Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-06-17
THE TWO CLERKS.

In Market Square, IN the pleasant city of
MerrypOrt, was crockery-wa store, over
the door of which was black sign bearing
in gilt letters, the name of Benjamin Hud-
son. For many years this crockery ware
store had been there, with the great picture
hanging in front for sign indeed, when
Mr.. Hudson first opened the store, some
forty years previous, he was quite young
man, and the sign over his door was very
bright and handsome; but now his eyes had
grown dim, and the owner was called ''Old
Hudson" by all the boys and of the city.
The windows of that store had great at
fractions for ali the children that passed
that way. There were beautiful vases, and
handsome China mugs with ELLEN, " Fan
ny, William, and lots of other names
inscribed upon them there were also plates
with pictures on them representing Frank
lin s maxims; and funny clocks, shaped like
dogs, that would roll their eyes back and
forth every time they ticked and many
other things curious and ornamental.
Mr.. Benjamin Hudson had grown rich in
his business, for he conducted it all himself,
and took care that nothing should be wasted
or lost by neglect He had made mistakes
10 be sure, as every man will make some
blunders in lifetime; but by skillful man
agement he quickly recovered from them.
lazy SCaio udo DtRuu W D6uQ over luT.
Hudson's shoulders, and dim the brightness
of his eyes, and he found business more irk-
some than it formerly had been.
must have partner, said he one day
to himself, as he sat before cheerful fire.
u lust have some one interested in the
business who is young and active, and will
take the weight from off my shoulders, for /
cannot do as used to dc"
Now, in Mr.. Hudson employ we're two
young men-Herbert Bond and Charles
.Seymore. They had been with him an equal
length of time. and had performed their
duties faithfully and we'll Charles did his
work quickly, and had smart way about
him that made people think he was greatly
superior to Herbert, who had a more quiet
demeanor, and accomplished quite as much
without making great stir about 1t.
Il must have either Herbert or Charles
for q partner" soliloguised Mr.. Hudson
""hich one | cannot decide. They both do
very well in the store, but ought to know
something of them out of the store, and |
am very sorry to say that that is point |
have never paid proper attention to. My
clerks come here in the morning and go
away again at night; what becomes of them
over night know not, and yet ought to
know. Neither of them have parents in
the city, they live in some of the numerous
boarding houses end hope are steady and
well behaved, | must see them in their
homes, and decide which one shall have
for my partner.
The next day Mr. Hudson ascertained the
boarding places of his two clerks without
letting them know for what purpose; and
after supper that evening his wife and daugh-
ters were somewhat surprised to see him go
to tie hall, and put on his coat and hat.
li''Where are you going, papa? asked Lilly,
the youngest daughter, who could hardly
remember the evening when her father had
not remained at home.
Il am going to make call, Lilly, on two
young men OF my acquaintance, but L shall
not be gone long, replied Mr.. Hudson, and
bidding them good night he went out
Herbert boarding house was the nearest
of the two, and there he stopped first. 1t
was neat looking house, in very pleasant
street. Mrs. Buntin, the landlady, opened
the door VIXEN Mr.. Hudson rang.
Does young man named Herbert Bond
board here2'
He does. Walk in, sir, and I will call
him." replied the woman.
Il will GO. to his room. if you will show
me where it is answered Mr.. Hudson, II
presume he is In it :"
Il think So he is seldom out in the eve
ming. You can step up there if you like;
go up two flights, and the first room on the
right is the one, replied Mrs Buntin
Mr.. Hudson puffed up the stairs, and
Knocked with his cane at the designated
door 1t was opened by Herbert, who look
ed very much amazed when he saw his en-
ployer, and said:
Why, Mr.. Hudson, is anything the mat
ter at the store? Nothing out ofway hope2'
No-nothing at ALL said Mr..
Hudson, walking in, and taking a chair. II
took a notion to call around and see how you
were this evening"
Bond expressed himself as being very
glad to see his employer, and relieved him
of his hat and cane. Mr.. Hudson glanced
about the chamber. 1t was an attic room,
with two dormer windows; good fire was
burning in an open CRATE book rack, fill
ed with books, adorned one side of the room,