The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-10-10
A BOY WHO WAS WANTED.

said Jack, as he came home 10 his
mother, hot, tired and dusty.
what is that" she asked.
THAT there are a great many boys
IN the world"
Didn't you know before that there
are too many boys?"
"Partly; but l didn't know there
were so many more than are want
ed"
What makes you think 500"
Because I've been round till l am
worn out trying to find a place to
work Wherever | go there are more
boys than places. Doesn't that show
that there are too many boys?"
mot exactly" said his mother,
with smile. at depends entirely
On the kind of boy. A good boy is
always wanted somewhere"
well, if I'm a good boy, | wish !
knew where I'm wanted"
Patience, patience, my boy. In
such a great world as this Is, with so
many places, and so many boys, 1t is
no wonder that some o. them do not
find their places at once. But be
very sure, dear" as she laid very
caressing hand on his arm, that ev-
cry boy who wants a chance to do
fair, honest work will find it."
THAT is the kind Of work want to
do" said Jack. Il don't want any
body's money for nothing. Let me
see-what have l got to offer? All
he oil U-itc
been able to get up in thirteen years,
good stout hands and civil tongue"
"And a mind and heart set on do
ing faithful duty" suggested his
mother.
Il hope So" said Jack. 81 remem-
Der father used to say, Just as soon
as you undertake to work for any
one you must bear in mind that you
have sold yourself to him for the Civ
en- time. Your time, your strength,
your energy are his, and your best
efforts to seek his interest in every
way are his due"
The earnest tone in which the boy
spoke seemed to give an assurance
that he would pay good heed to the
words of his father, whose counsel
could no more reach him.
For two or three days longer Jack
had reason to hold his opinion that
there were more boys than the world
met business man, who, questioning
him, said:
There are a 81 eat many applicat-
ions for the place, but the greater
number of the boys come and stay
for short time, and then leave If
they think they can do little better.
When a boy gets used to our routes
and customers we want him TO stay.
If you will agree to remain for at
least three years we will agree to pay
you three dollars a week as errand
boy"
THAT is just what wanted to do,
sir" said Jack eagerly. So he was
installed, and proud enough he was
at bringing his wages home every
Saturday night, and realizing that,
small as they were, the regular help
was Of great value to his mother.
It is not to be wondered at that the
faithful carrying out his fathers ad-
monition after awhile attracted the
attention not only of his employers,
but of others with whom he was
brought into contact in the persuit
Of his duties.
One day he was asked into the
office of Mr.. Lang, a gentleman to
whom he frequently carried parcels
of value.
"Have you ever thought of chang
ing your situation?" asked Mr.. Lang.
''No, sir" said Jack.
perhaps you could do better"
said the other. 81 want to get q
boy who is quick and intelligent, and
who can be relied on, and from what
I see of you I think YOU are that
sort of a boy. want you to drive a
delivery wagon, and I will pay you
Ave. dollars a week"
Jacks eyes opened wide.
cts wonderful good pay, sir, fol
a boy like me, I'm sure But promi
sed to keep on with Mr.. Hill for three
years, and the second year is only
just begun"
''Well, have you signed regular
agreement with Mr.. Hill?'
'.No, sir; I told him I'd stay
''You have mother to assist, 70,
told me. Couldn't you tell Mr.. Hill
that you feel obliged to do better
when you have a chance?"
81 don't believe / could" sal.
Jack. looking with his straight, franl
gaze into the gentleman's face
<'You see, sir, IL broke my word t.
him I shouldn't be the kind OF DO.
to be relied on that you wanted"
81 guess you are about right" sai'
Mr.. Lang, with laugh. 'Come AM
see me when your time is out: I dar
say shall want you then"