`` With which grateful farewell I trudged away , well pleased at the success of my first attempt . Refreshed and cheered by the kindness of my humble hostess , I took heart , and worked away at my next job with redoubled energy , and by the time the first bells rang for church , I had three dollars in my pocket . My blood danced in my veins , and all my despair seemed shovelled away with the snow I had cleared from other people 's paths . `` My back ached , and my palms were sore , but heart and soul were in tune again , and hurrying home , I dressed and went to church , feeling that a special thanksgiving was due for the lesson I had learned . `` Christmas garlands hung upon the walls , Christmas music rolled through the church , and Christmas sermon , prayer , and psalm cheered the hearts of all . But the shabby young man in the back seat found such beauty and comfort in the service of that day that he never forgot it , for it was the turning-point of his life . '' My friend fell silent for a minute , and I sat , contrasting that past of his , with the happy present , for he was a prosperous man now , with an honored name , a comfortable fortune , and best of all , a noble wife , and some brave lads to follow in his footsteps . Presently I could not resist asking , -- `` Did you go on shovelling , Dick ? '' `` Not long , for there was no need of it , thanks to Pat 's mother , '' he answered smiling . `` Come , I must have all the story , for I know it has a sequel ! '' `` A very happy one . Yes , I owe to that kind soul and her little story , the turn that Fortune gave her wheel . Nay , rather say , the touch of nature that makes the whole world kin . For when I went home that day , I sat down and made a simple tale from the hint she gave , and something of her own humor and pathos must have got into it , for it was accepted , and more stories solicited , to my great surprise . `` I wrote it to please myself , for I was in a happy mood ; and though my room was cold , the sun shone ; though my closet was bare , honest money was in my pocket , and I felt as rich as a king . `` I remember I laughed at myself as I posted the manuscript on Monday morning , called it infatuation , and thought no more of it for days , being busy with my new friend , the shovel . `` Snow was gone , but coal remained , and I put in tons of it with a will , for this active labor was the tonic my overwrought nerves needed , and my spirits rose wonderfully , as muscles earned the daily bread that brains had failed to win . `` Ah ! but they brought me something better than bread , dearer than fame ; and to that old shovel I owe the happiness of my life ! The very day I got the letter accepting the little story , I was gaily putting in my last ton of coal , for I felt that now I might take up the pen again , since in a kitchen I had discovered the magic that wins listeners .
`` Bless my XXXXX !
fame heart job lads life mother name seat surprise thanks