The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-10-25
No recommendation.
"Please, sir, do you want boy?'

"Please, sir, do you want boy"
1t was o low, clear voice, with just
the e-faintest tremor of apprehension In
it He stood at the door of the count
ing room, his hat in his hand, his
clothing neat and clean, his attitude
waiting aud deferentiai.
The long, well-titted counters in the
narrow room were lost in dim perspec-
tive. Clerks hurried hither and thither.
In the the rear Of the store was heard
the sound of hammers and the creak'
ing of the elevator. Though it was
but nine o'clock in the morning. and
the sun shone brightly outside, it was
so gloomy in the storeroom that che
gas had to be lit.
"Do want a boy?" asked the owner
of the store, turning round in his
chair, and looking sharply over the
top of his spectacles. "What can you
do?"
"Make myself useful ! hore," re.
piled the boy.
20, general utility maui" A I'D
Mr.. Lansing laughed. Can you
write?"
II am a graduate of the high school,
sir"
"Are youo That speaks we'll fol-
you. What is your name?'
Gabriel Winchester"
"Is your father living"
He died in Libby prison."
MIR. Lansing eyed him more keenly
when he said that, and also more
kindly.
II am the only support of my moth
er," the boy said, his voice hus Ky,
'almost the only support. She MAMA
ges to secure work one day in the
week.
The merchant was pleased with the
boys preciseness.
The head bookkeeper, an old gray
haired gentleman, with benign face,
had turned from his desk, attracted by
the boys voice and the character of his
replies. ~
"Where were you last employed?"
Mr.. Lansing asked.
"At the Office of the Argus"
casa compositor?:"
mo, Lut t had expected to he. I
was copy holder, SIR"
Mr.. Lansing took off his glasses and
wiped them.
"Have you Recommendations he
asked.
"No. sir"
"Why not?"
The lads lip trembled.
"I-was-discharged," came at last,
in a faint tone"
80! that is it, eh?" And Mr.. Lam
sing frowned. "No wonder they gave
you no Recommendation. 1t strikes me
you do not lack assurance. No, I
do not want q boy"
He spoke with needless acrimOny,
wheeled round in his chair, and re-
suned his paper. He was church
member and admired nothing 80 much
as integrity of character. Capacity,
reliability and a stainless reputation
were three things upon which lie in
sisted in lie selection Of his employees.
The boys face fell, and he turned to
20; but the bookkeeper threw him
sign to wait fora few moments.
He had been strangely drawn to-
ward the boy. There was something
self-contained in his bearing much
that was frank and fearless in his
glance. :,
"Mr. Lansing" the bookkeeper
said, respectfully, "Perhaps it was
candor in the boy, and not assurance.
Will you allow me to ask a ques'
tion?"
10, a dozen of Them" replied Mr..
Lansing, crustily, not lifting his eyes
from his paper. .,,,
"My lad, why were you discharged?
he asked, as he approached the boy.
"Becauee I would not work on Sun
day." came back in reply, steadily and
Mr.. Lansings face changed, and he
placed his hand on the petitioners
head. 81 believe you will suit me.
Come tomorrow morning"
"Thank you sir, he said. He bowed
politely. then left the room.
"Mr. Doyle, said Mr. Lansing "you
have taught me lesson. We can come
wide of the truth by asking one 1ues-
lion too few.