The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1908-08-06
The GIFT
BY WILLIAM n. HANDY

II don't know exactly. Over on the
west side somewhere, I believe"
From the minute I first saw him
something unusual about him. That
was no ordinary man, even if he did
wear workman's garb.
l have several times formed sudden
attachments for men, and have never
been sorry. So l felt no reluctance in
following the impulse that set me to
inquirihg the next afternoon for
Macy, the carpenter
l found the place, six room cot
tage with good yard. A little to one
side and back of the house was a
small building that appeared to be a
workshop.
1t was after work hours, and they
had told me l would probably find
him there.
| didn't knock at the house, but
went across the yard to the other
building and stepped in. The old man
was dressing walnut board He did
not stop to inquire my business, but
talked along in the fviendliest sort
Of way as he planed the board.
1t was the brightness of his eye and
the lines of happiness in his face that
first attracted me. When an old man,
especially one who has toiled, loves
life as this one did, there is something
about him worth knowing.
You love your work." l said.
Yes he replied, and laid down his
plane; but there is one thing about
1t l don't like. People want poor work
and ugly work. The houses We have
to build are mostly ugly and incon-
venient. Then they use such poor ma
terial, and build on such shaky foun-
dations. l have to do it because they
demand it, and that is my daily
bread"
do you know why came
up here? | wanted to learn your Sc
cret. ! met you on the street yesterday
and | knew at once from the light in
your face that you had learned some
excellent way in life. Something that
has kept you in love with your work
and the world"
He laughed, little embarrassed.
Young man." he said, after q mo-
ment, there isn't any secret about It,
| don't know that | can tell you eX.
actly what.you want to know
But it seems like this to me. When
| was young fellow, l noticed nearly
hniv WanfnH n thipy
and had to do another to make a liv-
ing. Generally they get sour and hated
the work they had to do. | always
loved wood, and it was my notion to
make something perfect out of it,
had to work at the carpenters trade
to make a living, but | fitted up q
place here, and when the day of do
ing ugly work was over, I'd come In
here and work out my own idea
And where is some of the work.
| asked, eagerly.
It's in there" He pointed to a
back room.
May | see?"
! do not remember that any picture
or painting ever gave the entire sat.
isfaction that | felt on looking around
that room.
The first thing we examined was a
book case
II worked nine months on that" he
said. And | did not wonder when |
noted the perfect symmetry. the fault
less joints, the marvellous finish of the
wood.
The thing I most admired was a
library table. 1t was 30 simple, so
finely finished, SO perfect In outline,
that | fingered over it lovingly.
That is art" | said. Art applied
to things of daily use. | never saw a
more beautiful thing than that table. "
He was evidently pleased, but said
nothing. He seemed almost shy here
among his creations. l imagined he
felt that he was laying bare his too
intimate self.
I hesitated several minutes to ask
the question in my mind. | was almost
afraid to, yet | wanted that table as
I had never wanted q thing of wood
will you sell it?" | asked at last.
He shook his head Il never sell
them" he said That's part Of my
theory. A man should have something
of his very best that he won't ex-
change for money"
l certainly showed my disappoint-
ment, but l appreciated his feelings
Il will not sell it, but ] will give 1t
to you" he said, simply.
ooh, no." | was embarrassed. 81
could not take it for nothing"
A look of disappointment came into
the carpenters face
Il am sorry" he said. Il was in
hopes you would"
why, there Is nothing I would
prize SO much,' / answered. But 1t
represents so much of your time and
work"
THAT is why | wanted to give II
70 you. l think you understand 1t and
love It."
Thank you" said. 81 will take it.
Do you give many away"
whenever | find man that appre
'iates it, | give him what he wants
| imagine" he added alphabetically
that every time he sees 1t I'll be
telling him what is a good piece OF
work, and when he remembers that
the good will of gift went with it
he will think kindly of old man Ma
Gey"
Yes" | said, humbly, Il think he
| will and will be a better man for