The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-05-19

When Hinde entered the senior partners
room that gentleman was seated at desk
absolutely bare of all papers save the cable
gram that had arrived the previous day.
Mr.. Coleman was the son of the founder
of the firm and man about 45 He came
little into contact with the general Office
staff, as most of orders we're conveyed
through Bunting, and he made it rule
not to interfere with his manager arrange
ments. His manner was sharp and deci-
siye, but the clerks who had been in the
employment of the firm for some time had
a great respect for him as an upright and
gair-dealing man of business.
"What's this Mr.. Bunting tells me
about the cable from Alvargonzalez2' he
asked. "You refused last night to trans
late and send off my reply, understand
Eyes, sir, did,"
''And why, pray?''
because it was not true
.'You speak boldly, Mr.. Hinde Do
you not consider it your duty to obey the
orders given you by the firms manager?''
''Not in all circumstances, sir. -
"Then, do understand you still per-
sist in your refusal p
II must, sir. l cannot DO otherwise,
said Hinde firmly.
''Then | presume you are prepared to
accept the consequences r demanded Mr.
Coleman.
81 am, sir.
Mr. Coleman up to this point had re-
garded Hinde sternly, and the young man
had met his gaze fearlessly. Now there
was silence between them for nearly
minute, while the senior partner bent over
his desk and seemed to be studying the
cablegram closely. Suddenly he looked
up.
t'How long have you been with us p
he asked.
"Five years last month, sir. -
''Ahl What is your salary now p
1.-TWO hundred and twenty pounds per
annum
That pretty good for young man of
your age, Mr. Hinde. l suppose you're
only about % p
'eNot SO much, sir. Twas 25 last birth
day
Indeed so young? You look older.
Then you still adhere to this line of con-
duct, eh?''
II do, was Hindes reply, as he wond-
cred to himself how long this badgering
was going to last.
"WelI," said Mr. Coleman, sby your
action you will lose this good salary He
paused then rising from his chair, he
went forward to the young man.
'tYou will lose it, he continued, ''but
you will gain larger one. | shall give
instructions to the cashier that from the
first of last month you are to be paid at
the rate of e26O per annum.
''Shake hands, Mr. Hinde," he said,
cordially Il am glad to think our firm
has the privilege of being served by man
of your principle, and hope we shall long
retain your services. was just leaving
last night when Mr. Bunting brought in
that wire, aud in my haste | understood
him to say that the goods had left, although
he now says that what he told me was
that the order was completed. You will
pardon me for putting you to further
test this morning"
Hinde took the outstretched hand Of
the senior partner, and confusedly began
to try to express his feelings. The unex
pectedness of the turn that events had
taken was too much for him, however, and
he could only stammer forth his thanks.
''There there p said Mr. Coleman,
laying friendly hand on his shoulder.
"By the way, heard casually the other day
that you were thinking of getting married
soon. Remember that shall expect to
be invited to the wedding"