“Good morning, sir,” the kid said with a nervous tone in his voice. He almost hesitated, but he pointed to the sign in the window. “I see, sir, that you have announced an opening for a printer’s devil.”
“That’s correct,” Martin answered.
“Well, sir, I wish to apply for the position,” the boy said. “I have a letter of introduction from my teacher stating his views of my character and work habits.”
“Do you know what a printer’s devil is, boy?” Martin asked.
“He helps the printer, sir, and is taught the craft in turn,” the youngster answered.
Martin straightened up and looked right into the kid’s eyes. “And tell me, young man. Why should I entrust my noble and honorable trade to a lad like you?”
The boy was plainly-nervous, but he answered straight up nevertheless. “Because, sir, I have a great respect for the power of the press. I read all your editorials, Mr. Blazer. They were truly inspiring!” Martin cleared his throat in slight embarrassment. “Well! I’m certainly happy to see that my words were taken seriously by somebody in town. I’m interested to know something. What would you do if you became a printer and a newspaperman?”
“I would hope to accomplish some great things with the skill of typography and printing fully within my grasp. Perhaps I could change oppressive policies of the government or bring about the defeat of criminal elements like you did, sir.”
“Sometimes brute force must be applied even to the most intellectual attempts at establishing justice,” Martin cautioned him.
“Yes, sir. Like when you back up the Sentinel with your pistol.”
“You speak well, boy,” Martin said. “Do you like to read?”
“Oh, yes, sir! That is my favorite pastime.” Martin smiled and beckoned with a nod of his head. “Step inside, young man. I think this is going to be the beginning of a purposeful and significant affiliation!”
The two went into the office while, outside on the street, Lighthorse Creek, Indian Territory, eased farther into the new day.
INDIAN TERRITORY 3: LIGHTHORSE CREEK
By Patrick E. Andrews
First published by Zebra Books in 1988
Copyright © 2017 by the Andrews Family Revocable Trust
First Smashwords Edition: May 2017
Names, characters and incidents in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information or storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.
This is a Piccadilly Publishing Book
Series Editor: Ben Bridges
Text © Piccadilly Publishing
Published by Arrangement with the Author’s Agent.
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