Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-02-03
THE OLD MAN AND HIS JOB.
Good Way Sometimes Followed Even
in Hustling Days.


.
He had outlived his days Of useful.
ness, everybody said. Younger, quick
er, more progressive men were to bt
had for the taking by the firm tina
employed John Watson. The mar
himself heard the talk that was cur
rent in the machine room. and be-
cause of his very desire to prove tha'
he was not superannuated. gre"
nervous, made mistakes, although nj
one in the whole shop was bettel
master Of his trade, or knew more
about the business in which he haC
grown old.
Watson did not consider himself
disqualified by age to serve the sons Of
the man whose employ he had entered
when he was younger than these "boy'
manufacturers were today; but he
could not fail to understand the i'm.
patience at his slowness manifested by
his younger fellow-employes, mer
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 fol-
the summons to the Office, where he
would be told that his services were
no longer required.
Possibly the sons and successors OF
the founder Of the business noticed tho
strain under which the old man was
seeking to perform his work, for at last
the summons came.
A significant look ran round the ma
chine room when the message was de-
Iivered; 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 prepara-
ton for meeting the young BOSSES"
Fut he, perceiving the eyes that were
upon him, Strengthened himself and
left the room with quiet dignity.
AS he entered the office. the broth
ers who had sent for him, and in
whose hands his future lay, glanced
significantly at each other. They had
not realized before 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: 1--WE know
that you are very familiar with the
business. We are young men-you
used to trot us on your knees, I dare
say, # you ever found time to spare
from your work-and we have decided
to ask you to accept a position where
your experience will be of much SER
vice to u.s. We want to give you a
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 suggestion or idea comes to your
mind you will jot it down, and submit
it to US in writing. Does the plan meet
your approval?"
The old man tried to speak, grew
faint and clutched at his throat.
The younger brother poured a glass
of water for him.
"One thing my brother did not men
tIon,' he said, when the old mans
falntness had worn away. 1.-THE salary
connected With your new work will
OF course, be somewhat more than you
nave been receiving. It's near quit
ting time now, SO you needn't 60 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"
Straight and erect, the old man
walked away, his pulse beating high
with pride and happiness. The boss
es,' considered his years an asset!
For six months the old man gave
gave himself faithfully and en-
to his new task, and al
though, of course, he made no SUCCESS
ions that We're revolutionary or abso-
Ltely vital, yet, on the whole. he
Drought to the notice of the young men
o. the firm great many things which
It was we'll and profitable for them +,
Know, and which they never would
nave known but for him.
Then one morning the emn1overc
round the desk unocupied when thew
came in. The younger brother took =
car which carried him to the old man,c
nome. An old lady answered his
!. A'ioch' her eyes bright with unshed
tears.
He went at midnight, sir, she
SID ; OWNING who her caller was. "He
icy SO sorry to leave you in the lurcb
W aeh ne found he was going he didn't
nave tlme to say much, only that b,,t
re said he did not doubt you,d Got
.'lchs somehow and he was glad be,a
peen able to advise you as long as be
hao. It's a great comfort to know,
you've been able to help folks"
me young man walked back to the
.'e'oly. He felt that he did not wish
70 rae. but rather to be by himself.
AZ the Office he repeated the old
Mi,es story to his brother, and the
eider man said, We'll, Hal, it is a
comfort to know you've been able +o
heip folks. I'm glad we did it,
Youths Companion.