Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1909-10-09

b but :. / a,aU aDnt it ,arl hna N.Y.
pected. For three "Arc yo't " rcportcr1"
weeks all did find was lot Of advice
to go back to Scarboro. | think would
have done it il it hadn't been for my
mother. You know what fellows
mother is and how she banks on his
success"
Indeed l did and found 1t necessa
ry to stihe feeling of sympathy for
the poor chap. He went on:
Because | ran the Scnrboro Eagle
for a couple Of years the folks up
Dana. When l got this place on the
Star they had great jubilation.
think the Eagle got out special edi-
ton" He laughed and glanced at me
shamefacedly.
Aren't YOU getting on wellT'
asked. trying to squeeze all the sym
pathy out Of my voice.
"Not very well. There's a big diff
ference between this city and Scar
boro. l am beginning to have some
doubts as to my choice of a profession
But | must keep on for awhile.
think 1t would kill my mother If l
should fail"
felt very uncomfortable and alto
gether at odds with myself. or course
I was not responsible for the success
or failure Of this youth, but was too
fresh from the same struggle not to
have n fellow feeling for him and a
keen regret for the discontinue that
would be delayed only long enough for
his city editor to find out how he had
failed in this case.
What are you at headquarters for?'
I asked abruptly, more from need Of
saying something than because | cared.
THE city editor sent me to cover
the place. whatever that may mean"
Didn't he give you any definite in
structions"'
"Only that I shouldn't let anything
get by me-"
and has anything gone by?" He
laughed.
"IIalf dozen men went by few
minutes ago, but they didn't look much
like criminals"
You can't always tell by appear
ances," said lightly. 1t was danger
GUS ground, and wanted to get off
He seemed struck with the wisdom Of
my remark.
"Do you think ought to so into the
Office and find out?" he asked.
"Oh, no; It's probably nothing" l an
swered. Fortunately he was looking
at the door of the office and not at me-
In my agitation had leaned forward
and almost seized him. | might have
spared myself the stress Of mind. In
stead Of showing any disposition to act
upon my stupidity made hint he seemed
relieved at my assurance and appar-
emily dismissed the subject from his
mind.
To me fresh and tormenting aspect
of the affair presented itself If l had
been guiltless before of having any
thing to do directly with the boys ap-
preaching downfall, was so no longer.
l had become positive agent to 1t.
Just how far the ethics of my duty to
the Gazette would justify me l could
not determine, but felt keenly that
had transgressed the rules of ordinary
fairness and was conscious Of self
contempt that made me very wretched.
With some poor idea of squaring my
self started in to give the youth some
advice about doing his work. Imagine
1t! l, who, myself, was scarcely more
experienced than he, giving sapient
counsel. 1t was grewsome business
for me, and I cut 1t very short. My
feelings were further lacerated by the
youths heartfelt gratitude. He could
not express all that he felt.
II shall never forget your Kindness" 4"
he said. looked at him. drawn by a
little catch in his voice. His eyes were
filled with tears. mumbled some
thing in reply and turned away. Then
| made a resolution, and at the instant
of its consummation the office door
opened. The youth instantly turned his
back and sought his seat at the desk
Billy came hurriedly out.
"Come on" he said to me. 1--WE got
everything"
"Wait minute" said,
Not one to spare"
Just second" pleaded. He stop
ped.
"Now, then, what Is it?"
"Moulton, you must tell that boy
what you found In the Office" said I.
He stared at me in amaZement.
"Are you crazy" he asked.
mo. but he simply must be told"
Then, without giving him time to say
more, told him the boys story as
quickly rs | could. l told him, too OF
my share In 1t and of my shame and
self disgust. Moulton listened impa-
tiently.
at can't be DONE" he said shortly as
l finished
But think what 1t will mean-to
him and to his mother"
Moulton looked at me and smiled.
you're big baby" he said. Then
he turned to the youth, whose hack
was still toward us.
"Teyw he called. Come here"
The youth rose slowly and turned.
"What Is It. Billy?" he said. coming