The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-08-29
Misfsllansuns.
From As Flag sfour Uaiss.
THE MERCHANTS APPRENTICE
Or, no salary the first year.
ny srLvASrs coHn, JR.

Mr.. BENJAMIN Goodwin took his eldest son
to tie great city, for he had obtained, as he
thought, an cxcellont place for his boy. Il
was q situation in the store OF Mr.. Andrew
Phelps. Mr.. Phelps was one Of the heaviest
merchants in the city dealer in cloths Of
all kinds, descriptions, qualities and guam
titles. He had no partner, for he was one
Of those exact, nervous men, who want no
second party in the way. 1t twasnear noon
when Mr.. Goodwin entered the merchants
counting-room, leading his boy by the hand.
Gilbert Goodwin was fourteen years Of
age, rather small, but with energy Of mind
and body sufficient to make up for it. His
brow was high and open; his eyes of a
mild, yet deep, dark blue, and his features
all made up for truth and goodness. His
father was q farmer, honest and poor, who
had given his son good education, and
who now wished his farther education to be
of practical kind. A friend had once ad-
vised him to make merchant Of the boy
il was the village school-master,-and tho
advice, came not as aattcry, but as the re-
suit OF q careful consideration Of the boys
qualities. BY the assistance ofother friends
this opportunity had been found.
al have brought my son, Mr.. Phelps, rs
we had arranged, and | am sure you will
find him punctual and faithful"
"Ah-master Gilbert-ahcm-yes-Ili like
his looks. Hope he will prove oil you
wish"
Az the merchant thus spoke in q matter
of.fact sort Of way, he smiled kindly upon
the boy, and then turning to the parent he
resumed:
"Have you found boardins-place for
him YETI"
eyes, sir, he will board with his uncle,
my wife's brother, sir"
"Ah, that is fortunate. This great city
Is q bad place for boys without friends
"Ofcoursc, sir" added Mr.. Goodwin
"and yet hope you will overlook his af
fairs little"
Certainly. what can. But Of course
you are aware that shall SOC little Of him
when he IL out Of the store"
Mr.. Goodwin said I" of course, and thcr'
was silence Of some moments. The parcn
ga,ed down upon the floor little while
and finally he said;
"There has been nothing said yet, Mr.
Phelps, about the pay"
"Paye" repeated the merchant.
+" Yes sir, what pay are you willing L
allow my son Cor his serviccs?'
"Ah," said Mr.. Phelps, with a blan'
smile, I" l SEQ You are unacquainted will
our customs. We never pay anything tn
first year." ..I .
"Not payf" uttered Mr.. Goodwin. some
what surprised. "But am to pay Gil
ber.'s board myself, and I thought of cour'
you would allow him something for pocks
money"
"No, we never pay anything the hr'
year. Ifyou were going to send your 30
10 an academy, or college. you would nc
expect the teachers to pay him Tor his stud,
ingI"
"No, sir."
"Just 30 il is here. We look upon a
apprentice here . mercantile scholar, an
for the first year he can be Of little real Der
eft to Us, though he Is all tho while reaT
Ing valuable knowledge to himself. Why
there are at this moment ffty youngts'
whose wealthy parents would DO glad to 8
them into the berth you have secured fS
your boy"
"Thsn you pay nothing'" s,id the pare
rather sadly.
"Not the first year. That is our rul'
We viii teach him all we can, and at d
end Of thas time we shall retain him IL he
faithful and worthy. and pay him som
thing"