Ruby's Reward — page 34: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

as links in our story, and show something” of the struggles ‘through which he passed, and the success which he attained. He did not like the carpenter’s trade any better than he had anticipated. It was hard, rough work, and not at all suited to his taste; but Mr Conant had said that it would be an important stepping stone toward the goal which he was seek- ing so he threw his whole heart into | usiness, determined to master it in all cetails in order that he might apply its rinciples to his future profession. The first three months were indeed very trying ones to him, and he found that he cid not cave for much but sleep and rest ‘after his day’s work was donc, even as Mr Conant had said. He was lame and sore in every joint; his hands weve bruised, and cut, and scratched, from contact with rough boards, and the awkward use of implements to which he’ was so unaccustomed, and looked little like those delicate members, which for years had been white and soft as a woman’s, and of which he had been not a little proud. But these were minor trials, and being poxseased of a strong constitution and a splendid physique, be gradually became more usetl to his work, and soon learned how to favour himself. His muscles toughened, his sinews strengthened, until at length he began to glory in the new powers that were being developed within him, and to experience some of the dignity and vobility of labour, albeit his tastes were not exactly suited thereby, Atter atime he began to fecl the old ambi tion to get on faster rising within him, and one mpht he presented himself at Mr Conant’s honse and requested that he might have something given him for evening oc- cupation. comicboolss.com zy t +1 Fh, es a: ee