merchant looked at the big office
clock. It was $50. 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.
SWELL" he said, abruptly, "who are
you and where are you from?"
Names Joshua Griscom," replied
the boy. u. Griscom, Perrysburg.
Josh for short"
"And what brings yon here?"
"Came up as freight" replied the
boy. "Got 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
"Harc YOU any refcrences?' in
qui"cd the merchant.
"Nop." replied tn" boy.
"Know anybody in town."
Not 4 soul"
The merchant looked the boy over.
II think you are an honest lad he
said.
II have the advantage of you there"
laughed the boy. 81 know it"
The merchant chuckled softly.
"You evidently don't lack fer strong
recommendation from a 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.
eyes" replied the boy. at was
nv farewell meal. It took my last
cent"
"-All right" said the merchant,
"come along. Now. listen. I 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. | occasionally sleep at
home myself, but there are nights
when l want to stay downtown and
meet some Of my business associates
at the hotels. T feel that I need
care-taker ut the home-a man to
watch the premises day as we'll as
night, and make himself generally
useful. You seem to have Il strong
arm and a stout heart. my lad. What
do you say to taking the iob?"
"Guess I wouldn't fancy it for
steady job" replied the lad. "But III
do the best can, just the same"
The big house looked gloomy as the
merchant ard the boy entered it. II
want you to sleep downstairs the
former said. "You can make up
bed on this broad couch in the library.
Now come with me and l will show
Won about he house."
The boy followed the merchant as
the latter lighted the gas from room
to room.
"Everyt hing seems to be in order"
remarked the owne:. "If they find
out some body is III the house they will
leave it alone. You are not afraid to
sleep here, arc you"
"No," said the 10y. 81 amt. I wa
afraid little wh,e ago that I
wouldn't have any pace to sleep. This
don't scare me 4 mite
''Good." said the merchant. "You
will find all the bed clothing you re-
guire in the from: chamber. And,
here-look at this room off the dir
ing-room. This is where my wife has