The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1914-03-13


who would have thought of that; he
was the only boy in Jonesville who
owned a pair of patent-leather shoes
AS they passed his uncle's residence
the old man, who was his guardian
caught a glimpse Of him through an
opening in the neglected shrubbery on
the great lawn, and sent a serving,
man to bid him enter
jackson made WY face for the
benefit of the girls, as he said good-by
,, to them, promising to appear for sup.
per at the Spotswoods'. He carefully
obeyed the summons but it irked him.
HIS uncle always irked him. He be,
lieyed, and there were others who be,
lieved, that his uncle tried to irk him.
They never had got on very we'll to-
gether; the old man was hard, con-
servative to the point of stubbornness
and opposed every young Idea, particu-
larly to every young idea which
CHANGED to have originated in his
nephew's brain
We'll, Jackson" said his uncle sour
ly.
We'll, Uncle Abner."
Ready to settle down in Jonesville.
are you?"
Now, uncle" said the youth protest
ingy.
Your father settled down here, |
settled down here. and you'll have to
settle down here said the grim. I'M
lovable old man. you have obliga-
tons here. The Jones Gum factory
has built this town, and is responsible
for it. You will have charge of the
factory before long"
Jackson Writhed. He didn't wish to
have charge of the factory
It's not good business, uncle" he
had once told the man who now sat
staring at him moodily. They'll think
it was the gum that made him bald.
Poor grandfather was too bareheaded
to be a good advertisement for any
tuiuS, SACepl-au lnQl2n.
Why an indiana" his uncle inquired
without suspicion.
AS all Alternating 'ad' of the best
scalper in the tribe"
This irreverence had abruptly end
ed that days interview.
But this evening Abner Jones was
busy with more serious thoughts.
When are you going to work." he
crabbedly demanded.
Il don't see"
Jackson, every Jones for two gen
erations has learned the gum business
before he was as old as you; but you.
foolishly INDUCED by your father-I
have never seen such madness as the
way he brought you up-haye come to
manhood knowing nothing Of it. Don't
you ever wish to settle down."
Not yet" said Jackson, boldly. I'm
too young"
You're tWenty-One."
I'm tWenty-one; but I've lived most
of the time in Jonesville. That makes
me just fifteen so far as actual age
goes-and yet the time seems longer
than it u.s." said the irreverent Jack
son.
I'm almost discouraged. I'm free to
tell you, Jackson, that, if your fathers
will had left me any opportunity for
doing so, should see to it that, when
pass to my reward, you would have
no share of the great business which
you hold in such contempt"
Pass on to your-er-yes, sir" Jack. |
son murmured.
Il have had tales brought to me of
some things you have said about Jones |
VILE" said the old man bitterly. "You
have compared it most unfavorably |
with that modern Babylon, New York"
"Well-er-uncle, you know New
York is-well, more metropolitan.
"Jonesyille Is metropolitan enough.
Jonesville is a pleasant little town,
built by the industry and brains of the
members of your family, sir-in both
of which you seem to be most singular.
ly lacking; and, while it has fewer
people than New York, it has more vir.
tues. You will be the only Jones re-
after | have gone. | am far
from well. l."
Instantly the young man was con.
rite. He had no wish to hurt his
lncle's feelings.
I'm sorry. sir, if you are feeling ill.,"
1e said, respectfully, but, you see.
iou've always lived in Jonesville-a
great drain on a mans vitality
ildn't mean to say word to bother
you."
But the old man was not to be paci-
led; his face continued stern. 1T is
ess your words than what seems to be
our disposition which annoys me-" he
'urst forth. is there nothing serious
n you?"
/ guess I'm pretty young to settle
!oWn. Perhaps that's what's the mat.
er."
Il had settled down and had COM
lete charge of the bookkeeping depart.
nent of this great ENTERPRISE before
was eighteen. You might begin to
AXE life seriously"
You can't take 1t any Cher way in
onesville."
Il feel that l should t4l you vari-
US details of the business, for my
avs here may be numbered"