The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-06-04

4
which specified to cent the profits they
had made. Baker had more to say than
either of the partners. $50 to Baker
and talk with him." was an expression
constantly made 10y them. 1t was de-
ightful for them to have a man upon
whom they could so implicitly rely.
L had often wished to know to what
extent Baker was compensated for his
services. l thought his salary must be
large, from the manner in which he
dressed and lived. / often saw him dine
at Delmonico's, or drive up and down
Fifth avenue with the finest span of
horses 1 ever wished to see. All this
sort of thing consumed money, and no
small amount, either. Whenever went
to the theater Baker was there in a pri-
vate box with ladies, and he frequently
came out of some large store on Canal
street with large parcels.
One day-it was the first of the month
Il went into his office to receive my
salary, and, while there, some one called
him; he stepped out to see who it was.
1 glanced at an entry he had Just made
"Thomas Baker, one months salary,
1925"
I" He can't live on that, with the way
in which he spends his money!" said to
myself. He must have private in
come"
never gave this subject any further
thought after that day, but went to learn
bookkeeping. / applied myself to it
diligently, and at the end of six months
/ could manage set of books as readily
as competent book-keeper. plodded
faithfully along in my position, hoping
that some day or other l should become
book-keeper.
One day Mr.. Everett, of the firm of
Everett & Co., stood near my desk. talk
ing to Mr.. Dobson. overheard, un-
Intentionally, portion of the converse
ton.
"Mr. Dobson, what do you pay your
book k-keeper9"
Fifteen hundred year"
Has he the power of attorney"
"Yes; he signs our checks, and has
complete charge of eur finances. Why
do you ask Z"
Because l thought his salary was
very large, Judging from the way he is
spending money. L think he spends
great deal more than you give him. Take
my advice, Mr.. Dobson, and examine
your books.
The rest did not hear, as 1 was called
to another part of the store.
About week after this conversation
recorded above, Mr. Dobson came to my
desk and said
"Wilder, are you able to run over ac-
counts and papers =
" Perfectly, sir; and 1 also understand
bookkeeping, " l replied, thinking that
l was about to be elevated, and wishing
to let him know what / knew.
"Well, l am very glad come down
here after dinner, this evening. / want
you for something"
i got to the store that evening very
early, not giving myself much time to
eat dinner. l found Mr.. Dobson there
before me.
6" want to make an examination of
Mr. Bakers books; am not acquainted
with bookkeeping. / watched you, and
found you to be very energetic, and saw
Mr.. Baker often calling upon you for
assistance. A friend of mine has con-
vinced me that 1 should keep track of
my own business. Baker is in the Office
now. He came in here just as 1 was
turning the corner. l do not know what
brings him back. l saw him enter with
man. Now, wish to see what he is
doing. l will open the door softly, and
we will go back and listen. "
We entered noiselessly. All was dark
and gloomy, save single gas light in
the book-keeper's Office. We approached
the Office; the door was partly open, and
we heard the following conversation:
"I must have the money, Baker; you
promised it to me the first. If it is net
paid / will see the firm"
"Can't you wait till the first of next
month 2"
No, will not"
"Well, / will give you the money;
here's check for S400. Here-receipt
your bill, and make yourself scarce"
The man went out, followed by Baker,
who unlocked and locked the doors. He
returned again to the office, Lit another
burner, and wrote for some minutes.
He soon got through, thrust paper into
spindle, and put the books in the safe,
slamming it with deafening noise.
"I am through with him, anyhow
must figure sharp too many of these
things on file. ;"
We heard him say these words to him
self. In another minute the gas was
turned off, and he went out.
We waited few moments, to make
sure that he would not return, then en-
tered the Office, lit the gas, and were
soon ready for work. Mr.. Dobson had
duplicate keys of the safe, so he soon
had the books out. suggested to him
to check the bills with the check book.
He opened the book, and glancing at the
stubs, said:
"What does this mean9 Here's stub
for $400-just the check he gave that
man, and charged Stephen & Co. the
same amount-Gheir bill for fifty barrels
of -four This is impossible; L haven't
bought barrel of flour from them this
month, and i am certain Mr.. Morrissey
has not"
/ had been looking for the bill-book,
and, having found it, my hand touched
bill of flour from Stephens & Co.,
dated the first of the month.
Here's the BILL" / said, regularly
receipted." :"