Gilpin observer., 1917-08-16
viii To Work

a contributor, whenever I said, II
can't do It," got the familiar answer,
"Where there's will there's way"
Last week got 1t again, this time from
keen-cyed, earnest clergyman, the
head of one of our large city missions.
He read behind my apathy the de-
spondency of failure, and when rose
with a dull "Thank you," to his re-
ply that there was no position open
to me, he said abruptly: "Sit down."
Then he told me story after story Of
men, today known and respected In the
business world, who were once down
and out" This was the last; will
tell 1t In his words:
"A man went to see friend Of mine,
also a clergyman. He wanted Job.
He was pretty seedy-his shoes were
shabby, his collar soiled, his suit un-
pressed.
"There's no use trying, anyway
he declared with twisted smile. The
whole rotten worlds run by graft. ITO
everyone that hath shall be given'-
you know the rest-"but from him that
hath not" Well, there's always the
river
'The clergyman said nothing, but
looked steadily at the speaker. The
man squirmed. fumbled with his hat.
gazed at the floor, at the pictures, at
the window-anywhere except into the
other mans eyes. He knew he had
whined like coward.
"'My man. said the minister finally,
you're down on your luck. You feel
that your life is futile, that nobody
needs you. What you need Is work,
not money. You've loafed; you've ac-
quired the habit Of loaflng and kick
ing. Now. If I give you something
to do, will you do it7 No matter how
silly 1t may seem, will you do itT
"'Ye-es,' came the hesitat1ng an
swer.
"'Good! Take that brick and he
pointed to one lying loose in the fire.
place, and carry 1t all around Madison
square; then come back
1.-THE man felt foolish as he picked
up the brick. He felt more foolish
when the elevator boy snickered; but
he remembered that in his school days
ne had never refused a challenge, and
ne vowed he would see 1t through.
Solemnly he crossed the park and
paced round the square, carrying his
burden past grinning onlookers with
rs much solicitude as II it had been
# gold instead Of common red clay.
When he returned his shoulders were
,traighter. He looked pleased with
himself, though somewhat sheepish.
"'Hello, so you've done It'll Well,
don't you feel betterT
"He did-undeniably. He had not
one cent more In his pocket, but he had
forgotten that he was hungry in con-
,entrating upon the brick.
"All right; now here is another Job.
Take these two dollars, go to first
class coffee merchants, buy all you
can Of their best grade Of coffee, ask
them for some small bags and strings,
and do it up into quarter-pound pack
ages. Go up to Park avenue, ring the
basement doorbell Of each house and
say to the servant who comes to the
door:
Madam, I am introducing a very
excellent brand Of coffee. This Is
sample package Of quarter Of q
pound. should not sell 1t If were
not convinced that 1t is something you
will be glad to try. If you do not like
1t should never try to sell 1t to you
again. Charge enough to make two
cents on each sale. Then go back and
buy some more.'"
The narrator stopped and smiled
quizzically. II don't know the rest OF
the story. like to think the man
made good; I like to think that he is
a prosperous salesman Of high-grade
cofrees and teas today. But that's not
the point. You are writer and you
want job. Here is a story for you.
Use 1t or not, as you choose. think
you, too. can make good. Good-day !"
Youths Companion.