26 fred the Apprentice.

means of which plain calico is covered with
elegant-coloured patterns. This attentive ob-
servation ended by leading him to cherish a
strong desire, and to indulge in a vague hope:
it was to be received into the engraving depart-
ment. To learn this branch of his trade soon
became the dream of his existence.

Without exactly knowing how he could carry
out his plan, he liked to think how, at some time
or other, he should change his present position
for that of an engraver, as he had the laudable
ambition to improve his condition in life by per-
severance and industry. At first he thought of
asking his employer to allow him to devote a
part of his time to learning the branch of the
trade which he wished to know, but he was afraid
to solicit such a favour. His experience, how-
ever, convinced him that many things, apparently
impossible, may be accomplished by a firm will.
He resolved to go to the engraving department
during dinner-time, and to work there quietly.
A young apprentice in this branch, whom he
had taken into his confidence, showed him how
to use the requisite tools; and at the end of
some time Fred was able to engrave tolerably
well any pattern that was not very complicated.