Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-02-20
RECOMMENDING HIMSELF.
Why John Brent Had No Trouble in Select,
ing n Clerk.
santa Claus.

pleasing sound to his ears In the rear
of him stretched a wide, smoothly-kept
lawn, in the center of which stood his
residence, a handsome, massive modern
structure, which had cost him not less
than ninety thousand dollars.
The owner of it was the man who, in
shabby attire, was trimming his hedge.
"a close, stingy old sl1inflint, 'I'll war
rant" some boy is ready to say.
No. he wasn't. He trimmed his own
hedge for recreation, as he was man of
sedentary habits. His shabby clothes
were his working clothes, while those
which he wore on other occasions were
both neat and expensive; indeed, he
was very particular even about what are
known as the minor appointments of
dress.
Instead of being stingy, he was ex-
ceedingly liberal. He was always con-
trlbuting to benevolent enterprises, and
helping deserving people, often when
they had not asked his help.
just beyond the hedge was the public
sidewalk, and two boys stopped opposite
70 where he was at work, he on one side
OF the hedge and they on the other.
"Helloa, Fredl That's a very hand
some tennis racquet" one of them said.
'You paid about seven dollars for it,
didn't you?"
"Only six, Charlie" was the reply.
''Your old one is in prime order yet.
What will you take for it?"
81 sold it to Willie Robbins for one
dollar and half" replied Fred.
''Well, now, that was silly" declared
Charlie. I'D have given you three dol
lars for it."
"You are too Late" replied Fred. 81
have promised it to Willie"
s'Ohl you only promised it to him, Ell?
And he's simply promised to pay for it,
suppose? III give you three dollars
cash for it."
~ can't do it, Charlie"
"You can if you want to. A dollar
and half more isn't to be sneezed at"
''of course not" admitted Fred; land
I'd like to have it, only promised the
racquet to Willie"
''But you are not bound to keep your
promise. You are at liberty to take
more for it. Tell him that offered you
another time as much, and that will
settle it."
"No, Charlie" gravely replied the
other boy, ''that will not settle it,
neither with Willie nor with me. lean
not disappoint him. A bargain is a
bargain. The racquet is his, even if it
hasn't been delivered"
ooh, let him have it. retorted Charlie,
Il mill No COZ
that you are a chump, but I'll predict
that you'll never make a successful bus
mess man. You are too punctilious."
John Brent overheard the converse
ton, and he stepped to a gap in the
hedge, in order to get look at the boy
who had such high regard for his word.
'sThe lad has good face, and is made
of the right sort of stuff" was the mill
ionaire's mental comment. HE places
a proper value upon his integrity, and
he will succeed in business because he
as punctilious.
The next day, while he was again
working on his hedge, John Brent over
heard another conversation. Fred Fem
ton was again participant in it.
Erred, let us go over to the circus lot"
the other boy said. 1.-THE men are put
ting up the tents for the afternoon per-
formance."
mo, Joe; I'd rather not" Fred said.
''But why?"
ION account of the profanity. One |
never hears any thing good on such oc-
casions, and / would advise you not TO
go. My mother would not want me to
60"
Ibid she sag you shouldn't"
''No, joe"
''Then, let us &C. You will not be dis
obeying her orders"
but l will be disobeying her tcishes,"
insisted Fred. "No, I'll not 60"
THAT is another good point in that
boy" thought John Brent. "A boy who |
respects his mothers wishes very rarely |
goes wrong"
Two months later, John Brent adver-
tised for clerk in his factory, and there
were at least dozen applicants.
Il can simply take your names and
residences this morning" he said. '1'll
make inquiries about you, and notify
the one whom conclude to select"
Three of the boys gave their names
and residences.
What is your name?" he asked, as he
glanced at the fourth boy.
Erred Fenton, sir" was the reply.
John Brent remembered the name and
the boy. He looked at him keenly,
pleased smile crossing his face.
You can stay" he said. 1--WE been
suited sooner than / expected TO be"
he added, looking at the other boys
and dismissing them with wave Of his
hand.
why did you take me?" asked Fred,
in surprise. "Why were inquiries not
necessary in my case? You do not know
me."
81 know you better than you think
do" John Brent said, with significant
smile.
but l offered you no recommends
TONS" suggested Fred.
MY boy, it wasn't necessary" replied
.lOhr1 Rrnuf u Il I