"I Couldna' Help It."
A manufacturer in Paisley, having had considerable trouble with the clerks in his employ, determined, when a vacancy occurred in the office, that no Paisley youth should again be engaged by him. He advertised accordingly that " no Paisley boy need apply."
In answer to the advertisement several youths appeared, but only one of these was found to come up to requirements. This boy could write and read and count well, and had a testimonial from his Sunday school teacher for good conduct. It was arranged, therefore, that he should begin work on the following morning. Just, however, as the boy had passed out from the room, it occurred to Mr B that there was one question he had quite forgotten to put.
"Boy! here, boy !" he called out, bringing the youth back again into his presence, " I forgot to ask you where you were barn." "Born, sir?" queried the youth, with considerable hesitancy as to what answer he should give, since he was aware of the exclusive clause which the advertisement contained. "I was born in Paisley, sir ; but as sure's death I couldna' help it ! " He got the situation.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18931207.2.191.10
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 2076, 7 December 1893, Page 49
Word Count
194"I Couldna' Help It." Otago Witness, Issue 2076, 7 December 1893, Page 49
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