The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1909-08-12
Billy Henderson,
Express
Messenger
BY T. l.. SappingtOn

shifted from one foot to the other
and repeated his announcement that
he was the new assistant engaged
that morning. The man stared at him
Open-mOuthed.
"YOu?" he cried: "Oh, no, you've
made mistake, son. This is mans
business"
"All the same" said the boy dog
gedly, "Mr. Booth, the manager, gave
me the place, and I'm to make the
trip with you tonight"
Billy was not a beauty. His hair
was red and his nose turned up, and
at some remote period he had lost a
front tooth, but the light in his blue
eyes warmed your soul, and perhaps
that is why Mr.. Booth was inclined
in his favor.
Gave you the place, did hep re-
marked the messenger, scowling.
We'll, We'll see about that" And
leaping from the car he strobe into
the Office.
When he emerged a few moments
later, his manner was still more bel
ligerent. Come on, now" he
growled: what are you standing
there for? or with your coat: there's
plenty to do"
Without a word the boy followed
him into the car and was still hard
at work when the engine shrieked and
the train pulled out. And so Billy
Henderson entered the service of the
Great Western Express Company;
and Merrihew saw to it that his lot
was anything but an easy one. His
plumbers, both large and small-and
they were, numerous at first-were
commented on cruelty, and he was
never allowed to forget for a mo-
ment that the place he filled really
belonged to some one of the group
of eager and adult applicants who
clamored for it,
You'll last just so long," said
Merrihew one evening as the train
swung onto the main line. He illus
trated his remark by measuring the
length of his forefinger. Booth
thinks he's smart working in a kid
like you. but he'll think different to-
morrow"
L wish | knew what made you so
down on me, Mr.. Merrihew." said
Billy. Il can't help being a boy. and
a fellow has to commence some
where"
Then why don't you commence in
the right place." snarled the messen-
ger, What do you want to take a
mans Job for? Amt l got RESPONSE
bility enough without having an in
rant like you to look after? l don't
know what the company is thinking
of, but it won't work, and we've fixed
an age limit. and we're going to tell
Booth tomorrow"
Sure enough, the next day a dele
CATION waited on Mr.. Booth and de-
manded Billy's instant discharge and
an assurance that no assistant mes
sengers would be taken on under the
age of twenty.
AT first the manager was inclined
to refuse to treat with the committee
at all, but after consulting higher
officials of the company and careful
ly canvassing the strength of the
combine 1t was thought best to sign
the agreement and Billy received no.
tice that his services would not be
required after the end of the week
OF course he was indignant. 81
don't think you've treated me fairly
at all" said he to Merrihew. 1t was
his last trip in the company's ser
vice. The night was cold and rainy.
and his spirits were as dreary as the
weather.
oh. shucks," replied the man, care
lessly. you wouldn't have held the
place anyway. 1t was never meant
fer a boy. Suppose something hap
pened to me, what would you do here
all alone?"
I'D do my level BEST" said Billy.
"Humph! Maybe you would, but it
might turn out to be the worst under
the circumstances" -
The night mail made but few stops
and the two clerks generally took
turns mapping it. Since passing the
switch tower Billy had been stretch
ed out on the heap of blankets that
served as a couch in the corner of
the car. He had not yet grown ac-
customed to the all-night vigil. and.
despite his sore heart, it was not long
before his eyes closed and he forgot
his troubles.
He was still sleeping when the train
came to an unexpected halt at Fen.
ton, a small flag station, to take on
an undertaker's box, much to Merri.
hew's disgust
Nice lot Of mourners they are in
that town." muttered the clerk. '.Wbv
couldn't they travel with their old
corpse? AS it is. we get the blamed
remains instead of the baggage mas
ter"
Billy, only half awakened, merely
nodded in response to the grumbling
OF his companion. With heavy ewes
ne noted the lantern suspended from
the swaying ceiling, the hunched I'D
figure of Merihew as he sat before
the open safe checking his slips. and
the sombre outline of the casket on
It's treaties extending lengthwise In
'front.' OF him. And then drowsiness
again overcame him.
II seemed. that soGS one called.
Stfl1 ii, doubt ~ L.. ID.