Cinder Path Tales

84 CINDER-PATH TALES snug berth in the gymnasium might follow, he made up his mind to have that job. I am not sure that he made a vow, as would a knight of the fourteenth century; but he did the same thing in his own way, and resolved, come what might, if mortal man might compass it,no labor ortrial would he avoid, no care would he neglect, until " that job " was his. He began by ingratiating himself with every manwho wore a running-shoe, — not a difficult task, for they all liked him, and found in his words and acts a never-failing source of amusement. He had also that rare tact whichmakes an Irish gentleman the most fascinating on earth. With Paddy it showed itself in a never-failing goodnature, a ready hand, and a wonderful faculty for remembering names and faces. The boys soon found out which way his ambition pointed, that he was entirely de­ voted to it, and a gay life they ledhim forth­ with. They firsttold him that the man who did the mostwork would get the"job," and that I was keeping run of them. At this Paddy redoubled his exertions. He glued one eye on the compatriotwhom he most feared, and for his every shovelful Pat tossed two; for every pull of the rake he went him one