Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-04-19

hundled," continued Dixon more boldly.
as he began to appreciate the humor OF
his employer.
Mr.. Phogie started aghsst with asto-
nishment and horror at the supplicant-
Cruik shank or Johnstone would have ac-
counted the scene quite equal to that in
the work house. where Olivar Twist, in a
less important matter, had the unheard Of
presumption and impudence to ask for
more
Dixon lost all hope.
{" trust, sir, am not unreasonable, :"
said he. excusing his boldness.
Forty years ago, Dixon, when [ was
of your age" began Mr. Phogie. with So
lemn deliberateness, Il should have been
glad to have received one half of your
present salary.
The merchant looked complacently at
the clerk to note the effect Of this asLoun-
ding declaration.
Dixon ventured to suggest that the
times had changed.
Mr.. Phogie admitted it, but was quite
sure that the change had been for the
worse.
That is matter of opinion. SIR"
" Humph?"
"IL osts much more to live now than
it did then"
Young men did not drive fast horses
then, nor go TO the. opera, nor board at
fashionable hotels" sneered Mr.. Pho
gle.
"I am guilty of none of these follies
SIR" replied Dixon. little indignant at
the cUarSeness of the implication.
Perhaps not ; but i've hundred dol
lars is good salary for prudent, care
full young man"
For one who can do no better. it is
very we'll"
" Clerks are vain. days. and
over estimate themselves" said Mr.. Pho
gle. rebuking the complacence of his sci
want.
Il do not ask an increase of salary, sir,
because cannot live on FIVE hundred dol
lars, but because l wish to advance my
self. and if you will pardon my vanity,
because think my services are worth
more"
VERY well, sir. when young men get
above their business there is no knowing
where they will stop. cannot accede 10
your demand" and Mr.. Phogie. to show
his indifference, busted himself in arran-
ging some papers on the desk before
| him.
"Then. sir, shall be obliged to give
| you notice of my intention to leave your
services" returned Dixou, evidently re-
lieved that the interview was concluded,
even in this unsatisfactory manner.
Mr.. Phogie paused in his occupation
| nd I,Nl l. Il IT,
full whether Dixon meant so.
" Got another situation ?" asked he.
"No, sir"
" Nothing in view 90
Nothing. sir, of course I could not
make an arrang cement till had consulted
you"
Mr.. Phoyic was not pleased with the
result Of the interview. Dixon was an
honest. faithful and devoted clerk, and
the idea of parting with him was not
agreeable. But to retract what he had
hastily said, would be an Indication OF
weakness; besides. he knew that any
quantity OF clerks could be obtained for
even three hundred dollars a year; and he
reasoned with himself that he should be
a fool to pay Dixon six, when he could
get one for three.
Accordingly Dixon gave formal notice
Of his intention to quit. But, having al
ready earned reputation for interity and
fidelity. he could easily obtain situation
at the salary he had demanded of Mr.
Phogie.
CHAPTER II.
"Good morning, Mr. Phogie," sail
Mr.. Wyman. liberal minded merchant.
as he entered tie counting room of the
former.
GOOD morning, sir; anything new TO-
day?"
!" L call to see you about a young
man who has been in your employ
mean Dixon"