HOW A BOY SUCCEEDED

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 26, 1 July 1909, Page 1037

HOW A BOY SUCCEEDED

Boys sometimes think they can not afford to be manly and faithful to the little things. A story is told of a boy of the right stamp, and what came of his faithfulness. A few years ago a large drug firm of New York City advertised for a boy. Next day the store was thronged with applicants, one accompanied by a woman, who proved to be his aunt, in lieu of faithless parents, by whom he had been abandoned. Looking at this waif, the advertiser said : ' Can't take him ; places all full. Besides, he is too small.' 'I know he is small,' said the woman, 'but he is willing and faithful.' There was a twinkling in the boy's eyes which made the merchant think again. A partner in the firm volunteered the remark that he ' did not see what they wanted with such a boy; he wasn't bigger than a pint of cider.' But after consideration the boy was set to work. A few days later a call was made on the boys in tie store for some one to stay all night. The prompt response of the little fellow contrasted well with the reluctance f.f the others. In the middle of the night the merchant looked in to see if all were right in the store, and presently .discovered his youthful protege busy scissoring labels. ' What are you doing ?' said he. ' I did not tell you to work nights.' ' I know you did not tell me so, but I thought I might as well be doing something.' In the morning the cashier got orders to ' double that boy's wages, for he is willing.' Only a few weeks elapsed before a show of wild beasts passed through the streets, and very naturally all hands in the store rushed to witness the spectacle. A thief saw his opportunity, and entered the door to seize something, but in a twinkling found himself firmly clutched by the diminutive clerk aforesaid, and after a struggle was captured. Not only was a robbery prevented, but valuable articles taken from other stores were recovered. When asked why he stayed behind to watch when all others quit their work, he replied: ' You told me never to leave the store when others were absent, and I thought I'd stay.' Orders were immediately given once more: 'Double that boy's wages; he is willing and faithful.' To-day that boy is a member of the firm.