Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-15

Good Way Sometimes Followed Even
in Hustling Days.

From the Youths Companion.
He had outlived his days of usefulness.
everybody said. Younger. quicker. more
progressive men were to be had for the
taking by the firm that employed John
Watson. The man himself heard the talk
that was current in the machine room.
and because of his very desire to prove
that he was not superannuated. grew
nervous. made mist axes. although no one
in the whole shop was a better master of
his trade. or knew more about the busi-
ness in which he had grown old.
Watson did not consider himself dis
qualified by age to serve the sons of the
man whose employ he had entered when
he was younger than these boy manu-
facturers were today; but he could not
fail to understand the Impotence at his
slowness manifested by his younger tel
low-employes, men whose ability to turn
off work he knew was valuable to the
firm.
And SO every day he grew more and
more nervous and clumsy waiting for the
summons to the Office. where he would be
told that his services were no longer re-
quired.
Possibly the sons and successors of the
founder Of the business noticed the strain
under which the old man was seeking to
perform his work, for at last the summons
came.
A significant look ran round the machine
smile of relief on the part of some, but
tinged with pity as the men saw the
white. aged face become CHASTITY during
the old mans preparation for meeting the
eyes that were upon him. Strengthened
himself and left the room with quiet dig
nifty.
AS he entered the office. the brothers
who had sent for him. and In whose
hands his future lay. glanced significantly
at each other. They had not realized be-
fore how old the man was. Then the
elder brother spoke:
Mr.. Watson. you have been with the
firm a long time and The old man
lifted his head apprehensively but the
other continued: I'VE know that you are
very familiar with the business We are
young men-you used to trot us on your
knees. I dare say, If you ever found time
to spare from your work-and we nave
decided to ask you to accept position
where your experience will be Of much
service to us. We want to give you
desk in the outer Office. but you are to
feel free to go anywhere in the factory
and see what is going on Then when any
suegt stion or idea comes to your mind
ycE wilt f., it down. and submit 1t to us
in writing. Does the plan meet your
apItOval:
Fae o.l man tried to speak, grew faint
and clu. ched at his throat.
The younger brother poured glass OF
water for him.
"One thing my brother did not men,
ii M L.. said, when the old mans faint
ness had worn away. THE salary con-
nected with your new work will. of
course. be somewhat more than you have
been receiving. It's near quitting time
now, SO you needn't go back to the shop.
but you can report at your desk In the
morning. We hope you will be able to
give Us a good many suggestions. Good
afternoon Mr.. Watson" L
Straight and erect the old man walked
hi in0 iC1, x1yifl, do
and happiness. The bosses" considered
his years an asset!
For six months the old man gave him
self faithfully and enthusiastically to his
new task, and although. of course, he
made no suggestions that were revolu-
whole, he brought to the notice of the
young men of the firm a great many
things which 1T was well and profitable
for them to know. and which they never
would have known but for him.
Then one morning the employers found
the desk unoccupied when they came in.
The younger brother took a car which
carried him to the old mans home. An
old lady answered his knock, her eyes
bright with unshed tears.
HE went at midnight. sir" she said,
divining who her caller was. He felt so
sorry to leave you in the lurch. When he
found he was going he didn't have time
to say much. only that. but he said he
did not doubt you'd get along somehow
and he was glad he'd been able to advise
you as long as he had. It's great COM
fort to know you've been able to help
folks"
The young man walked back to the fac
tory. He felt that he did not wish to
ride, but rather to be by himself.
At the Office he repeated the old wife's
story to his brother. and the elder man
said. We'll. Hal. it is comfort to know
you've been able to help folks. I'm glad
I'VE did If ."