Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1888-01-14
Tn snite ofthe lateness of the hour

from its accustomed place behind his
ear, and taking up his hat began to
strike it gently with his handker-
chief. AT the same time a nervous
expression came over his face, as if
he wanted to say something but had
not the courage.
~ believe" he at length remark
ed, coughing nervously as he did so,
81 believe, Mr.. Tower, 1t is New
Years eve."
Sch ?" said the merchant, looking
up for moment. "Yes, I believe 1t
is" he said nonchalantly, little sur
prised that his taciturn bookkeeper
should have ventured upon an obser-
walton not demanded by the bust
ness.
He was mistaken, however. II
was only preliminary to little bust
ness which Job was nervous about
introducing.
~ believe" continued Bradshaw,
with nervous rapidity, "it's five-and.
thirty years today since 1 entered
your employ, or rather your fathers"
"Very likely" said John Tower
"What's the man driving at ?" he
thought to himself.
"And during that time l have en-.
deavored to serve you to the best Of
my poor ability" continued Job hur'
riedly.
"You have given us very good sat
isfaction," said the merchant gra
ciously.
He had reason to say so. 1t would
have been hard to find anywhere {
more faithful servant than Job Brad
shaw. A careful bookkeeper he was
thoroughly devoted 10 the interests
of his house, making them in fact hi
own.
81 am very proud and grateful t.
hear you say So" said Bradshaw
slightly rubbing his hands, "becaus,
, it emboldens me to ask you a fovor.'
ga favorr' echoed Mr.. Tower
"Well, what is to"
at is" said Job, humbly, "tha
e you will add a hundred dollars to m,
salary"
"Add a hundred dollars to you
salary" echoed the merchant, VIII,
had supposed that it might perhap
be at the most request for holiday
"You know, Mr.. Tower" said Jo1
Z, hurriedly, "that provisions have ris
en- considerably within two or tire
> years. Flour costs at least a hal
more, and other things in proportion
d Then, too, my landlord has raise
the rent $40 quarter, and assur
you that l find it hard to live on $50
year. / should never have yer
tured to say anything to you aboU
the matter, but really found it s
hard to get along"
"Six hundred dollars!" repeate
the merchant-whose annual e1
penses exceeded ten times that sum-
sit appears to me that you ought
l. live on that amount. l am afrai
:, you are not economical"
:, Indeed, sir, try to be-" said Jol
2 submissively, "but somehow it's til
y little things that count up. Six hui
r, dred dollars amt now what the
l. were ten years ago."
n at is all that l have been accu
t, toned to pay" said the merchan
1, coldly, land really, Mr.. Bradshaw
h l do not feel called upon to increal
ID it."
1t Job twirled his hat nervously
N his hand, and there was an acu
IS pang of disappointment in his hone
to heart.
le "Of COURSE" said his employer,
h the same forbidding tone, eff W
r, have a chance to do better, don
to wish you to sacrifice your prospec
be for the sake of remaining with me
Poor Job! This was the most u
n, kind cut of all to him, who had dev
~ ted all the best years of his life to
ly employers interests.
ne 81 beg your pardon, Mr.. Tower
ne he SAID, in a choking voice, "for as
nj ing what may be an unreasonable
&c vor. / shouldn't wish to leave 70
or service unless you desired it. Fl
n and thirty years I've served yo
lis firm, and somehow it wouldn't see
'e- natural anywhere else"
n And so Job Bradshaw went out
ot the merchants presence with t
lis downcast look of a child who h
been rebuked.
ur perhaps it was unreasonable"
thought humbly. 81 wonder whe