The Harmonica Player
The boy was sitting on the edge of the station fountain and playing his harmonica. His hat was sitting next to his foot with piles of coins in it. Most people tossed him some before leaving to catch another train or going about on his business. This little entrepreneur had an unusual way of getting people to notice him and give him their money, though he did nothing showy or illegal.
Samuel was on his way to Chicago when he spotted the boy at the fountain. He checked his watch, but no matter what the time was, he thought he could spare a little bit of time for this strange boy with the overflowing hat. He seemed not to pay attention to what was going on in the station around him, but when a child reached for the money, he batted the child’s hand away and made sure the child was gone before proceeding again. It was at these times that the guards would look over and one would start to approach, but the boy could take care of himself and when he started playing again, they would return to their duties.
Sam walked up to him and introduced himself. The boy stopped playing.
“Hi, Mister. I’m Jack.”
“Well, Jack. How would you like to play professionally?”
“I get enough money as it is,” he said. “I don’t need to take up my time with unions.”
“I can assure you, you can get more money.”
“No thanks,” Jack said going back to his harmonica.
Something inside told Samuel that it was no use pressing the issue and he found himself giving the boy a five-dollar bill before leaving to go back to his luggage.
What a strange little boy, he thought before walking outside to the city, his luggage following tightly behind him.
