Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22
G2lNS

tne boy, with blush and laugh
And then, finding the subject likely TO be-
another point. But il was apparent that some
thlng was on his mothers mind and Jarvis
dreaded lest she should force the truth from
him.
-" Your nE story has, suggested matter to
me, she SAID, few minutes after You
say that Mr.. Dunbar, the superintendent,
urged you to accept the money, and that he
specially commended you, besides taking your
name, age, and place Of residence. Now, since
ne claims to be under such obligations, don't
you you thlnk he would be likely, to give you
situation on the road? You know, my dear
son, That the time has come when | will have
to begin to lean on you"
You ought to have done that long ago,
as l wanted you to do; but Squire Hawkins
mas limited something like that"
Jarvis would have preferred employment on
tne railroad infinitely above that of working
OH farm or in an Office of a Justice of the
peace; but he was certain there was no hope
i9r nm after the castigation given the son
ol the superintendent. Accordingly, he sought
70 draw the thoughts of his mother away from
the IS SUBJECT, but she would not be denied
II Ihe squire gave you employment, it
Wouia pc solely out of charity, for you could
be OF little use, and he is in need Of no one;
put. nut the railroad is developing rapidly, and
they frequently hire new men"
But wouldn't that be accepting reward
Tor what L did this evening-a reward to
winch you are so much opposed?"
Nothing OF. the kind, for you would be
expected tt, to give full value for all you re-
celyed. There is little room for advancement
with the squire, but every opportunity for
an honest, .obedient and bright boy like you
with the railroad company"
Little did the fond mother imagine how
an her words were cutting her son to, the
lI neart. Inc career career of which she spoke had
always been attractive to him. and she now
presented 1T in colors which rendered it dou-
by enchanting He began to feel something
akin to regret that he had cuffed the ears Of
Godfrey Dunbar. though the memory of his
stinging. words flushed his face more than
once with anger.
The more think of the matter, the more
favorably it impresses me-" continued the
mother. Instead of going to school tomor-
row, desire you to walk to Merton, and
there learn where you will have to go to find
the superintendent. Then go to him and re-
spectfully present your case, saying you will
be glad to take any position on the road
where you can make yourself useful"
wouldn't it do just as well if should
write to him%
No; a personal interview will always ac-
complish more than a letter. Go direct to
the superintendent, and if you fail, you will
be no worse off than before, while il YOU stay
away, you may let slip the opportunity Of
your life"
Jarvis Brinton felt excessively uncomfort-
able. He dreaded beyond expression a meet
ing, with Superintendent Dunbar, but if his
mother insisted, he could not refuse.
lie saw no way out of it except by telling
the whole truth. 1t would shock her yery
much, but there seemed to be no help for it.
II! do it," he said to himself compress
ing his lips
Then he added, in louder voices
=. Iheres one thing | forgot-that is. 1
didn't tell you, mother"
He had got thus far with his awkward in
PRODUCTION when both were startled by a re-
sounding knock on the door.
Leaping from his chair, Jarvis, with some
mlsglving,. raised the latch and opened it.
Does Mrs. Brnton live here% asked a
deep bass voice.
YES, sir. Won't you come in?"
There is no necessity; have only to leave
this letter. Goodevening"
Wondering what it could all mean. Jarvis
closed the door on the stranger, Of whom he
caught but faint glimpse, and, walking to
the table, handed the letter to his mother.
Breaking the seal with trembling fingers.
she held it beside the lamp, and began perus
ing the missive, while her son intently studied
her face.
He saw her start, then flush, and then her
hand suddenly shook still more, so that the
paper fell to the floor
Looking reproyingly at her frightened boy,
she family asked:
"Oh, Jarvis what have you done?"
To he Continued Next Sunday