Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1904-09-22

That evening, and four evenings
each week, when other work did not
prevent, found Jimmie in his little
bedroom studying mechanical draw
ing. In vain the boys tried TO per-
suade him to join the loyal loafers at
the post-offce. In vain, they chatfed
him when he said he had something
else to do. In vain, as they saw his
lamp burning night after night, they
declared, with all the embellishments
their rough wit could suggest, that
Jimmie was writing a novel. The
bov could not be turned from his de-
termination, though even his father
thought 1t but fresh fad of which
the lad would quickly tire.
But though in the Summer the low
ceiling and the oil lamp made the
room uncomforts bly, hot, though mos
quitoes, attracted by his light, called
to pay their respects, the boy kept on
with his study.
Two long, busy years passed. jim
ME was now nearly seventeen. AT
last he felt that he knew enough about
mechanical drawing to seek position.
After much persuasion he won his
fathers consent to go to the city. So
one October morning found him sc-
tuajly standing in front Of the City
Hall, in Philadelphia.
He had in his pocket-bOok the adj
dress of Rev. DR.. Windrow. But
Jimmie was an Independent young
fellow. He would not ask for help
until he needed it. Several days
passed, and he met with many dis
appointments in seeking place But
one morning he saw in the paper a
notice, Mechanical Draughtsmen
Wanted, and in FIVE minutes he was
rushing down the street, with some OF
his best drawings under his arm. The
large building that he found almost
overawed him, but, screwing up his
courage, he entered the Office, and
seeing pleasant-faced man at the
desk, said, THE paper says you need
mechanical draughtsmen here. "
Eyes" responded the gentleman
pleasantly, "have you ever worked in
any office before2"
No, sir, but here are some of my
drawings" responded Jimmie, putting
before hin some of the sheets on which
he had spent hours of labor.
"Yes," said the man, looking at
them, carefully, "these are quite well
done. And who was your teacher? ??
mo one, sir. l taught myself; :
and thep the whole story came out.
The drawings were well done, the
boys story was in his favor, and the
next day found Jimmie at the desk
among room full Of draughtsmen,
beginning bis work. Of course he
had much yet to learn, but the head
of the room knew how to encourage
lad with talent even if he had been
self. taught and was not versed in all
the technicalities of his work.
One Sunday evening, as-a little
weary after a day of services-the
Rev. DR.. Windrow came down from
the pulpit, he was greeted by an eager,
brlght-faced, but rather shy lad.
"Why, Jimmie !" said he, recogniz-
ing the boy instantly, to his great de-
light, "bow came you here"
1T was all your sermon, Sit, an
swered the boy, and in few words
he told bis story.
"Well, Jimmie, said DR.. WindrOw,
81 am much pleased. if l had any
thing to do with it; and congratu-
late you on having made your chance.
If you should visit to-day that
same village among the mountains,
you might see Abe and Sias still or
namenting the front Of the village
store aud still grumbling, "a fellow
here hasn't any chance.
Jimmie found his chance why not