The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-10-29
WANTED A BOY.
IFram. tfe Record-HetaId.l

IFrems the Record EIeEald.1 &
That was the sign that Grocer NC
Slximming put in his window one morn
ing last month WANTED, a Boy. The
McSkimming grocery is long way from
the loop, but it is a busting shop, ana
the man who owns 1t was sorety IN neeu
Of help A man would have served MS
purpose better than boy, put ne
couldn't afford a mans wages. Few
men will work for 81 a week. and usu
ally the man who will take a 81 job viii
either steal to keep even or quit as soon
as his first weeks pay is collected.
But McSkimming' sign was hardly
in the window when a tall, straight
built, sandy man came in and said;
Would a man do?"
IF the man was willing and could
afford to work for 81 a week, yes!' SAID
McSkimming.
I'm willing" said the stranger, look
ing squarely at the grocer, If you'll let
me have some pick-ups for grub. L can
live on that
The tradesman liked this straightfor-
ward proposition. A skulker would nave
said nothing about 'pick-ups but
would have stolen enough TO exc out his
board.
do you drink"
mo, sir
Are you strong?"
"As an OK.
'Have you family?"
mot a soul"
'How long will you stay with me?"
Till you fire me or 1 get better
Have you got any recommended
tons 20
mo. sir"
Where did you work last?'
IF it's all the same to you, sir. I don't
care to tell"
Were you fired?"
Il was discharged, but to tell you the
truth, 1 was glad to quit
"Why2"
/ got nothing but board and Clothes
will 81 a week and grocery grub be
enough for you?"
IF youn take me. I'll promise to stay
month, anyhow, sir
The man looked frankly out of pair
of keen blue eyes. His clothes were
cheap, but new. His head was closely
shaver. He stood quite still and silent
while McSkimming sized him up" He
held his new, black, shoddy hat quietly
between his lands. He had the manner
of a soldier or one disciplined to silence.
obedience and willingness to work.
I'm tell you what I'll do-what's your
name?"
"Bucklin. sir-John Bucklin."
We'll, Bucklin, if you'll stay month
I'll raise you to five a week after that
It you stay six months I'll give you sew
en- In a year may be able to pay
you a mans wages. My trade is grow
ing. You can check out % cents worth
Of grub every day. You can sleep in the
store if you like. How does that suit
you?"
ITO a dot. sir" quoth Bucl1lin. TN
stay a month; sure Then if you like
me- and if"
If you like me, I SUPPOSE said Me-
Swimming. lra- +f..e..
well. it will be time enough to tax
things over then, sir, 1 hope"
And John BuckIin took off his coat.
There never was such "A ''grOcer's cub"
as that quiet man proved to be. He tend
ed the horse drove if delivered errocarie.s
brought in orders. got out the goods
wrapped bundles. cleaned up the store,
made bills, collected Q. O. D. orders and
In a hundred ways made life for his en-
ployer a profitable pleasure. He never
even so far forgot himself as to smoke in
the place. Each day he got down some
cheese, some crackers, or some sardines
and bread for his fare. OF these he made
careful memoranda. never surprising his
daily allowance, never failing to account
for everything His behavior toward
cranky and abusive customers was invari-
ably that of a silent intelligent patient
man who has mastered his tongue. He
never smiled except in response to some
kind word or amiable jest. The iaded
horse which he drove and tended grew
sleek and willing under his care. He
showed a talent for decorating the store
room with artistically piled boxes and
packages. He had genius for order and
knack of doing all work without effort
or disorder
At the end Of the first week Mr.. Nc
Swimming raised his wages to s. and his
daily food allowance to 30 cents Bucklin
only said, Thank you, sir" but from that
moment he found dozen ways to enhance
his value in the store. He washed the
windows before the boss" got down in the
morning. He put in his leisure moments
sorting the apples and busting the stock
Nothing escaped him and his efforts be-
gan to be apparent in a diminution of
complaints and an increase of trade
But one rainy afternoon. while McSkim-
ming was sitting his high stool smok-
ing cigar. he noticed that Bucklin was
'1oafing." 1t was the first time and the
bo2s eyed him narrowly. The man was