The mirror., 1923-05-03
BUCKING FATE
Continued from page I

Ceeded. "We call it Fate, and accept our
situations as if they were ineluctable. Oh
yes we sometimes conceive a resolution
to make change for the better, but that
resolve is usually ephemeral, and tomor-
row we are as though the thought had
never been born sort of mental will-o-
the wisp.
1t often transpires with us, as with
Nate Stiles, that we are not able to win
success in some particular field, but, if
we see ourselves fighting losing battle,
then why not be wise and change our oc-
cupation before defeat actually arrives.
A skillful General, beset by superior
forces, does not sit idly by and await dis
aster, but seeks the opportunity of out
hanking the enemy. l think, that if /
were in business and encountered an OBJ
viously insurmountable obstacle, l would
change my course and go around it. If
my business did not pay then, l would
quickly change it for something else, and
a working man ought to employ the same
rule in his life. Let every man weigh his
ideas and his chances of success in the
scales of calm practical reasoning and
then act accordingly. Merely because one
may have the desire to succeed in some
certain way is no reason why he cannot
succeed in some other manner and per-
haps great deal easier and better If
l conceive some rosy-hued dream, as of a
pot of gold at the rainbow's end, is that
sufficient reason why l should reject
more sane and practical plan for govern
ing my future acts and shaping my
career? To climb to the heights of in
dependence, wealth, and power, requires
real dogged perseverance. That is why
so few of us ever reach that state. We
are too mentally, morally, and physically
lazy, and so we sit and pine over our
shortcomings and call it Fate
The speaker paused and pointed at the
young section hand, who shifted about
and looked exceedingly embarrassed as
Crichton continued, ,-"If l were that
young man, I should learn a very valu-
abue lesson from Nate Stiles, who labored
for thirty years with the scantiest success,
and who now in his old age may become
a mendicant, or pencil and shoestring
vendor, while the poorhouse awaits his
eventual coming. Young mango and
get job with a future in it, and watch
your chance to rise. Or, better still, start
in some little business for yourself. Make
an opportunity to succeed, and don't wait
for Fate to decide your future. Buck up!
Be strong Acqut yourself like a man!
And succeed"
The young man turned pale, then
flushed crimson, and, convulsing as
though shaking off the invisible fetters
which had hitherto bound him, he jumped
to his feet as a giant just realizing his
power, and shouted to the group of
amazed listeners.
"By thunder! l will! Blast your
DANCED Fate. By Cad, Pm going to buck
.it~ The section hand grasped the pas
ment, then turned and darted through the
door out into the night.
"Amen!" said Crichton fervently.
Good for you!" cried Mrs. Gibbs.
Justice Jones slapped Dave West upon
the shoulder and exclaimed, "Great Guns!
Dave, that's the same spirit that made
our boys drive the "Rebs' off Lookout
Mountain"
"Yep!" calculated Dave.
The storekeeper advanced, grinning,
with hat in. hand. Give dollars each,
folks. The Elders church needs a new
carpet, and I'll furnish it at COST" As
bank notes Auttered into the hat, a shrill
whistle announced the coming of the even
ing train.
There was but little sleep that night
for Jim Hicks as he lay rolling and toss