TWO BOYS WHO MEAN BUSINESS.
By Portus Baxter
[Portus Baxter, in November Success.] This is a true story of two boys who represent the independence and grit of the American spirit. James Hackett was not in need of additional help, but an indescribable something about the latest applicant compelled his attention. “So you want work,” he said, after a moment’s thought. “Yes, sir,” came the quick and decisive reply from the lips of the applicant. “It strikes me that you’re pretty young for a lumber-millman.” Mr. Hackett could not refrain from smiling at the thought. “I’m eleven, sir, and, if you’ll give me a chance, I will show you that I can work.” Mr. Hackett was evidently in good humor, for he called the foreman and told him to give the boy something to do. Thus it was that John Arola gave the first evidence of the character which should some day make him a power in the State of Washington. His mother was dead, and his father was away in the woods, thus leaving John and his brother Carl, aged thirteen years, to fight their battles with the world. One day the foreman of the mill said to Mr. Hackett, “That is a bright boy you turned over to me.” “Good,” said Mr. Hackett, “raise his wages to one dollar a day.” “He is worth it,” replied the foreman. John was elated at this turn in affairs, but, to the surprise of Mr. Hackett, he requested permission for his brother Carl to take his place at the mill. “If he is like you, it will be all right,” said Mr. Hackett. “Indeed, sir, he is just as good a worker as I am,” said John, and his face lightened up with a look of pride. Here was loyalty unadulterated. Carl went to work. He gave satisfaction. John disappeared, and, in the rush of business, Mr. Hackett forgot to inquire about him until one day he chanced to meet Carl. “Where is John?” asked Mr. Hackett.11 “Oh!” said Carl, “he is attending school in Aberdeen.” This was a new phase of the case, and Mr. Hackett became intensely interested in the two boys who were not only anxious to earn their living, but who also were planning to acquire an education. By inquiries he learned that the boys were living in a little tumble-down “shack,” and that the one who worked in the mill earned enough money to keep both supplied with food and clothes while the younger one attended school. Out of school hours John did the housework and cooked the meals. Everything about the old “shack” was tidy. Here was honest effort, youthful independence, and happiness. A few days later Carl requested a short vacation. “What for?” asked Mr. Hackett. “Well,” said Carl, in a burst of youthful confidence, “John and I are building a house.” “You may have your vacation,” was all that Mr. Hackett said; but he did a lot of thinking, and, before he went home that night, he instructed the foreman to see that Carl’s salary went on just the same. In due time, John and Carl completed their “mansion.” It has two rooms and the same number of doors and windows. The roof is well shingled. Carl has returned to work in the mill, and John continues to attend school when not engaged in household duties. In the evening the two lads study and read. They are happy in their independence.