Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-08-04

IInce.
From the Boston Herald
1t isn't we'll to be too rigid in the inter.
probation of ones duty to an employer. In
brsiness. as in other relations of life. 1.-THE
letter killeth." while the spirit maketh
alive"
This is thu conclusion to which an ac-
quaintance of mine. a ST eamboat ticket
agent, has come, after an experience in
following the letter of his official rules.
which cost him not only his position, but
the loss of n reputation hitherto his for
good judgment and common sense
There came to his lattice one afternoon
not long ago a musician, bound for a point
On the steamboat route. He was to I'LL a
very important engagement which was the
more important because it was a recital in
Whlch ne was the only performer. and a
IaliUre on his part to appear meant the
Dis mis-: al of an audience and the loss of a
good deal Of money to all concerned To
the lattice with the artist came his wife.
MS musical accompaniSt
There was but one boat he could take in
order to arrive at his destination on time.
and, were ne tc lose that. no other means
or conveyance could remedy the disaster
When he had purchased his tickets and
put his hand in his pocket to pay for them
the embarrassing truth flashed upon him
that he had left all his money at the hotel
a plight frequently fallen into by must
clans. His wife was in a similar predca-
ment; so there they were, with no means
but the ticket agents discretion of being
relieved from their annoying position.
They appealed to him. The artist told
him his name, the circumstances the i'm
possibility of going to the hotel for the
Money and getting back I'm time to catch
the boat, and besought trust until his re-
turn to TIE city.
Either from pure conscientiousness. or
from genuine ugliness the master of the
situation refused.
IT'S against the rules" was his curt and
only answer to every request
The artist slipped valuable ring from
his finger, and offered it in pledge of his
honesty.
It's against the rules" came through
the arch in the lattice.
The artist unlocked his gold watch and
chain and laid 1t before the grim repre-
Sen tative of the company
It's against the rules, and that settles
it, was snapped back at him.
So 1t did. for that day.
The boat steamed away, and the artist
and his wife returned in helpless indigna-
ton to their hotel. The recital was. of
course, necessarily DECLARED Off the audi
ence dismissed and the, money refunded,
and on the following day an irate manager
stormed ir to the apartnlcnts of the artist
with all sorts Of inauguration. and with
threats of suit into the bargain.
Explanations followed, ,anG then the an
ger of the manager was turned against the
ticket agent. He strafghtway took the art
beat company. informed him Of the event
of the evening before. and asked IT, und ar
the circumstances, the company's suborti-
nate had acted the part OF "a wise and faith
full servant.
The president sent for the latter tmme-
diately. and when he came into the apart
ment the following dialogue ensued be-
tween them: Il r
Did this gentleman buy two tickets Of
you last evening"
'Yes. sir"
Did he pay for them?''s
mo SIR"
Did you let him have them?'
mo. sir"
THAT'S right, so far. Did the gentleman
do anything else?'
Yes, sir. He offered me a ring and a
gold watch as guarantee for the money
UT til his return from -"
Did you take thcm?"
mo, sir; l told him 1t was against the
rules"
"Ah! Did the gentleman tell YOU his
name and the importance Of his business %
''Oh, yes. sir; but that didn't shake me-
/ had my rules
so you had. Well. sir. you ar. the big
gest idiot this company has ever had in it's
employ. and If YOU go to the cashier YOU
will find your services paid for to d. tie. You
had better seek employment as turnkey in
a Jail. You need never stretch rule
there"
And the price of the two tickets was just
GO cents.