In which Michael goes home, and the first skirmishes of the contest are narrated

That Office Boy

by Francis J. FINN (1859 - 1928)

A new story by Father Finn! It will be glad news to many to learn that Father Finn has found time from his many duties to write a new story, and such a story! From the opening chapter to the last page of the book the interest never lags. The plot is very simple, turning on a prize contest for pianos offered by certain newspapers to the school, society or club that receives the greatest number of coupons. Of course, this calls for keen competition on the part of the young people of the city, and it is in this contest that Michael Desmond, "That Office Boy," figures prominently. The characters in the book are just those people that Father Finn delights in drawing—people that we meet every day, that we know intimately—good, straightforward folks and others, too, that we would not care to associate with. What the result of the contest is, who the successful competitors are, must be learned by reading the story. Of course, there is a strain of Father Finn's delightful humor running through the book, with here and there a touch of genuine pathos that brings the tears to our eyes. Father Finn has so long been recognized as a master of fiction that he needs no words of commendation. Suffice it that "That Office Boy" is the equal of anything he has ever written. - Summary by American Catholic Quarterly Review

Listen next episodes of That Office Boy:
A chapter of surprises; Eva is taken ill, and Brother Fat makes a startling discovery , A little love and a case of scruples , A sad chapter, and therefore short. Michael becoming desperate, seeks counsel , Colonel Bridwell, mindful of Christmas, acts as the dove of peace , Eva Fagan walks in mystery, and Brother Fat leaves his supper untasted. Josephine is tempted to pray for life, and yields. , Father Carney becomes a diplomatist, and creates a sensation , Father Donnell entertains an angel unawares, and looks vainly for more heavenly visitants , In which Christmas comes and everybody is happy , In which is given a true and unvarnished account of Policeman Jones and his experiences in attempting to disperse an army of small boys , In which Michael discovers his little secret, and dismays the 'Starboard' Contest Editor , In which the troubles of Michael are multiplied by seventeen, and Father Carney goes without lunch , James Connell goes to confession, thereby saving two detectives from considerable trouble , Michael carries a secret in his bosom. Enter a mysterious woman. The plot thickens. , St. Xavier School is always on top. Jerry sees the very latest thing in the way of a ghost , The mysterious woman again. Miss Tennison faints, and the office force is shocked , The Sunflowers begin to show their strength. Michael visits Father Carney and meets Colonel Bridwell