Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-24
SMILING TOM
BY William Wallace

from his store and 15 cents in money. I
spent pennies Of the change for your
apple. We've still got 10 cents for break
fast tomorrow. Before noon 1 must have
a steady Job"
cannot tell you Of the love~and pride,
mixed with fondest pity, that throbbed
in the breast OF that poor mother. She
said very little, but che acted, oh, 50
much. Smiling Tom" understood, and
while the smile was on his honest young
face tears dropped from his blinking eyes.
The next morning Tom again hogan his
work hunting crusade He went as a last
resort into the Office OF a Grabbed old
lawyer, who was notorious for hts evil
tongue, so full Of abuse for those IN his
employ He was called "Old Jones, the
crank" Smiling Tom" tapped respect
fully at the door Of Jones private office.
Then he walked in, removing his cap and
bowling Old Jones was sitting at his desk
writing. He looked up with a frown at the
youthful intruder.
What do you want?' rudely asked
Jones, frowning his displeasure.
Work, SIR" explained Tom, smiling.
We'll who told you to come here for
it," again queried the sour old man. I'm
not an employment agency"
Il know SIR" admitted Tom But I've
been almost everywhere else and failed, 80
thought I'd try here, sir. I hope didn't
disturb you" still smiling, and his fair
young face full of innocence and good VIII.
well, you are disturbing me-" scowled
the old man. Resides, II I had work for
a boy I'd get one that's had experience
I don't want a greenhorn In my office. A
boy that gets with me must have had ex-
perience."
But how could you have become a sue
cessfuI lawyer II everybody had said they
would not give you work till you were
experienced?" asked Tom, with his cheerful
manner. you were a boy once-like me
and could not have known so much then.
You had to learn, sir, didn't your"
Toms question was well meant, with no
suggestion Of impertinence. and old Jones,
the cross-gralned, understood the boy s
mind. Instead Of ordering Tom from the
room. he sat knitting his brows a minute
in silence Then he asked. brusquely;
What can you DOR
II can't do so very much now" admitted
Tom. but can learn TO do most anything
than anyone else can do, sir. All 1 want
is a chance to show you that I'm in earn
est l am only boy. but I've got to fill a
mans place now, for my father Is dead
and left me to occupy his place. must
earn the living. That's the way the matter
stands, sir. Though the smile never left
Toms face, there was the faintest sugges
ton OF a tremor in his eager voice, q
tremor that was not lost on the ears Of tht
learned lawyer.
well, come back this afternoon at
o'clock. And come to work, too. No idlt
bones loaf round my office. Remembe
that. young man. l am through with thu
interview"
Thank you. sic. and good morning,
smiled Tom. bowling as he withdrew from
the mighty presence Of "old Jones, tn
crank"
That afternoon Tom was on time to tn
minute He performed every errand as
signed him quickly and thoroughly, o.!
Jones looked surprised several times tina
afternoon. He had at last found the DO
he had been wanting for so long. But b
kept his pleasure to himself, for he wa
not one 70 speak words of praise
SO the week wore away and Jones foun
Tom OF the greatest value to him. He wa
quick In his work. orderly. reliable and al
/ ways IN a happy frame OF mind. On IN
! morning Of the last day OF his frst wee
in old Jones' ofice something happene
which marked II a red-letter day for Ton
, A client with as sour a makeup as oil
Jones own came In 70 rake the lawyer svC
the Goals for losing a lawsuit for him III
, day previous. He fumed and swore abou
, calling Jones several very undignihe
, names Jones. his own temper lettlu