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
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
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Chapters
- Chapter 1
In which Michael Desmond reads the morning paper, and, in consequence, is drawn into a series of adventures and undreamed-of complications
31:31 - Chapter 2
In which Michael goes home, and the first skirmishes of the contest are narrated
16:43 - Chapter 3
In which the troubles of Michael are multiplied by seventeen, and Father Carney goes without lunch
19:00 - Chapter 4
Father Carney becomes a diplomatist, and creates a sensation
12:22 - Chapter 5
Father Donnell entertains an angel unawares, and looks vainly for more heavenly visitants
14:45 - Chapter 6
In which is given a true and unvarnished account of Policeman Jones and his experiences in attempting to disperse an army of small boys
24:28 - Chapter 7
James Connell goes to confession, thereby saving two detectives from considerable trouble
23:20 - Chapter 8
The Sunflowers begin to show their strength. Michael visits Father Carney and meets Colonel Bridwell
12:45 - Chapter 9
A sad chapter, and therefore short. Michael becoming desperate, seeks counsel
06:31 - Chapter 10
Michael carries a secret in his bosom. Enter a mysterious woman. The plot thickens.
12:54 - Chapter 11
Eva Fagan walks in mystery, and Brother Fat leaves his supper untasted. Josephine is tempted to pray for life, and yields.
12:03 - Chapter 12
The mysterious woman again. Miss Tennison faints, and the office force is shocked
09:28 - Chapter 13
A chapter of surprises; Eva is taken ill, and Brother Fat makes a startling discovery
17:13 - Chapter 14
St. Xavier School is always on top. Jerry sees the very latest thing in the way of a ghost
09:33 - Chapter 15
In which Michael discovers his little secret, and dismays the 'Starboard' Contest Editor
10:15 - Chapter 16
Colonel Bridwell, mindful of Christmas, acts as the dove of peace
06:48 - Chapter 17
A little love and a case of scruples
23:25 - Chapter 18
In which Christmas comes and everybody is happy
22:37