The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-07-12

the lawyers manner and was at loss to
know just what to say.
But if the lawyer was angry at nrst tnat
feeling disappeared when he saw the boys
embarrassment, and, In changed voice,
he inquired:
"Do you consider your note good, my
lad?i
Eyes, SIR" replied the little fellow.
very well; If your note is good, I'd
Just as soon have that as the money; but,
mind you, if it isn't good, don't want
it."
The boy affirmed that, if he gave a note,
he should certainly pay it. So the lawyer
produced a formidable sheet of legal
cap" drew up note for Is cents. payable
at his Office at some unspecifed time in
the future.
The boy signed it in legible characters
and then shouldering his bag of paper he
politely said, "GoUd-morning, sir" and
then trudged off,
The lawyer laid the note away carefully,
supposing it would some time be Curl
osity, for he thought it wouldn't be paid;
but surprise was in store for him.
That afternoon as he sat absorbed in the
mysteries of Blackstone he heard smart
rap on his door, and as he opened it in
stepped the little paper merchant of the
morning.
Removing his cap, he walked straight
up to the desk and announced that he had
come to pay his note.
The note was produced. and, as the law
yer held it in his hand, he leaned back in
his chair and said:
tVVali NV lud fhjc &c bo fipna I
ever knew note to be paid on the same
day it was given. That is what l. call
promptness in attending to business. In
my opinion, boy who will do that is
entitled to the note and the money, too.'
And, so saying, he handed the boy the
note and declined the. money that had
been placed on the desk.
1t was now the boys turn to be sur
prised. He didn't catch the meaning, but
stood looking first at the note and then at
the money, as though saying to himself,
"They can't both belong to me-"
Yes" broke in the lawyer, "they are
both yours. You have been so prompt 10
keep your word and pay the note that you
may keep the money and I'll give you the
note"
A sudden CLEAN of light spread over the
boys face as he put the money and the
note in his pocket, and with q hearty
"Thank you, sirl' he turned and left the
room, carrying light heart.
OF that boys business future there can
be DO question. He will, if life and health
are spared, make great success. He has
three essential elements of success about
him.
First. He will do business. If ne can't
do what he would like to. he will do what
comes to hand. He was not ashamed to
buy and sell waste paper.
Secondly. He will attend promptly to
whatever business he may have on hand.
His notes will never go to protest, but Will
be met when due.
Thirdly. He highly estimates his honor.
Perhaps the lawyer might never have
known him after that note was signed.
Had he tried to collect the note he could
not have found the boy in that great city.
But he had given the note and, besides,
had assured the lawyer that it was good
and now he must pay it or his honor is
furnished forever.
That boy keeps his honor bright-the
sure passport to all success worth having.
Any other boy can do as much. 1t mat
tiers little how poor he may be at the start
with industry and honor he will succeed.
One of the wealthiest and most nobly
useful men about New York City was a
penniless lad. But he had high sense OF
honor, and he had indefatigable industry.
SO that once, when he had made promise
to pay 81 toward the building of church
and saw no other way to get it, he earned
it by catching muskrats and selling their
skins. Now he gives his thousands ana
enjoys it.
Many who are now merchant princes in
all our great cities began life in poverty
and obseurity. But they had honor, and
that is good capital-better than money.
Let boy start out with such regard
for honor that it Will lead him to tell the